About the Program
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who wish to be considered for Global Launch London should apply to Oxford College by submitting the Common Application no later than January 1. On the Common Application Emory University member page, you must indicate your preference to begin your Oxford career as part of the Global Launch program.
Indicating a preference for the Oxford First-Year Fall Abroad program prioritizes starting the fall semester in London.
Oxford Launch: London is a selective program for highly motivated first-year students who want to start their Oxford College career with cultural immersion through study abroad. This opportunity will be limited to fifty students to travel to the United Kingdom with Oxford College faculty where they take courses and experience full immersion in the city. Indicating a preference for the Oxford First-Year Fall Abroad program prioritizes starting the fall semester in London.
Students will be living in a residence hall with other university students called Mannequin House. This vibrant London neighborhood has several Underground transit stations as well as many restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and coffee shops.
Each apartment has a shared kitchen that is fully stocked with appliances. There are several local supermarkets, greengrocers, butchers, restaurants, cafés, and gastropubs in the local area or within a short walking distance. There are no meal plans or dining halls.
Student budgeting should include expenses for weekly food, personal health and hygiene, laundry, transportation (though most places are within walking distance), personal travel and shopping, and social activities (cinema, live music gigs, sporting activities, etc.).
Absolutely! Oxford students in good academic and judicial standing are guaranteed on-campus housing upon return.
Students take part in a return orientation to renew their acquaintance with Oxford campus services. London-start students will still be in a great position to make new friends through classes, student clubs & activities, or the plethora of on-campus events. The Global Oxford program staff is always available to students as well and is accustomed to dealing with different types of culture shock, including the transition back from studying abroad.
Yes. Your financial aid package, including scholarships, loans, and payment plans will travel with you to the London program and will remain in effect for the duration of your study at Oxford College.
College athletes are not eligible for Global Launch Oxford but may be eligible to study abroad at another point in their academic career at Emory University.
U.S. Passport holders do not require a visa to study in the UK. At this time, only US passport holders are eligible for Global Launch London.
Once the GLL class is finalized, staff will begin to arrange apartment assignments and roommates according to a housing survey. You will be notified of your roommate prior to your arrival on campus.
Residential staff are there to assist in times of sickness. Whether you need to make a doctor’s appointment or visit the hospital, the staff will be there for you. All students will be oriented upon arrival on matters concerning health and well-being. Oxford faculty and support staff are on-site to help, along with the staff of IES London.
There will be a minimum of one Oxford faculty member delivering a Discovery Seminar (maximum of 2, depending on final size of cohort) and a designated Writing class. Students will also choose three other classes from the offerings at the IES Center, who will house our London cohort.
Students will have plenty of time to travel throughout the academic year. Some weekends are taken up by mandatory study tours and events in and around London, but most will remain free. You should not book any time away until receiving your schedule at the beginning of the semester.
Oxford College will send a minimum of one staff support member with each cohort to London to provide support for students on the ground.
Of course! Your family is welcome to visit during the semester. For your own sake, please wait until you see the academic and extracurricular schedule before booking any flights. Oxford Launch: London operates a strict no overnight guest policy with the student suites, so visitors will have to book separate accommodation.
There is no meal plan or student dining hall available. Students have fully equipped shared kitchens in their apartment-style residence and are encouraged to explore the diverse dining opportunities the city has to offer.
Our inaugural fall 2025 cohort will have between 40-50 Oxford students.
Depending on your major, it is possible to study abroad at different times during your academic career with Emory University. Strategic planning with your academic advisor can allow you to study abroad during other semesters or participate in our short-term or summer programs.