First Semester in London!
Begin your collegiate journey with an epic semester at London Center! After a whirlwind week of getting to know your Oxford College classmates, an introduction to the Oxford atmosphere, and exciting orientation activities at home on the Oxford campus, you'll embark on an international academic adventure in London.
Imagine beginning your journey with an epic Week of Welcome on Oxford's historic campus. Get to know your classmates, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and participate in exciting Orientation activities. Unlike other first-semester study abroad programs, we ensure you start right at Oxford, making you feel at home and fully prepared before you embark on your international adventure in London.
Faculty integrate high-impact learning practices with in-class instruction, site visits, and cultural activities. Students can enroll in up to 5 courses (15-16 credits), including two taught by Oxford faculty, such as the Discovery Seminar and a Writing-Intensive course.
Oxford College student excursions include:
Bath & Stonehenge: Discover ancient Roman baths and the wonders of Stonehenge.
Cambridge: Immerse yourself in the heart of campus.
University of Oxford: Experience the heart of Oxford.
To best provide Oxford students with robust, high-quality academic experiences, Oxford has partnered with IES Abroad. IES Abroad is a premier leader in study abroad and experiential learning programs and has a well-established London Center where students participate in an in-person, semester-long, first-year academic experience.
Location
The London Center is centrally located within the beautiful Camden neighborhood. It's not just a place to learn; it's a vibrant hub where adventure and education intertwine and students intersect with barristers (lawyers), public and international policy diplomats, and other students of all ages. The Center is a 4-minute walk from the Chancery Lane Underground Station, and conveniently close to Heathrow Airport. The London Center offers both convenience and proximity to the city's most famous landmarks and cultural treasures.
The goal of the program is to help students explore London and gain a deeper understanding of British culture and history, as well as Britain's global impact on Western art, literature, and financial and political systems. While studying abroad, students will experience London beyond the classroom through activities like riding bikes through Hyde Park, visiting Buckingham Palace, and exploring the city's world-renowned museums.
Academics
Faculty are trained to integrate high-impact practices into study abroad as a holistic part of the student educational experience. Courses incorporate collaborative assignments and projects, global diversity, common intellectual experiences, and community-based learning, seamlessly blending in-class experiences, site visits, and co-curricular activities. Our commitment to academic excellence and student-centered instruction is demonstrated in our thoughtful and deliberate approach.
The program provides students with a wide range of course options that align with Oxford College's foundational and interdisciplinary goals. Students can register for up to 5 courses, totaling 15-16 credits for the term. Two of their courses are taught by Oxford faculty, including the Discovery Seminar Course and one Writing-Intensive course also taught by Oxford College faculty on-site.
Oxford Launch: London extends beyond the classroom, including cultural events and excursions. Examples of typical excursions:
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Discover the city's history on a guided walking tour, visit Edinburgh Castle, and take a day trip to a wildlife reserve in the Highlands.
- Bath & Stonehenge: Explore the ancient Roman baths, Stonehenge, the Fashion Museum, and the Jane Austen Centre.
- Brighton: Wander through historic alleyways and visit the Royal Pavilion, one of Europe’s most exotic palaces.
- Cambridge: Tour this historic university town, its picturesque colleges, and enjoy a gondola punt on the river.
- Canterbury & Dover: Visit Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle, then hike along the White Cliffs of Dover.
What’s Different About Oxford Launch: London?
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First-year students begin in London
1:1
Advising from Faculty
Is Oxford Launch the Right Start for Me?
- Are comfortable navigating different academic spaces
- Are eager to dive deep into international study and global perspectives
- Are excited to explore historically rich locations with a group
- Want to challenge their understanding of the world through direct global engagement and study
- Have basic cooking skills
