Since 2010, PIA has been facilitating regular learning visits to India for students and faculties from various Higher Education Institutions (HEI) from across the world. These learning visits provide students and faculties with real-world learning experiences in order for them to bridge the gap between theory and practice. PIA’s expertise in facilitating practical learning and real-world experiences in participatory-based methodologies enable students and faculties to continue to be informed and engaged learners.
How do these HEI learning visits work?
HEI learning visits can last from 7 days to 14 days (or longer), depending on specific requirements by each participating institution. PIA provides bespoke itineraries to each institution, depending upon their specific learning requirements as well as travel and budgetary needs.
PIA takes care of all logistics (including boarding and lodging, conveyance and travel), learning engagements, field visits and cultural exposure visits during the HEI’s visit to India. Special emphasis is placed on providing authentic, real-world experiences while ensuring students and faculties are prepared for contextual nuances and cultural sensitivities. Safety during the trips is a top priority for PIA, ensuring that students and faculty feel comfortable during all facets of the learning visit.
Please find below a standard 10-day itinerary
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 6
DAY 7
Key Themes & Learning Outcomes
Below are some key themes covered during the HEI learning visits.
Students and faculty can expect to take away these key learning outcomes:
- Understand the development efforts in the context of the Global South, with a focus on India
- Explore the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in community mobilisation and grassroot leadership to drive inclusive development
- Become familiar with development policies and governance structures in the Indian context and how these policies get translated into action on the ground through various institutions
- Observe leadership arising from marginalised and underserved communities, how they are nurtured and the actions they undertake to drive positive change
- Gain exposure to the rich and diverse culture and heritage of India, and how it has shaped modern life
- Develop personal leadership in the context of development management
Impact Stories
I was incredibly fortunate to spend 10 days with PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia). It was an eye-opening and transformative experience. While we visited iconic places such as the Taj Mahal and the Gateway of India, it was the time spent in the local villages of Agra and New Delhi that truly highlighted the contrasts of life in India. What stood out most was seeing how PRIA applies Community Learning and Development principles in practice -working alongside communities to empower people and drive social change. It was both inspiring and educational, and I left with a much deeper understanding of how grassroots efforts can make a real difference.
Thomas
Student Participant, University of Glasgow, UK
The visit organised by PRIA has helped me to learn the different ways of working with the communities, be more patient particularly when faced with resistance at work and see the strength in others. - Georgina Nnamani, Development Professional, Dublin, Ireland
Faculty and Staff at PRIA have offered students from the MA in Global Leadership opportunities to engage in rich experiential learning opportunities and with case studies to deepen understanding and capacities related to participatory engagement, civil society work, democratisation, resilient cities, and empowerment of women and marginalised communities. A highlight for MAGL students has included the learning opportunity in a co-designed course to offer students the means to engage with facilitators on site in various initiatives across the country in India during COVID-19. This innovatively paved the way for virtual experiential learning across geographies. - Wanda Krause, PhD, Royal Roads University and Program Head, Global Leadership, Canada
The exposure visit organised by PRIA reinforced my values of working with the communities. Listening, loving the people and action should always be community led. - Pauline McDonald, Community Support Worker, Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Glasgow, Scotland
Contact us today to learn more and explore a learning visit with your institution to India!