Gonzaga Law in Action

 

Program Overview

Students in this program embark on a one-week, one-credit journey with the Gonzaga Law in Action course. Generously funded by the Schweitzer Border Justice Initiative, this unique opportunity caters to students who are passionate about making a difference by working directly with asylum seekers and migrants in various locations. Each year, the program takes students to different host sites, ensuring a dynamic and impactful experience based on the ever-evolving needs of immigrant communities.

In addition to the hands-on fieldwork, participants engage in informative pre-departure classes that delve into crucial aspects of U.S. asylum law and policy, the underlying factors driving forced migration, and essential skills such as trauma-informed and cross-cultural lawyering. While no prior experience in immigration law is required, students must possess emotional resilience, empathy, flexibility, and proficiency in Spanish to fully participate. First-year law students are especially encouraged to apply and embark on this transformative learning opportunity.