A Pre-Law Student’s Study Abroad Experience in London
My Study Abroad Experience
I chose CEA CAPA’s Wrongful Convictions and Human Rights Program in London because it aligned perfectly with my concentration in international relations and my minor in legal studies. I’ve always had a deep interest in political science, international politics, criminal justice, and the legal field, and I’ve also loved to travel. Having visited London twice before, I was eager to return to a city that felt both exciting and intellectually rich.
This program stood out because its coursework transferred easily to my home university, with syllabi shared in advance and classes fulfilling my major’s requirements. I was excited by the opportunity to study diplomacy and human rights with like-minded peers and expert professors.
During our first weekend in London, CEA CAPA took us on a guided city tour.
This month-long, six-credit program allowed me to study with Professor Justin Brooks, founder of the California Innocence Project. In his class on wrongful convictions, we learned about his experience as a criminal defense lawyer and the U.S. legal system, discussed real-life cases including the Brian Banks story, and explored difficult topics like the death penalty and shaken baby syndrome. I even practiced crafting opening statements and appeal arguments during mock trials.
I also took Human Rights in a Global Context with Professor Dan Wheatley, who brought valuable experience in international law. Highlights included a structured class debate on Britain’s human rights record, a museum visit to the Museum of London Docklands, and a critical analysis paper tied to Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
My final projects included a class presentation on the right to be free from torture under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and a final exam essay on the founding of the United Nations and the Geneva Conventions. These assignments helped me connect theoretical knowledge with real-world issues.
On the tour, we visited and learned about the history of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the HMS Belfast while passing through Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and more, before concluding with lunch at Borough Market, where we were then free to explore on our own.
My Classes & Typical Weekly Schedule
The program consists of two courses, each of them worth three credits:
Wrongful Convictions taught by Justin Brooks
Human Rights in a Global Context taught by Daniel Wheatley
We had class Monday through Thursday. Each day started with Wrongful Convictions from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a one-hour lunch break, and Human Rights from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The CEA CAPA center in South Kensington was a lovely and accessible location, surrounded by an abundance of food options, a mall, beautiful white architecture, lots of greenery, and the Gloucester Road tube station.
After class, I would often grab dinner in South Kensington or near my flat in Angel. During the week, I did my best to complete my academic obligations and still enjoy my surroundings. I’ve wandered around the shops and restaurants in Covent Garden, I’ve bought groceries and set up a picnic by the water in Hyde Park, and I got takeout and climbed up to watch the sunset on Primrose Hill. I also managed my time well so I could complete my schoolwork during the week and fully enjoy my weekends.
CEA CAPA provided our class with tickets for a guided tour of Buckingham Palace’s interior, where we explored the stunning State Rooms, historic artifacts, coronation gowns, and the gardens.
During our second weekend in London, CEA CAPA arranged a day trip to Bath and Stonehenge.
Outside of the Classroom
My favorite CEA CAPA-planned excursion was the day trip to Bath and Stonehenge. Exploring the Roman Baths, watching the street performers while enjoying chocolate fudge from the traditional shops, indulging in history at Stonehenge and then laying in the grass to relax with friends made it an unforgettable, magical day!
Outside of CEA CAPA programming, I made the most of every weekend by taking day trips to the seaside in Brighton, the canals in Canterbury, the boats and hills of Richmond, and the cliffs of Seven Sisters. These experiences added depth and joy to my time in London. I even saw my favorite singer, Hozier, in concert at Finsbury Park, and went paddle boating in Regent’s Park.
Sometimes we went on field trips to explore the UK’s legal and political institutions. We observed live trials at the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), where we learned about key differences in courtroom procedure between the UK and the US, including seeing the defendant seated in a closed glass dock and barristers wearing wigs. We also toured the Royal Courts of Justice, Parliament, and the House of Commons, which was a great educational experience.
Our program had a field trip to The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton, a five-star restaurant built inside a prison, where we were served a delicious, five-course meal. The restaurant runs a re-entry program where incarcerated individuals are trained to become managers, chefs, and waitstaff, helping them secure well-paying jobs upon release. It was a meaningful experience that showed how rehabilitation in the legal system can be supported through innovative programs.
Reflections on My Program
This program strengthened my academic foundation, sharpened my public speaking and legal writing skills, and gave me new clarity about my future in law and international human rights work. I met incredible students, professors, and professionals who shared my passions. I also fell deeper in love with London, a city full of history, diversity, and opportunity. I think my photos also help highlight some of my favorite parts of this experience!
A field trip to the University of Greenwich, where we listened to Louise Hewitt, Director of the London Innocence Project, and her team discuss the stories of individuals who maintain innocence but have exhausted their appeals. They explained how they assist with applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Then, Professor Justin Brooks arranged a lunch for us to meet students from the USD School of Law, allowing us to ask questions about their law school experiences. This program deepened my understanding of comparative legal systems and reaffirmed my commitment to justice and human rights advocacy.
My Advice for Future Students in This Program
1. Plan ahead and apply early! Communicate with your university advisor early in the semester to ensure that the credits offered during your study abroad semester will also count for credit with your home university. CEA CAPA also offers a couple different scholarships and I recommend applying as early as you can! I was also able to apply my financial aid from my university to the program, which made a huge difference.
2. Housing: Take the roommate agreement seriously, do not sign it just as a formality. You and your roommates need to set clear expectations and boundaries amongst each other from the beginning. For example, alternate who throws out the trash each week, assign cleaning duties, designate space in the fridge and pantry, and most importantly, communicate openly.
3. Explore! On our second and third days in the program, CEA CAPA set us up with tour guides who showed us around our neighborhood as well as the food markets and major London landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Familiarizing yourself with both your local area and the iconic spots early on helps you feel at home.
4. Branch out. Don’t limit your circle to only people in your classes. I made amazing friends during orientation from students doing the internship program, and we explored the city together all summer.
5. Academics: Remember that the Wrongful Convictions and Human Rights program is an accelerated six-credit program that you must finish in four weeks. Have fun in London but do not fall behind on your homework! I recommend doing your best to complete reading assignments during the week. That way, your weekends are free to travel, relax, and fully experience the culture around you.
This post was written by Maya Khachab, a CEA CAPA Alum from George Mason University, and studied abroad in London, England.
