Study Abroad in England

Study abroad in England with the FIU Criminal Justice Department! The CJ Study Abroad in England Program, led by Dr. Ellen G. Cohn, gives students the opportunity to compare the criminal justice systems of England and the United States. Students spend the semester learning about the English criminal justice system and develop an understanding of how the modern American system has diverged from its historical roots. The program is open to all FIU students, regardless of major.

Over Spring Break, course material is brought to life as students get an insider’s view of English criminal justice. Students visit New Scotland Yard, spend a day with the Norfolk Constabulary, observe trials at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the Southwalk Crown Court, and the Royal Crown Court, visit the UK Supreme Court, tour a prison, visit the British Transport Police Counterterrorism Unit, and much more.

Students also enjoy a tour of London and free time for sightseeing. In the U.S., students will study the workings of the English criminal justice system as well as learning about English government and culture. A pre-trip paper will compare and contrast crime in the U.S. and in England. During Spring Break, the class will travel to England where they will participate actively in all program activities and try new things. Upon returning to the U.S., students will prepare post-trip policy papers and videos based upon the knowledge they obtained during the study abroad experience.

Program Director: Dr. Ellen Cohn | cohne@fiu.edu

  • Eligibility and Requirements

    To participate in the program, students must meet the following requirements:

    1. Good academic standing (2.0 GPA for undergraduate students; 3.0 GPA for graduate students).
    2. Participate in an interview with and gain the consent of the Program Director, Dr. Cohn (cohne@fiu.edu).
  • Required Courses
    A special study abroad section (EA) of CJE 4174 (Comparative Criminal Justice Systems) and CCJ 6040 (Comparative Crime and Criminal Justice), with a special focus on criminal justice in England, will be offered each Spring semester for students participating in the study abroad trip. Students who have already taken a comparative criminal justice course may participate in the program as an Independent Study student with Dr. Cohn’s approval. CJE 4174 is a core class in the BSCJ curriculum and also fulfills one of the global learning requirements.
  • More Information

    Step 1: Check out the videos from our previous Study Abroad in England experiences!

    Spring 2013: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odgtoSZkH2c
    Spring 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_ZY4iS4h70&feature=youtu.be

    Step 2:  Contact the Program Director, Dr. Ellen Cohn, cohne@fiu.edu, for more information and to schedule an interview!