A Note of Gratitude

Reported by: Upama Mutsuddy (IBC graduate)
When I first went to International Buddhist College (IBC), Thailand, from Bangladesh, I did not anticipate how much the place would change my life. Now, as I work on my Master’s degree at Fo Guang University in Taiwan, I can see clearly how much of what I am today started at IBC.

At IBC, my teachers helped me in many ways, not only on how to study and think carefully, but also with personal guidance and care. They were always ready to answer questions, give advice and encourage me when things were difficult. Living in the dormitory also taught me a lot. It gave me discipline and daily routine, waking up on time, managing my studies and daily life together, and learning to be responsible on my own. These small habits from dormitory life have stayed with me and still help me today.

In reality, IBC gave me more than academic knowledge. It also helped me grow as a person. Living and studying in that community taught me patience, it taught me that learning is not just about grades, it is also a way of practicing mindfulness and self-growth.
I also remember the friendships I made at IBC. Those friendships have endured and continue to be a part of my life today. Meeting people from different countries and backgrounds taught me to understand Buddhism in new ways. It taught me to respect different views instead of judging them. This openness has helped me a lot now, as I live and study in Taiwan - a country with a different culture.

I am truly thankful to International Buddhist College. It was not just a college where I earned my degree; it was a place that shaped me and gave me the space to discover who I really wanted to become.
Thank you, IBC, for giving me so much.