Program Overview

Overview

The Oxford Study Abroad Programme offers students the opportunity to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The program is designed to provide students with a unique and challenging academic experience, with a focus on the tutorial system. This system consists of intense, one-on-one Socratic lessons with a content expert, where students research, read, and critically analyze large amounts of material, culminating in the submission of an essay for critique and discussion with the tutor.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following qualifications and characteristics:

• Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
• Ability to formulate original arguments based on critical reading and analysis
• Strong writing skills
• Interest in self-directed learning
• Confidence, maturity, and strong time management skills The program is open to students in all majors who meet the above qualifications.

Term Options

The program offers three regular terms:

• Michaelmas (late September - mid December)
• Hilary (mid January - early April)
• Trinity (mid April - late June) Summer options are flexible from 4-12 weeks. The program is generally structured to allow for 13 weeks per term, giving students time to complete their studies and have some time for travel.

Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

• Submitting a completed application to JMU, which includes:
  • JMU Study At Oxford Application
  • A 500-word personal statement essay
  • One letter of recommendation, ideally from a faculty member who can speak to the student's readiness for the experience
• If accepted for sponsorship, students will receive further instructions for applying to Oxford via JMU's partner

Courses and Credits

Students can study a wide range of subjects at Oxford, with a focus on the traditional liberal arts and sciences. The program can accommodate almost any subject, and students will work with JMU's partners directly to identify appropriate course selection. Students will generally complete two tutorials per term, earning approximately 14 US credits per 13 weeks.

Deadlines

Applications will open a year prior to the JMU application deadline for each term. The deadlines are:

• Michaelmas: June 1st
• Hilary: October 1st
• Trinity: January 1st
• All summer terms: February 1st Applications received after these deadlines may be considered on a space-available basis.

Financial Aid

JMU allows financial aid to be applied to Study At programs, subject to standard restrictions. Students should contact JMU's Financial Aid Office for more information.

Program Costs

The program fee, including tuition, housing, and educational tours, is $18,700 per term. An External Study Abroad fee of $500 (regular term) or $250 (summer term) is also required. Students are responsible for food, airfare, and ground travel costs.

Committing and Withdrawing

Once accepted, students will be required to electronically sign a Statement of Intent to Participate to accept the terms of the program and secure their place. A non-refundable deposit of $750 is also required. If a student wishes to withdraw from the program, they must inform the Center for Global Engagement in writing or by email. The deposit will not be refunded if a student withdraws after accepting their place in the program. However, if the application is not approved by Oxford, the deposit will be refunded as a credit on the student's account.