23+
Learning Visits
254 +
Students
72+
Faculty/Staf
10+
Universities/Institutions
Engagement (2010-2025)
Since 2010, PRIA International Academy (PIA) has been facilitating regular learning visits to India for students and faculties from various Higher Education Institutions (HEI) 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?
Higher Education Institutions (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.
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.
Key Themes & Learning Outcomes
Below are some key themes covered during the HEI learning visits.
FAQs
HEI Learning Visits are experiential learning programmes facilitated by PRIA International Academy since 2010. These programmes enable students and faculty from higher education institutions around the world to engage in real-world field experiences in India, bridging the gap between theory and practice through participatory, practice-based learning, while gaining deeper insight into the challenges of the Global South.
These learning visits typically involve universities, colleges, and academic institutions from around the world, including those focused (though not limited to) development studies, social sciences, public policy, education, and related disciplines. In some cases, learning visits are also planned for development sector organisations and consultants.
Participants engage in field immersions with community members and institutions, gaining exposure to India’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. Facilitated and reflective sessions help them understand participatory approaches, local contexts, and the application of theory in real-world development practice. They also observe leadership emerging from marginalised and underserved communities and learn how development policies and governance structures are translated into action on the ground through various institutions.
HEI Learning Visits are primarily conducted in person in India, enabling participants to engage directly with communities, institutions, in a real-world context.
HEI Learning Visits typically last 7 to 14 days, depending on the partner institution, learning objectives, and budget, providing participants with sufficient time for field immersion, institutional engagement, and reflective learning.
Yes, participants receive a certificate from PRIA International Academy upon successfully completing the visit.
Participants gain first-hand exposure to real-world development and governance practices, helping them understand the challenges and gaps between theory and practice through direct engagement with communities, institutions, and practitioners.
Institutions can register by contacting PRIA International Academy through the HEI Learning Visits page on the PRIA Academy website to discuss learning objectives and organise a customised visit for their students and faculty. They may also write to pia@pria.org.