Faculty Active in Study Abroad Programs

Professor Stacey Rucas in Thailand, summer 2014.

To foster the department’s emphasis on cross-cultural study in its majors, Social Sciences Department faculty members have been active with Cal Poly’s International Programs. This summer, three faculty traveled to different corners of the globe: Ryan Alaniz taught students in Peru, Ben Timms was co-director of the study abroad program in Spain, and Stacey Rucas was the residential director of the study abroad program in Thailand.

Although he took the summer off, James Keese has also been heavily involved with study abroad over the last decade, taking students to Peru, Spain and Mexico, and was one of the original co-organizers for the program in Peru. The Peru program features a significant service component, where students work to give back to local indigenous communities. 

All of the study abroad programs offer Cal Poly students excellent opportunities in international Learn by Doing (or Learn by Going). A goal of the department is to develop scholarships to make these opportunities available to more students. If you are interested in providing social sciences students study abroad opportunities, give online today!