UNSW Law & Justice students embrace ‘transformative’ global study experience

“International education experiences are great equalisers in terms of academic performance, cultural capital, resilience, intellectual and personal growth, and future outcomes,” Associate Dean (International) Professor Lucas Lixinski said during a recent keynote for the International Education Association of Australia at UTS. 

Final-year UNSW LLB/BA student Geoffrey Zhen experienced these benefits first-hand during a semester abroad at the Center for Transnational Legal Studies (CTLS) in London, as part of the UNSW contingent. The program offers students a unique overseas elective to study alongside peers and academics from leading law schools worldwide.

Having previously gone on exchange to Singapore, Mr Zhen was eager to do it again but through a program that would feed his curiosity about international law, international career opportunities and different legal systems and institutions.  

“Academically, it reframed how I think about law, moving away from a purely domestic lens to seeing how legal problems cross borders,” he said. “You’ll be taught and mentored by some of the leading academics and practitioners in their fields from across the world. 

“For example, one of my professors is now a good mentor to me and she is one of the leading international thought-leaders on trade law – so you’ll benefit a lot from that kind of tutelage and mentorship they can offer even outside of class.”

During his time in London, Mr Zhen’s experience extended beyond his academic goals. 

“Outside the classroom, one of my proudest moments was running the Rome Marathon during the term, getting my open water scuba licence in Malta, visiting the International Energy Agency HQ in Paris on a field trip and meeting my now partner from Switzerland during the course,” he said. 

“You’ll grow a lot as a person and learn a lot about yourself, as you’ll do on most exchanges!”

^{Students from more than 20 universities around the world made up the Spring 2026 CTLS class. Image: Lily Kelly-Ebbeck}

Final-year LLB student Kaya Dimarish Lehmann echoed this sentiment.

“Going overseas during your degree allows you to experience freedom while knowing you have the safety of university,” she said. 

“It helps you build connections, provide some stability, and gives you a sense of uninhibitedness by being out of your usual environment.”

Ms Lehmann also highlighted that the length of the program gave her the chance to meet law students from more than 20 international law schools. 

“Being in London for almost six months really allowed me to immerse myself in the city and settle in a bit. It also meant that it didn't feel rushed, and I had the opportunity to really get to know my fellow classmates,” she said. 

^{Beyond academics, CTLS is an opportunity to form new friendships and to travel to new places. Image: Amaya Gunathilake}

Final-year LLB/BA student Lily Kelly-Ebbeck said the social aspect helped her form long-term friendships. “Because almost everyone in the cohort is living in London for the first time, the program is also incredibly social. There will be plenty of opportunities for social outings across London's arts and food scenes, and to travel all around Europe with peers who will become your close friends.”

Ms Kelly-Ebbeck added that, unlike traditional exchange opportunities, the application process for the CTLS is streamlined. Her advice for those thinking about applying is to “consider how transnational legal studies connects to your career aspirations and what you hope to take from your time in the program”. 

Final-year LLB/BA Amaya Gunathilake described her semester at CTLS as the “most transformative experience” of her life. She said a highlight of her academic career while abroad was speaking with former International Criminal Court President Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi as part of the weekly International Criminal Law course. 

“Sitting in a classroom with students from all over the world, learning from some of the most esteemed lecturers and academics in international law and engaging in such insightful discourse was truly an honour."

Ms Gunathilake advised students interested in applying to CTLS to reach out to and connect with past UNSW students who have completed the program.

“They have the best tips for the application process and all the logistics of organising your stay in London, like housing, transport and the best places to visit.”

Each year, UNSW Law & Justice sends up to 14 students to CTLS. But CTLS is just one of many international opportunities available to UNSW Law & Justice students. From exchange programs and overseas electives to international competitions, internships and study tours, the Faculty is committed to preparing graduates for careers around the world.

To learn more, visit the International Opportunities page.