COD offers new field studies trip to the Middle East this January

The College of DuPage is hosting a new immersive trip to Israel, Jordan and the West Bank from Wednesday, Jan. 1, to Sunday, Jan. 12.

According to Associate Professor of Geography Keith Yearman, the trip will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore an area rich with history and culture, incorporating studies in geography, history, current events and archeology.

"This area has been so influential over the years in everything from religion to geopolitics," he said. "My hope is this trip will expose participants to the area's tremendous history but also ongoing issues, such as the Iraqi and Syrian refugee crises."

During the trip, students will visit historic sites in Amman, the Dead Sea, the Old City of Jerusalem, Petra and Tel Aviv. In addition, students will participate in an archeological dig and stop at an Iraqi or Syrian refugee camp.

Yearman said the trip will enhance the students' education substantially.

"There's nothing better than travel and firsthand experience to develop an understanding of the world around us," he said. "These experiences allow us to develop into global citizens and provide us with knowledge we can bring into all of our classes."

For more information about this trip, contact Yearman at yearman@cod.edu or (630) 942-2765.

To register for this course, contact the Field Studies/Study Abroad office at (630) 942-2356.

College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Serving approximately 25,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois.

The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.