Prom Night in Bangladesh

I have arrived safely in Chittagong, Bangladesh (after traveling for over 1.5 days)! On my way from the airport to the Asian University for Women (AUW) complex, my driver, Mr. Jane Alam, pointed out Chittagong’s oil and garment making businesses. The tropical scene of palm trees, traffic, and air reminded me of the Philippines, and somehow I felt right at home. As we turned into the AUW complex, some students were sitting and chatting on a wall outside…welcome to a women’s college Part II (Part I is undergrad at Bryn Mawr College). My apartment is surprisingly spacious—I have my own room and bathroom, a large dining area and sitting room, kitchen, balcony, and there is another vacant bedroom and empty room, so there is more than enough room for guests (just in case you feel like popping by). The apartment building is situated directly across the main university building that is rented for classrooms and meeting rooms.
Fatema, a recent U Mich grad and Bangladeshi native, invited me to dinner at one of the best Thai/Asian restaurants in town. We took a CNG to the supermarket and restaurant. My excitement suppressed lethargy, and Fatema and I talked enthusiastically about teaching ESL at AUW. When we returned, I heard the strangest sound…American pop music. [ASIDE: Most of the teachers are on break so the majority of people who are around are students and their form of recreation on breaks is dance parties.] Can you believe the students were having an 80’s themed “Prom Night” bash on the top floor of the university building? I walked into the dance room and found some 40-50 AUW students pressed against the edge of the stage, cheering on prom night queen contestants. Teachers sat in a small row of chairs and asked the contestants questions in English. I really can’t express how surreal everything felt. Fatema graciously introduced me to some of the university teachers. Meanwhile, students cheered teachers’ names individually, urging them to dance onstage. Was that a scarf a teacher was twirling around onstage? Did I mention how surreal this was? Most of the students were dressed in their traditional outfits, including the sari, salwar kameez (Bangladeshi outfit) and looked BEAUTIFUL; however, I was a little surprised to see some students in sequined tops, skirts, and Western style dresses. As the bass rhythm of the pop music grew louder, I walked away from the disco-lit dance party and into my quiet apartment. I thought to myself, “I’m in for a FUN year.”