In recent years, many political science department professors have traveled aboard to teach courses for the University Studies Abroad Consortium, which offers students an opportunity to study in 26 countries. This past summer was no exception with professors Ryan Patten and Diana Dwyre both teaching courses abroad.
Professor Ryan Patten taught about human trafficking at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg in Lüneburg, Germany. Due to its location and membership in the Schengen Agreement, Germany is the world leader in human trafficking, so Professor Patten and his students were able to study the problem from ground zero. “We were able to hear from former trafficking victims and learn about why trafficking is such a difficult problem to stop,” said Professor Patten. “All of the victims’ stories were heartbreaking, but hearing from the 79-year old Polish, trafficking victim was especially distressing.” To add some levity to his trip, when not teaching Professor Patten was able to travel to nearby Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
Professor Diana Dwyre taught Business and Politics in the European Union at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid, Spain, in July 2015. She enjoyed being a local in Madrid as well as a weekend trip to San Sebastian with her husband, Joe, and son, Quinn, where they met up with a Chico State alum for a fun day on the beach and a delicious Basque country dinner.