“The connections and the classes were invaluable. From class visits by the head Chilean public defender or British Ambassador to the friendships made while snowboarding the slopes of the Andes, my time abroad was amazing. I am happy with my decision to be a “CSPer” and I am ready to return to CWSL with a clear mind and more ambition to practice law than ever.”

Follow your heart... even if it leads o pisco

Please click here to read Paul Cicarelli's review of the Chile Summer Program in CWSL's The Commentary


– Paul Ciccarelli, California Western School of Law Student

“I feel like I learned so much not only about Chile, but about myself, in the short time we were there. Thank you for a terrific experience.”

- Catherine Parsely, South Texas College of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program introduced me to some incredible people from around the globe whom I am fortunate enough to call friends. The program's Practicum Component also provided me with a new perspective not only on how the justice system works in Chile but also how it works in the United States. Being able to see how both systems work has had a lasting impact on how I view all legal issues and has always provided a topic of conversation in job interviews.”

- Elizabeth Stapleton, New England Law | Boston Student

“The Chile Summer Abroad Program was the perfect combination of adventure and academics. I made life-long friends while learning about South America and international law.”

- Reem Khalil, California Western School of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program was an amazing experience. From the moment I was met at the Santiago airport until the moment I returned home, I felt that the program organizers were looking out for me. The faculty at the Heidelberg Center and the Professors (special thanks to Professor Cooper who is the heart of the program) were outstanding – constantly looking to make the entire experience the best possible by incorporating fun and interesting activities into learning. CSP also provided me the opportunity to hear directly from local authorities on how the rule of law is changing Latin America and the challenges faced by developing democratic countries. For me, the Chile Summer Program bridged the gap between the banality of law school lectures and the practicalities of practicing law in the real world. You’ll leave Chile reinforced with the ideal of just how crucial good lawyering is on a global scale with regard to human rights, fighting terrorism, and developing the rule of law. I highly recommend spending your summer with the Chile Summer Program.”

- Michael Brown, California Western School of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program truly changed my life.”

- Jesse Schwab, William Mitchell College of Law Student

“We immersed ourselves into Chilean culture to understand their legal system. We visited their supreme court, and met with human rights lawyers.  In particular, we spent a lot of time learning about human rights violations under General Augusto Pinochet. We even met with ex-prisoners of torture camps, many of whom are also human rights lawyers today.  Chile’s struggle to overcome its dictatorship past is still very much alive today; it's not usual for former enemies during the regime to be colleagues in high-ranking government positions today.  The Chile Summer Program is a rare opportunity to study law in a country that is still transitioning to a democracy.”

- Sarah Bradley, William Mitchell College of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program was the greatest experience of my life.  As someone who has always been interested in international travel but never had the opportunity to study abroad, the CSP allowed me to live and work in another country all while gaining practical legal experience.   I made life-long friends on the trip both with people in South America and from other law schools across the country.  If I could have stayed in Chile when the program ended or if I could return every summer with CSP, I would without hesitation.  I highly recommend this life-changing opportunity.”

- Briana Perry, William Mitchell College of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program was an amazing experience.  Looking back I still cannot believe how much we were exposed to in such a short amount of time.  Being able to learn about the law of another country IN that country is something you will never get out of a textbook.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in such a dynamic and rewarding experience.”
 
- Stephen Smith, California Western School of Law Student

“The Chile Summer Program provides students with both traditional academic experiences and unique, practical legal training. CSP is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am glad I decided to attend such a well-designed, distinctive study abroad program. CSP students acquired a heightened understanding of cross-cultural legal issues and began developing the legal skills which are necessary to address problems in today’s increasingly globalized society.”

- Sarah Jordan, California Western School of Law Student