INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Cambodia
Study abroad in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This Winter Human Rights Program provides a unique opportunity to learn about international, regional and local law and policies aimed at prevention of human trafficking, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Students will also learn about international criminal justice after genocide, as well as how rule of law and economic development affect efforts aimed at preventing human trafficking.
The program begins in Phnom Penh. After orientation, we’ll have a chance to ring in the New Year Khmer Style in Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. Then we’ll travel together through the beautiful Cambodian countryside to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second largest city. We’ll learn about Cambodia’s rich history and spend a full day exploring the ruins of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Visits to other cultural sites will deepen students’ understanding about issues surrounding the problem of human trafficking.
When we return to Phnom Penh, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet organizations and individuals actively fighting human trafficking in Southeast Asia. We’ll visit a former brothel that was shut down and converted into a school and workplace training facility for survivors of trafficking. Additionally, we’ll visit cafes, restaurants and other businesses that are run by, and provide support for, survivors of trafficking. We’ll also visit the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the tribunal responsible for prosecuting members of the Khmer Rouge for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions during the Cambodian genocide. While at the ECCC, we will meet with their legal staff to discuss the cases and the work of the Tribunal. We’ll also visit the Tuol Sleng genocide museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek.
ON THIS PAGE
Program Details
Program Dates: Dec. 31, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026
Course: Human Trafficking – Law and Policy
The program begins and ends in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s Capital City and includes a visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second largest city.
The Travel Guide, Syllabus & Itinerary will be emailed to students in November.
Program Cost
The cost for each student is $3,150 (double occupancy) or $3,450 (single occupancy) which includes three semester hours from Trinity Law School. The cost of the program also covers your hotel accommodations (breakfast included) in Cambodia and bus transportation between Siem Reap & Phnom Penh. You are responsible for your own airfare to/from Cambodia, to/from airport, passport/visa, personal travel expenses, cell phone chargers, and your own meals. Students should budget $20/day for meals.
Financial aid can be utilized for this program. For more information, please contact the Business Office at [email protected] or 714-796-7120.
Double Occupancy: $3,150
Single Occupancy: $3,500
How to Enroll
Trinity JD students who are eligible for elective units and Trinity MLS students who have completed at least three units are eligible to participate in this course. JD students should contact Joy Statler, Academic Advisor, at [email protected] or 714-796-7173. MLS students should contact Margaret Fitzsimmons, TLS Advisor, at [email protected] or 714-796-7111.
Non-Trinity students who are enrolled in a Juris Doctor or Master of Legal Studies program at another school may apply to participate as a Visiting Student for transfer credit by submitting a JD or MLS application.
Application Due September 15, 2025. Due to limited space in this international opportunity, interested students must submit a request to participate. Please send Professor Hughes ([email protected]) a brief email describing your interest and any relevant background information that may support your application. Students will be notified no later than October 1st.
All participants will need to submit a color copy/scan of a passport, a digital headshot photo, Assumption of Risk, Release & Participation Agreement Form (700A), and Health Information and Release Form (700H).
Additional Resources
To learn more please watch this informational meeting via this zoom recording. You will hear Professor Hawkins, and students share their experiences from previous visits and what to expect when you attend.
QUESTIONS
For more information about this study abroad program in Cambodia, please contact Professor Lina Hughes [email protected]
Lina Hughes
Photos From Past Trips
Instructors
Professor Lina Hughes
B.A., University of California, Berkeley
J.D., McGeorge School of Law
Co-Professor Dr. Karen LeGrand
B.A., California State University, Northridge
Ph.D., University of California, Davis