Program Philosophy

Nature

BASED LEARNING

Since evolution to now, human beings have evolved by spending 99.9% of their time close to nature. Our inspirations and rudimentary technological adaptation have been in concurrence with nature. Intentionally being in nature promotes Attention Restoration among other beneficial factors, where the brain’s ability to absorb relevant information significantly increases while simultaneously getting relaxed. In the last two centuries, there has been a severe imbalance in our connection with nature. It is essential and imperative that we reconnect with nature to develop the Hybrid Mind.

 

Project

BASED LEARNING

When learning occurs, there needs to be an effective mechanism to optimally display the learning process. Project-based learning is that answer as it shows the experiential journey of learning and what outcomes one can derive from it. It essentially forms a litmus test to understand the relationship between interest and effort as an individual or a group.

PROBLEM

BASED LEARNING

The skill of problem-solving is as essential as it gets. The ability to problem solve as a group enables its members to explore their leadership style and constructively work on areas of improvement. Problem Based Learning creates an environment that significantly improves group dynamics and moves closer to self-actualization.

PLACE

BASED LEARNING

One can learn all about the theory, history, and significance of any place by being in a classroom but will honestly never know if the place hasn’t been explored experientially. In the method of learning funnel, the filtration process cannot proceed because it is necessary to be experientially immersive to create any sort of real impact. Such is the importance of Place-Based Learning, where participants intentionally immerse themselves in the local culture to gain maximum learning outcome.

Inquiry

BASED LEARNING

Inquiry-Based learning involves posing thought-provoking questions, allowing students to develop their hypotheses, and engaging in hands-on activities to seek answers. It promotes a more profound understanding, independent learning, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It empowers students to drive their learning process, fostering a sense of ownership and curiosity, leading to meaningful and lasting learning outcomes.

Fair Trade Learning​

iEXP 360 strongly advocates for the Gap Year Association’s (GYA) Fair Trade Learning (FTL) Principles and does its best to apply them in every program.

In FTL-compliant programs, educational institutions or program providers with community partners work together to establish shared goals and objectives, fostering collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships that align with the community’s aspirations and needs.
A key component of FTL programs is empowering host community members to lead program development, implementation, and decision-making, which ensures local voices are respected and heard throughout the process.
FTL promotes inclusiveness, reciprocity, and mutual learning between participants and host communities at all program development and implementation stages.
Fair Trade Learning programs adhere to ethical standards in recruiting participants from various lived experiences. Information about the program is disseminated transparently, accurately and credibly while respecting the participants’ dignity and privacy.
To ensure alignment with community expectations and needs, FTL program organizers establish and maintain effective and transparent communication channels with community partner organizations, facilitating the regular exchange of information, feedback, and updates.
All Fair Trade Learning participants receive a thorough pre-orientation, on-site orientation, training, and debriefing regarding the values, culture, and context of their host community and partner organizations, which prepares them for their engagement with sensitivity, humility and cultural competence.
The economic impacts of experience are prioritized in Fair Trade Learning programs and discussed openly between the Provider and various community stakeholders, considering the cultural norms around discussing money in the partner community.
Efforts are made to evaluate and assess the impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of Fair Trade Learning programs and partnerships, encouraging continuous improvement, accountability and responsiveness to community needs and priorities through continuous evaluation and assessment mechanisms.
Fair Trade Learning programs operate with integrity and transparency in financial matters, providing clear documentation of budgeting, expenses and financial transactions and ensuring funds are allocated to support program objectives and community development initiatives equitably and responsibly.
As part of Fair Trade Learning, ethical standards are upheld in interactions with animals, ensuring that the Five Freedoms for animal welfare and rights are respected and protected and that animals are treated humanely, responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. There are five freedoms: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst, Freedom from Discomfort, Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease, Freedom to express Normal Behavior and Freedom from Fear or Distress.