AIFS Partnership Programs: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Faculty Bios

Tobias Peterson earned BAs in English and Spanish Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. While there, he was a participant in the school’s first Tracking Cultures study abroad program. This allowed him to trace literary influences from the flooded deserts of North Africa (Morocco) through the ornate cathedrals of Spain and on to the ancient temples of central Mexico. He then went on to receive an MA in English Literature from George Mason University and an MFA in Poetry from Texas State University. After completing his formal education, he returned to Europe to teach creative writing in a study abroad program in Cambridge, England – with forays to London, Paris, and Venice. He’s now a tenure-track instructor of English at Clark College in Vancouver, WA. The son of a British mother, he looks forward to sharing his bicultural experience with his students in the WCCCSA London program in the fall of 2016.

Leena Shah received her PhD from the University of Idaho in Political Science. She grew up in India where she completed her BA in History and Political Science. Having come to the U.S. as a student, she has a keen appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism. She has been an advisor to the Model United Nations program and has accompanied students to New York in this endeavor. She is an avid traveler and loves new cultural experiences. She is passionate about working out and enjoys salsa dancing. Having travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Leena recommends and encourages every student to take advantage of this opportunity to study in London. She has taught at several colleges in the Seattle area. Currently, Leena teaches interdisciplinary courses in Political Science, American Studies, and History at Bellevue College.