Criminal Justice Beyond the Classroom: KU Students Explore the Justice System “Down Under”

When people think about studying criminal justice, they often picture textbooks, case law and lectures. While those are important, some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside the classroom and experience another justice system firsthand.

This summer, I had the privilege of leading 15 KU Criminal Justice students on a two-week faculty-led study abroad program in Perth, Western Australia. Alongside my co-faculty leader, we designed an experience that combined academic rigor with cultural immersion, giving students the opportunity to compare criminal justice systems while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful and welcoming cities.

From the beginning, our goal was simple: expose students to a justice system that shares many of our democratic principles while approaching policing, corrections and rehabilitation in different ways. Reading about these differences is valuable. Standing inside the agencies, talking directly with practitioners and asking questions in real time is transformative.

Learning from Western Australia’s justice system

Throughout the program, students met with professionals from across Western Australia’s criminal justice system. They toured correctional facilities, learned about the operations of the Western Australia Police Force, visited the Police Academy, explored the Department of Justice, and discussed contemporary issues facing law enforcement and corrections. They also examined community-based approaches to justice, restorative practices and rehabilitation — all topics that generate thoughtful discussion back in our KU classrooms.

One of the most memorable experiences was our visit with Aboriginal community leaders at Kings Park. Students learned about the history, culture and lived experiences of Indigenous Australians while discussing the lasting impacts of colonization, overrepresentation within the justice system, and community-led efforts to create meaningful change. These conversations challenged students to think critically about how culture, history and public policy intersect with criminal justice.

Education that extends beyond the site visits

Education abroad extends well beyond official site visits. Students quickly learned to navigate public transportation, communicate across cultural differences and become more confident travelers. They discovered that stepping outside their comfort zones often led to the most rewarding experiences.

Whether exploring the port city of Fremantle (once home to a British penal colony), visiting Rottnest Island, enjoying local sporting events, or simply sharing meals together after long days of learning, they developed friendships and perspectives that simply cannot be replicated on campus.

As a faculty member, it’s rewarding to see student growth over a short time. Students who were initially hesitant became confident asking questions of senior police officials. Others began making connections between theories discussed in class and practices they observed overseas. By the end of the trip, conversations had shifted from “This is different than the United States” to “Why do they do it this way, and what can we learn from it?”

Why experiential learning matters

That shift represents exactly what higher education should accomplish. International experiences encourage students to move beyond memorizing information and begin evaluating systems, questioning assumptions and considering alternative approaches to complex problems. Those are the skills that prepare future criminal justice professionals to become thoughtful leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

This reinforces something I’ve believed throughout my career: students are eager for experiential learning. They want opportunities to engage directly with professionals, experience different cultures and see how classroom concepts apply in practice. Study abroad provides those opportunities while building confidence, adaptability and global awareness.

What’s next for global criminal justice study

Following the success of our trip to Perth, and last summer’s London program, we’re already preparing our next international criminal justice experience in Italy, where students will examine organized crime, justice systems and community responses while continuing to expand their understanding of criminal justice from a global perspective.

Watching students return home with new confidence, lasting friendships and a broader perspective on justice reminds me why these experiences matter. The lessons they learned in Perth will stay with them long after graduation, shaping not only the professionals they become, but also the citizens and leaders they aspire to be.

Learn more about the Criminal Justice program at the KU Edwards Campus.