College of DuPage is expanding its global education offerings with two new study abroad programs in India, providing students with immersive, faculty-led experiences that explore the country’s rich history, culture, ecology and communities.

Offered through the College’s Field Studies and Study Abroad department, the new opportunities include “South India: History, Culture and Faith” and “North India: Ecology, Culture, and Community Engagement.”

Both programs are open to COD students and community members interested in expanding their academic experience through international travel and cultural immersion.

The South India program will take place from Dec. 27, 2026, to Jan. 6, 2027. Students will explore the region’s diverse cultural landscape while traveling to Goa, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Ajanta, Ellora and Mumbai. Highlights include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi and Mahabalipuram and the Mysore Palace, as well as in-depth study of the Chera, Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara empires.

Participants will examine the lasting impact of colonialism and engage with South India’s vibrant religious traditions, including Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The program also emphasizes the role of classical dance, music, textiles and handicrafts in shaping cultural identity.

The North India program runs from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027. Designed as an immersive, place-based learning experience, the program invites students to engage with India as a “living classroom,” where history, ecology, spirituality and modern life intersect.

Students will travel through urban centers, heritage sites and natural environments, including Delhi, Agra, Mathura, Vanghat, Haridwar and Dehradun. The program explores topics such as urban systems, Mughal history, wildlife conservation, river traditions and environmental sustainability, with a focus on ethical engagement and community-based learning.

Through daily reflections, guided discussions and experiential activities, students will connect academic concepts to real-world experiences while developing a deeper understanding of global interdependence and their role within it.

For more information about the South India program, contact Thomas Kulanjiyil at kulanj@cod.edu.

For more information about the North India program, contact Shamili Ajgaonkar at sandifor@cod.edu

Learn more and register.