Due to increasing number of medical students in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Jammu Kashmir, everyone can’t get seats in public sector nor in private sector. Therefore, lots of our students either go to Europe or China and Russia. I have visited the Islamic Republic of Iran many times and would like to urge them to choose Iran for the following reasons:
Firstly, the study in Iran is more affordable. The university in the capital Tehran are slightly more expensive than other cities, but still less expensive than Europe and China. The fees are around 6000 USD in Tehran with a possible discount reducing it to 3500 USD, while the University like Shaheed Sadoghi in Yazd is even cheaper, but no difference in the quality of education.
Secondly, as I was educated in Europe and lived there for a long time, I can tell from my experiences that there is no difference in the quality of education between Iran and other advanced countries. I met with many students from the sub-continent and Middle East in Yazd University. The students are very much satisfied and I was very impressed by their sense of unity. The new-comers are supported and guided by their seniors. Almost all of them visit their home countries every year due to Proximity of Iran.
Thirdly, the university staffs are very caring and approachable. Every student has direct access to the VC, Dean and Director. Students can ring them any time necessary. I had the opportunity to meet with the VC, Dean and Director of the Shaheed Sadoghi Medical University in Yazd and Ferdowsi University in Mashhad. I was able to spend some time with students and I was impressed by their sense of mortality and pleased to see their standard of living in the campus.
Fourthly, Iran is very suitable for female students in terms of security. Europe claims itself to be free, but I know from my experiences and observations the extent of sexual harassment faced by females in the so called free world, while no one can dare such an harassments in Iran due to the strict law enforcement.
Finally and probably more importantly, our cultural similarities with Iran make our students feel at home. Unlike non Muslim countries, nobody needs to ask if the food is Halal or Haram. Iran is a practicing Muslim country with strict hygienic rules. People are very hospitable. On many occasions, I was invited by the people I never met before. If someone take you to their family house you never met before and probably would not meet again, must be a great human being. I have met with so
Quayyum Raja's full official name is Abdul Quayyum Raja, but the British press shortened his name when he was arrested in connection with an Indian diplomat kidnapped by his fellow KASHMIRIS in Birmingham in 1984 to save the life of a Kashmiri Hero Muhammad Maqbool Butt hanged by India and buried inside Tihar jail on 11 February 1984. Quayyum Raja is from Azad Jammu Kashmir administered by Pakistan. He acquired various qualifications from EU and UK, including a Master in Psychology & Social Sciences, Journalism and Modern World History. He supports both Pan Islam and Pluralism, which may sound a contradiction, but he claims he can draw a balance. Quayyum Raja spent about 22 years in British jail extra-juducially as a Kashmiri political prisoner. He was released by the European Court of Human Rights on 17 May 2005. He has travelled extensively both before his captivity and after his release.
