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Recently, the School of Psychology (SoP) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) successfully concluded its International Global Learning and Cultural Exchange Programme 2025, conducted in academic collaboration with PSGR Krishnammal College for Women (PSGRKCW), Coimbatore, India.

PSGRKCW is an autonomous women’s institution ranked among the top 10 colleges in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for over six decades of academic excellence and societal impact.

The programme was spearheaded by Ms Vinorra Shaker (Head, SoP at APU), and coordinated by Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer and Programme Leader, SoP at APU), together with Ms Paviyazhini (Assistant Professor at PSGRKCW).

The programme represented a significant development for both institutions, as it was the first outbound international student mobility initiative under SoP at APU and the first inbound international student exchange hosted by PSGRKCW, highlighting their shared focus on global engagement and cross-cultural academic collaboration, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and 17 (SDG 4 and SDG 17).

Academic exchange and Experiential learning

The academic segment of the programme was designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and applied practice through a series of intellectually engaging lectures and hands-on learning sessions.

Students attended specialised Forensic Psychology lectures delivered by experts from the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS), Delhi, India, alongside a session led by lecturers from SoP at APU on the application of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor-based technologies in psychological research and practice.

A key highlight of the programme was the hands-on psychometric training conducted at the PSGRKCW Psychology Laboratory, where students applied theoretical knowledge through practical experimentation and assessment techniques.

Further thematic sessions explored Gestalt Principles and Neuroplasticity, followed by discussion-based explorations of current trends in psychological research led by lecturers from SoP at APU, to which the academic segment included a forward-looking session on the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in psychological inquiry, encouraging students to critically reflect on the ethical and practical implications of digital advancements in the field.

The academic exchange concluded with a joint student presentation, where students from both institutions collaboratively synthesised their learning experiences and shared insights gained throughout the programme. 

Cultural immersion and learning beyond the Classroom

Complementing the academic enrichment, students participated in a series of visits across Coimbatore and its surrounding regions.

These included visits to:

1. Maruthamalai Murugan Temple, a 12th-century hill temple of historical and spiritual significance.
2. Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Sadhguru that focuses on yoga, meditation, and holistic well-being.
3. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a protected ecological reserve renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and unique flora and fauna.
    

These experiences allowed students to engage meaningfully with Tamizh heritage, spiritual spaces, and ecological diversity, fostering empathy, reflection, and an expanded global worldview. 

Student Perspectives

1. Justin, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology: “The programme allowed me to gain meaningful academic insights, while experiencing the warmth of PSGRKCW’s community, as the interactive classes, cultural visits, and shared experiences helped deepen my understanding of both psychology and local traditions.”
2. Shruthi, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology: “Participating in the programme allowed me to engage in a well-structured and enriching learning experience, where the supportive environment, informative academic sessions, and cross-cultural interactions contributed significantly to my academic growth and global perspective.”
3. Ummi, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology: “Being part of the programme allowed me to gain valuable academic and cultural insights, as the hospitality of PSGRKCW staff and students, the engaging lectures by both institutions, and the hands-on psychometric sessions made the overall experience highly meaningful and impactful.”
    

Fostering growth through Cross-Cultural exchange

Ms Vinorra reflected on the success of the APU and PSGRKCW Psychology Immersion Programme, praising the strong collaboration between students, faculty, and partner institution staff that brought the programme to life.

She highlighted how the combination of engaging lectures, hands-on psychometric training, and cultural immersion activities not only deepened academic understanding, but also fostered empathy, intercultural awareness, and global perspectives among the students.

“Programmes like this provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, while developing the cultural sensitivity and global mindset needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world.”