This Summer Study Abroad programme is designed for students interested in exploring the legal field and gaining international perspectives on justice. The programme’s goals are to provide pre-law students with hands-on legal experience, exposure to the UK’s legal and political systems, and opportunities to compare global frameworks of governance, human rights, and access to justice.
Students will have the opportunity to explore Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and immerse themselves in the institutions that shape the UK legal landscape. Students will engage with Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics, participate in law clinic internships, and attend guest lectures from legal professionals and policymakers. The programme also includes site visits to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), Cardiff Crown Court, and cultural excursions that highlight Welsh heritage and contemporary society.
The programme is run in partnership with Learn International and Cardiff University, and is open to students from across the US.
*Airfare, spending money, and passport/visa fees are not included.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This
four-week summer study abroad programme offers students an immersive journey into law, politics, and culture in Wales, the heart of the UK’s legal and political evolution. Based in Cardiff, the vibrant capital city, students will study under faculty from Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics while gaining first-hand experience through law clinic internships, professional site visits, and comparative study of international legal systems.
What sets this programme apart is its dynamic blend of academic rigour and cultural immersion. Students will develop legal practice skills, participate in client consultations, and observe proceedings in Crown and Magistrate courts, while also exploring the broader context of justice, human rights, and governance in the UK. Guest lectures from practising solicitors, policymakers, and academics provide professional insight, and structured visits to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), the Civil Justice Centre, and major law firms bring classroom concepts to life.
Cultural exploration is woven throughout the experience. Students will tour Cardiff Castle, visit the National Museum of Wales, and gain an understanding of Welsh identity through unique opportunities such as attending a cricket match, experiencing a traditional Welsh Male Voice Choir rehearsal, and taking a boat trip through Cardiff Bay. This combination of academic and cultural opportunities allows students to expand their perspectives on law while building intercultural skills and professional readiness.
By the end of the programme, students will not only have earned
six US academic credits but also gained invaluable preparation for law school and a deeper appreciation for the role of law in shaping societies across borders.
HOUSING INFORMATION
During the programme, students will live in shared residence-style accommodations in or near the historic centre of Cardiff. Each apartment includes shared bedrooms with separate single beds, as well as kitchen facilities, a bathroom, and access to laundry. Housing is located within a short commute—typically 10 to 20 minutes by walking or public transport—from Cardiff University. While meals are not included, students will have the opportunity to cook their own food and explore the city’s diverse dining options. The housing experience is designed to provide comfort, independence, and a strong sense of community as students settle into life in Wales.
COURSE
Legal Practice Skills (3 US Credits)
This course develops the core skills of negotiation, dispute resolution, and effective legal communication. You will learn how to research, write, and present with confidence while practising strategies for handling both civil and criminal legal disputes.
Law Clinic Internship (3 US Credits)
Through hands-on participation in Cardiff University’s Law Clinic and Innocence Project, you’ll gain valuable experience in client consultations, interviews, and simulated casework. This experiential course provides a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world legal practice.
6 US Academic Credits
Official Transcript issued by the University of Wyoming included
COURSE TOPICS
- Client Consultation & Interviewing – Practise interviewing skills through scenarios based on international competitions, focusing on active listening, questioning techniques, and professional ethics.
- Law Clinic Experience – Work with Cardiff University’s Law Clinic and Innocence Project, gaining exposure to real or simulated client cases and training practices.
- Legal Writing & Reflection – Learn to translate complex legal concepts into clear language for non-lawyer audiences and develop reflective writing skills.
- Court Observations – Attend hearings at Cardiff’s Civil Justice Centre and observe lawyers and judges in practice.
- Professional Engagement – Visit major law firms, tour the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), and meet with legal professionals and policymakers.
| Check with your Study Abroad Office on your institution's application procedures and apply through Learn International |
