The Indian subcontinent is a complete sensual overload. It is incredibly diverse in terms of geography, religion, languages, art, cuisine, and customs. ELI programs are all in South India in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. South India has a strong sense of tradition, especially Hindu tradition. Tamil Nadu is the cradle of Dravidian culture, one of the oldest continuous cultures on the planet. Kerala is the southwesternmost state in India. The culture in Kerala developed in realtive isolation from the rest of India, and many unique customs are still practiced on a daily basis. Karnataka bridges the north and south of India and is home to the hi-tech capital of India, Bangalore. South India has a strong sense of tradition, especially Hindu tradition and has not seen the violent clashes that sometimes erupt in the north. Travelers in South India can explore ancient temple cities, soak in cosmopolitan Chennai, float through Kerala's backwaters, sunbathe on sandy beaches, trek through the Western Ghats, and maybe catch a glimpse of a wild tiger or elephant.

ELI partners with many organizations in India to create diverse volunteer and internship opportunities. Participants can teach in the hill town of Munnar surrounded by tea plantations, help out in a village orphanage outside Chennai, study at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, help plan an HIV awareness campaign in the poor neighborhoods of Chennai, plant trees in the Palani Hills, and more. Each program offers an unforgettable cultural experience in an area that has been a cultural center for thousands of years.