From Mumbai to the Taj Mahal: The India Summer Study Abroad Program Unveiled
In the summer of 2024, Notre Dame Mumbai launched its inaugural Summer Study Abroad program in India. Seven students from various majors and class years, none of whom had ever been to India before, embarked on an exciting journey based primarily in Mumbai.
From the outset, the students embarked on their adventure under the guidance of Dr. Susan Ostermann, assistant professor of global affairs at the Keough School of Global Affairs, along with the support of Dhiraj Mehra, director of Notre Dame Mumbai. On their first day, they braved the heat and explored the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, trekking up to the stunning Kanheri Caves, where they captured beautiful photos inside the caves and atop the mountain. Later that afternoon, they visited three Bollywood studios, interacting with nationally recognized actors—an experience many students highlighted as a trip favorite. Brooke Borton, a rising senior at Notre Dame, reflected, “At the Bollywood film studio, I greatly enjoyed the welcoming ceremony with the marigolds and forehead marking. Everyone at the studio seemed genuinely excited to meet us.”
"During various conversations over dinner, I consistently found shared experiences that made me feel connected to people I had met for the first time who live across the world from me. The global presence and network that Notre Dame provides manifested before my eyes, leaving me feeling very grateful and hopeful for my final year at Notre Dame."
Academically, the students took classes at the historic St. Xavier’s College in downtown Mumbai. St. Xavier's College, a private Catholic autonomous institution founded by the Jesuits on January 2, 1869, offers a rich educational experience. The students delved into subjects like Indian history, economics, education, and healthcare systems. Through experiential learning opportunities, such as visits to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, and various other sites around the city, they could see firsthand what they learned in their classrooms. As rising sophomore Graham Doman noted, “I have enjoyed learning about the economic state of India and how it is still a heavily agrarian society, which has piqued my interest in exploring more about the Indian economy in future classes with the economics professor and perhaps exploring more through my final paper.”
One of the unique aspects of the India program was the opportunity to sample a diverse array of cuisines from across India and beyond. “I have also enjoyed being adventurous in trying authentic Indian restaurants and cuisines that don’t exist in South Bend or near my hometown,” said Doman. “Through trying new Indian foods, I’ve learned that there are regional differences in cuisines and cultures, which has encouraged me to learn more about the differences within India instead of generalizing all of India as having the same culture.”
Although the program was only three weeks long, the number of excursions and outdoor activities was impressive. The students visited the Elephanta Caves, the historic Sassoon Dock, Govardhan Eco Village, Dharavi (Asia’s largest slum), an IPL cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium, a voting booth, and took a walking tour of the scenic seaside neighborhood of Bandra. The India Summer Study Abroad program concluded with a two-day trip to Delhi and Agra, where the students experienced summer in the capital city and visited prominent sites like the Qutub Minar and, of course, the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.
Throughout the entire journey of excursions, delicious food, learning, and exploration, many students were pleasantly surprised by the incredible hospitality inherent in Indian culture and the friendliness of the people. "When I run my own household in the future, I want to extend the same warm and welcoming Indian hospitality that I have experienced here,” shared Borton. “Indian hospitality made me feel welcomed and attended to in an unfamiliar environment.” Similarly, rising senior Cate Porter reflected, “During various conversations over dinner, I consistently found shared experiences that made me feel connected to people I had met for the first time who live across the world from me. The global presence and network that Notre Dame provides manifested before my eyes, leaving me feeling very grateful and hopeful for my final year at Notre Dame.”
This program not only broadened the students' academic horizons but also deepened their understanding of global interconnectedness and cultural diversity. As they returned home, the memories and lessons from India continued to resonate, promising to influence their future endeavors both personally and academically.