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More than 900 students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) embarked on an enlightening journey through the Live in Field Experience (LFE) program from September 7-17, 2023. The initiative, a signature course of IUB, is designed to bridge the knowledge gap urban-centered students often have about the rural intricacies of Bangladesh.
The 10-day immersive course is not just an educational endeavor but a mission to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the myriad lifestyles and customs that are woven into the fabric of the nation. This Summer's excursion saw students dispersed across 10 locations in 9 districts: Bogura, Joypurhaat, Jashore, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Barisal, Tangail, and Mymensingh.
The LFE course, mandatory for IUB students, boasts an impressive mix: male and female students from both English and Bangla medium backgrounds. During the experience, small groups of 5-10 students each were chaperoned by one of the 38 faculty members to ensure a structured, meaningful, and safe field journey.
Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan, PhD joined the students at the dormitory of Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) in Jashore. He spent some quality time with the students, taking part in myriad activities including sports, cultural activities, and so on.
Students engaged in a series of activities designed to acquaint them with various aspects of rural life. The key highlights of the field activities included:
Village Mapping: Understanding the geographical, social, and cultural landscape of the village.
Social Change: Observing the dynamics of change in rural communities, influenced by modernization, migration, and more.
Economy and Rural Production Cycle: An in-depth analysis of the economic activities, resources, and production cycles that fuel the rural economy.
Health and Environment: A study of local health practices, challenges, and the environment's role in shaping the lives of villagers.
Rural Market Analysis: Assessing the functioning of rural markets, their impact, and significance in the daily lives of the residents.
LFE is unique in Bangladesh, taking inspiration from the profound insights of the region's leading social thinkers. The initiative amplifies the idea that for urban students, understanding their rural counterparts is not just a matter of knowledge but also of kinship.
Many students and faculty alike describe the LFE as a transformative experience, breaking down stereotypes, and sowing the seeds for more cohesive national unity. As IUB continues its mission, it sets a lofty example for educational institutions nationwide to integrate experiential learning into curricula and push students beyond the confines of classrooms.
LFE Program1
Independent University, Bangladesh
