Sandesh Urval, the head of India Operations and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) at iEXP 360 is a seasoned travel expert specializing in India’s diverse and vibrant landscapes. His extensive travels have taken him through various terrains, where he engaged in adventurous activities like cycling, trekking, kayaking, and rafting. These experiences have enriched his understanding of India’s rich culture, history, cuisine, and geography, making him an invaluable guide for anyone seeking to explore the country.

With his expertise, Sandesh Urval excels in pinpointing the perfect destinations, attractions, and experiences, catering to travelers with varied interests and budgets who desire an authentic cultural immersion. He possesses a unique ability to tailor travel experiences that showcase India’s beauty and provide deep and meaningful engagement with its traditions and lifestyles.

Beyond his role in travel guidance and program planning, Sandesh Urval also serves as the Director of an institute renowned globally for its comprehensive IATA Training Programs. This position further accentuates his expertise in the travel and tourism industry, equipping him with a broad understanding of global travel standards and practices.

Sandesh’s Urval vast knowledge and experience make him an invaluable asset for anyone planning a trip to India, whether they are first-time visitors or seasoned travelers looking to delve deeper into unexplored regions. His insights and meticulous planning ensure that each journey is not just a trip but a well-rounded, enriching experience, making any visit to India more meaningful and effortlessly enjoyable.

Samrat, the founder, Director, and visionary behind iEXP 360, embarked on his journey in Experiential Education in India. Recognizing the field’s vast potential, he ventured to the US to refine his skills further by working, exploring, and studying various aspects of Experiential Education.

His academic pursuits led him to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he completed his Master’s in Experiential Education. During this time, he focused on meaningful travel immersion and outdoor learning, where he has since become an expert. Samrat is also a NOLS Trip Leader India program graduate and holds certifications as a Wilderness First Responder and Risk Management, underscoring his commitment to safety and quality in outdoor educational experiences.

In addition to his educational and professional achievements, Samrat serves on the Gap Year Association’s Standards and Accreditation Committee. He fervently advocates for Fair Trade Learning and champions ethical and mutually beneficial educational practices.

With his deep understanding of Western values and Indian cultural ethos, Samrat, through iEXP 360, aims to provide safety-conscious, world-class experiences. His vision is to create impactful programs and ensure these experiences benefit everyone involved in the ecosystem, reflecting a balance of global perspectives and local insights. This approach positions iEXP 360 as a leader in delivering comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and safe experiential learning opportunities.

Krishna, the head of India Schools and an expert program designer at iEXP 360, has embraced the Himalayan saying “Ghar se bhaago,” meaning “Run away from home,” as her life’s guiding principle. Her adventurous spirit led her to a semi-nomadic lifestyle as an Outdoor Educator, a journey that began in Pune, a city renowned for its historic forts and adventurous spirit.

Her path took her globally, leading programs in the US and Australia. These experiences were not just about exploring new geographies; they also ignited her motivation to further her education. Krishna pursued and attained a Master’s in Outdoor and Experiential Learning from the University of Cumbria, UK, enhancing her expertise in the field.

Krishna’s qualifications include a Trip Leader India course from NOLS and a Wilderness First Responder certification. These certifications underline her commitment to safety and excellence in outdoor education.

At iEXP 360, Krishna leverages her extensive knowledge and experience to design and lead world-class programs. Her expertise is crafting journeys and creating educational experiences that resonate with students, encouraging them to explore, learn, and grow. Her role in shaping the programs for India Schools showcases her ability to blend adventure, learning, and personal development, making her an invaluable asset to the iEXP 360 team and an inspiration to students.

Dave, the Risk Advisor for iEXP 360, has an extensive risk management and emergency response background. He is underpinned by his roles as co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Safety Group and founder and President of Resilient Solutions. His work at Resilient Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in risk management for travel and experiential education organizations, has been influential since its inception in 2011.

With a Master’s in Risk Management from Norwich University, Dave has dedicated the past 27 years to refining his domestic and international travel operations expertise. His advisory role further highlights his depth of experience with over 60 organizations, where he has imparted critical risk management practices and training.

Dave’s commitment to the field extends to his position as the Secretary of the Gap Year Association’s Standards and Accreditation Committee. Additionally, his involvement with the Responder Alliance as an ambassador, focusing on emotional well-being and the stress continuum, reflects his comprehensive understanding of risk management, including the often-overlooked aspect of emotional health.

At iEXP 360, Dave’s role is pivotal in delivering safety-conscious and seamless experiences across the Indian subcontinent. His blend of practical experience, academic knowledge, and dedication to safety and well-being makes him an invaluable asset to the team, helping to navigate the complexities of risk management in experiential education and travel.

As a Board Advisor for iEXP 360, Ethan Knight brings a wealth of experience in experiential international education. A graduate of Catlin Gabel High School and Willamette University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy, complemented by minors in Environmental Science and Spanish.

Ethan’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his founding of a gap year organization and Carpe Mundi, a separate nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to credit and federal FAFSA for Pell-eligible youth in Portland. His leadership extends beyond organizational management to leading groups and developing programs in diverse locations such as India, Bali, Central and South America, New Zealand, East Africa, and Indonesia.

A fervent advocate for the gap year movement, Ethan’s experiences in India, Nepal, Tibet, and Thailand profoundly influenced his professional path. His dedication to the cause led him to found the Gap Year Association in 2012, where he recently retired and continues to co-chair the Standards and Accreditation Committee.

At iEXP 360, Ethan’s expertise and passion enrich the organization’s strategic direction. His understanding of experiential learning and international program development, coupled with his commitment to accessible education, make him a vital resource in advising and shaping the future of iEXP 360’s initiatives and offerings.

Divya, the Head of South India Operations and an expert program designer at iEXP 360 brings over 15 years of rich experience in outreach education and student travel. Her journey began after earning a Master’s in Tourism Marketing, which led her to make significant contributions to India’s Conference and Event Management Industry. Eventually, her career turned to Experiential Travel, a field where she has since flourished.

Her extensive global experience includes leading programs across various countries, including the USA, Germany, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Fiji. Divya’s deep-seated passion for community work and youth engagement has been instrumental in designing and executing impactful service projects in India and Nepal. She profoundly understands Indian culture and history and is keenly interested in discussing modern India’s critical issues and exploring sustainable solutions.

As a certified Wilderness First Responder, Divya combines her love for adventure with a solid commitment to safety. Her role at iEXP 360 involves leveraging her program design and leadership expertise to revolutionize experiential education-based travel, creating enriching and safe learning experiences.

Divya’s traits further enhance her professional effectiveness. Her exceptional cooking skills and vibrant personality make her extremely popular among students, fostering a warm and engaging environment. This combination of professional acumen and personal charm positions her as a dynamic and beloved leader in iEXP 360’s team, driving the organization’s mission forward with skill and heart.

Prabha, the head of Nepal Operations and an expert program designer at iEXP 360 has had an inspiring journey from being Nepal’s pioneering female hydropower engineer to a visionary in experiential travel. Her shift from engineering to travel was driven by her deep passion for crafting unique experiences, marking her commitment to redefining travel in Nepal with a focus on sustainable and educational adventures.

Working closely with her eco-warrior brother, Prabha played a crucial role in securing a vital ecological corridor, safeguarding it against the threats of development and destruction. This accomplishment highlights her dedication to environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation.

At iEXP 360, Prabha is known for designing immersive journeys that seamlessly combine adventure with educational elements, emphasizing wildlife conservation. Her expertise in creating these experiences goes beyond mere travel; it’s about crafting transformative adventures that leave lasting impressions on travelers and contribute positively to nature and local communities.

Prabha’s work exemplifies the belief that they create extraordinary stories and impactful experiences when passion and purpose unite. Her leadership in Nepal Operations showcases her ability to blend adventure, education, and conservation, making her a valuable asset to the iEXP 360 team and a role model in sustainable travel.

Piran Elavia, the head of Northeast India Operations and an expert program designer at iEXP 360, is a devoted nature lover and trekker with a deep-rooted passion for the Indian Himalayas. His trekking journey began at the age of sixteen, marking the start of his lifelong connection with nature. 

After a seven-year stint in the IT industry, Piran realized that a conventional desk job was not his calling. In 2008, he boldly left his secure IT job to pursue his passion: improving mountain communities. This transition led him to volunteer with NGOs in Sikkim and Assam, where he engaged in projects focused on community tourism and education.

For over 12 years now, Piran has dedicated himself to working with various communities across Northeast India. His work is driven by dual objectives: conservation of the region’s natural environment and sustainable economic development for its communities. His commitment to these causes is evident in the success of the numerous trips he has led throughout Northeast India, effectively highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural biodiversity.

As a certified First Responder, Piran combines his love for nature with a commitment to safety and responsible travel. His expertise and deep understanding of the Northeast region make him an invaluable asset to iEXP 360, where he continues to design and lead programs that enchant and educate travelers and positively impact local communities and ecosystems.

Martin Foakes is a highly respected Outdoor Educator with over 30 years of experience designing and leading transformative outdoor programs across Southeast Asia. He has held leadership roles in top international schools in Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, and most recently served as the Head of Outdoor Education at Tanglin Trust School, Singapore, for 11 years.

With deep expertise in risk management, technical outdoor skills, and a strong scientific background in tropical ecosystems and fieldwork, Martin brings a well-rounded and practical approach to outdoor education. His ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and implement world-class safety standards makes him a valuable resource for iEXP 360.

As the Chair of the Outdoor Forum for Southeast Asian Schools (OFFSEAS), Martin has been instrumental in setting industry benchmarks for outdoor education in the region. Under his leadership, the annual OFFSEAS conference has become a globally recognized platform for educators to collaborate, share best practices, and align with international safety and experiential learning standards.

At iEXP 360, Martin plays a key advisory role in shaping risk management frameworks and ensuring that outdoor education programs meet the highest global standards. His insights and leadership help iEXP 360 maintain its commitment to delivering safe, impactful, and culturally immersive experiential learning opportunities.