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On July 24, 2025, a study visit was conducted to Bangladesh Open University (BOU), Gazipur, for students enrolled in SOC 310: Sociology of Organization under the BSS in Sociology program at East West University. The primary objective of the visit was to promote reflective learning by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical organizational experience.

As the country's only institution dedicated to open and distance learning, Bangladesh Open University was established in 1992 with the vision of supporting national education policies by providing flexible, inclusive, and affordable educational opportunities. The university was specifically designed to serve learners who, due to various socio-economic constraints, are unable to access conventional educational institutions.

Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by Professor Tanvir Ahmed, Dean, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages, and Dr. Azmira Bilkis, Associate Professor of Sociology. They conducted a comprehensive briefing session, during which students actively participated by asking thoughtful questions related to their academic learning. Their inquiries primarily focused on the practical application of sociological theories within the organizational setting of an open and distance learning university.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the history and evolution of Bangladesh Open University, its organizational structure and design, operational practices, organizational culture, academic and research activities, and its contribution to the educational sector in Bangladesh. Students also explored how the university addresses the educational needs of diverse learner groups through innovative distance learning approaches.

Following the interactive discussion, the students were taken on a guided tour of the university's media and audio-visual production facilities, where they observed how distance learning materials are developed, recorded, edited, and produced for nationwide dissemination. They also visited the university's Model Village, where they learned about its role in experiential learning and community-based education. The visit concluded with a tour of the university library, allowing students to gain insights into the academic resources and support services available to learners and researchers.

The study visit was supervised and guided by the course instructor, Dr. Anisur Rahman Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, East West University. Dr. Rasel Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, East West University, also accompanied the visit. On behalf of East West University, Dr. Khan expressed his sincere gratitude to the authorities of Bangladesh Open University for their warm hospitality and for facilitating the visit. He emphasized that such inter-university academic engagements provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities, strengthen students' understanding of organizational sociology, and foster meaningful academic collaboration between institutions.