We had a really interesting meeting with Shyamala Iyer, the Executive Officer for Alumni and International Relations, who was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the University's business.
We began with discussions about partnerships and Shyamala emphasised the importance of international partnerships to IITB. She outlined a number of partnerships that they already have with institutions around the world, including a few in the UK. She was slightly concerned that they do not get any incoming British students to IITB which is an interesting opportunity for UK HEIs.
We then moved on to discuss issues around learning and teaching. IITB was very impressive in its provision of support for students, all of whom (along with most staff) live on campus. There was an interesting discussion about the provision of places at IITB for people from minority backgrounds (tribal people, backward communities, the disabled etc). The institution met its quota without actively seeking applications from such groups in the way that UK institutions would actively target minority areas, for example.
Finally, the group discussed with Shyamala the the Corporate Governance of IITB, which seemed to quite closely follow UK practice. It was interesting to note that, in contrast with the University of Mumbai, IITB was able to approve its own courses and collaborations without reference to the AIETC.
After the formal meeting the Tour group were shown around IITB's campus, which was a lovely environment for students to study in and was very impressive.
At the end of the day the group travelled to Pune on a 5 hour journey through heavy rain and fog in a coach with no windscreen wipers - an interesting and tiring experience!
We've now checked into our hotel in Pune which is lovely and are just heading off to bed for a fairly early night.
The coach driver's assistant was wiping the windscreen with tabacco to keep the water off. Try this at home...or don't?
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