My parents were refugees from Ukraine, and I was raised in a Ukrainian and Polish community, learning to speak both languages. I directed my first study abroad program in 1991. I have researched battlefield archaeology, historical memory, and public history. Through KIIS, I can share my academic expertise while students develop their own understanding of…
I’m an Assistant Professor of French at UK, where I teach courses on visual cultures. I teach courses on film, art, and comics. I created the Paris 2 program in 2006 and have loved meandering museums with students, sitting in cafés talking about the experience of Paris, and watching students make Paris their home away…
I’m a Professor of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Kentucky, where I teach French literature and cinema. I’ve been teaching on the KIIS Paris 2 program for almost twenty years, and I absolutely love introducing students to the infinite and enduring wonders of Paris, my favorite place on earth!
I am a Turkish citizen living in the U.S. since 2013 and have visited Türkiye every year since. I’ve taught with KIIS in Mexico and the Netherlands, and in a university program in China. Having studied abroad in Europe myself, I’m excited to co-direct the KIIS study abroad program in Türkiye.
Dr. Jianjun He is an Associate Professor of Chinese at the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Kentucky. He is currently the Director of the Foreign Language and International Economics Program at UK. His primary research focuses on early Chinese intellectual history but he also publishes articles on…
Dr. Qian Gao is a Professor of Chinese language, culture, and film studies at Transylvania University. She is also the director of the Asian Studies Program and a Bingham Chair at Transylvania. Dr. Gao led the KIIS China program for four years in the past and is currently the director of the KIIS Taiwan Program.
Dr. Zelideth Rivas is the Assistant Provost for Global Education at Marshall University and the director of the Japan-Korea program, established in 2023. She is a professor of Japanese and specializes in popular culture. She enjoys teaching students about Asia while abroad.
I was born in Prague. I hope to share my love of Prague with you. With the post-Cold War changes, Prague became a renowned destination for its arts, culture, and beauty. My study abroad philosophy is inspired by Mark Twain’s: “Travel is fatal to prejudice and narrow-mindedness, …” I hope this will also guide your experience.
Dr. William Mkanta, Professor of Health Administration at Western Kentucky University, directs the Tanzania Summer and Zanzibar Winter programs. Through his leadership, over 300 public health students have engaged in global learning and service. He cultivates cross-cultural exchange and educational impact through immersive international experiences for both faculty and students.
In addition to being a political science professor, I have been involved in study abroad since my first year at Morehead State in 2021. Directing study abroad programs allows me to enjoy new experiences with students and see them adapt and experience something different. I also love teaching students how politics works around the world…