It’s not every day that students can tour the Supreme Court of Canada, walk along the Rideau Canal, and hear from seasoned political leaders reflecting on the integration of faith and public life.
Yet this is just the kind of experience that students encounter when they join the Law in Ottawa summer travel study at TWU’s Laurentian Leadership Centre.
The annual Law in Ottawa travel study is designed to help students explore the interface of Christian faith and contemporary culture while providing a memorable learning experience within Canada's capital. Staying at the Laurentian Leadership Centre, a historic mansion located close to downtown Ottawa, is an exciting opportunity that immerses students in the locations of Canada's national governance and history.
During the program, students take university courses in law and public policy with Dr. Jon Waind and business law with Dr. Kevin Sawatsky.
"Being able to experience city living, learn from your peers, and discuss current topics during class encourages creative and critical thinking while making lasting connections going forward."
From lectures to networking
Each year brings different conversations and unique memories. During this year’s program, a group of 20 students, staff, and faculty were delighted to hear from the Hon. John McKay, who shared reflections from his 27 years in federal politics. Other highlights included attending a court hearing at the Ontario Criminal Court, touring the headquarters of the think tank Cardus, and meeting with Arnold Viersen, a Member of Parliament with a decade of parliamentary experience.
For a taste of local flavour, this year's cohort sampled Ottawa’s famous shawarma and participated in a Poutine Festival. They also enjoyed day trips to the nearby cities of Montréal and Kingston.
Guest speakers share insights
Attending in May 2025, Tabitha Knodel found the travel study deeply enriching. “The Law in Ottawa travel study opens up many opportunities to learn more about the legal system in Canada and how it operates, as well as to network with professionals and your peers,” she says.
Knodel, who is pursuing a business degree, recalls significant moments from the travel study, including visiting the Canadian Intellectual Property Office to learn about intellectual property, listening to guest speakers who are experts in their field, and savouring high tea at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
Examining the nation’s legal system and cultural history
Fellow participant Emma Cazacu recommends the Law in Ottawa travel study because it provides an exciting chance to see the nation's capital while learning about Canada's legal system and cultural history.
Her favourite activities included visiting the Supreme Court of Canada, walking the floor of the House of Commons, biking along the Rideau Canal, and watching the sunset behind Parliament Hill.
"Being on this travel study has enriched my faith, education, and personal growth..."
Christian faith integration
Beyond taking in the city's sights, students have the valuable opportunity to network with politicians and professionals shaping Canadian law and policy. Through hearing from the experiences of leaders who have integrated faith with their work, students learn how Christian faith informs careers in law, public service, and governance.
“I can confidently say that being on this travel study has enriched my faith, education, and personal growth as we were able to consider and learn from the different perspectives of others in one of the most diverse places in the world,” Cazacu shares.
Connecting with peers and professionals
Learning alongside a cohort of students added to the journey, as Cazacu says, "Over the course of this travel study, I was able to connect with students from different years and specializations, explore the city, and learn more about the context of our country's beginnings and the legal systems that hold it in place.”
Cazacu recommends the program, expressing, “I would highly encourage future students to participate in the Law in Ottawa travel study because it immerses you directly into the topics you are learning and provides a special environment to build community with others.”
Knodel adds, “Being able to experience city living, learn from your peers, and discuss current topics during class encourages creative and critical thinking while making lasting connections going forward.”
About TWU Travel Studies
Travel studies allow students to be immersed in a different culture. TWU professors lead the courses, joined by guest speakers who provide a local perspective. For many students, participating in a travel study is one of the most memorable adventures of their entire major, if not a life-changing one. Learn more about TWU travel studies.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.