St. Clare's, Oxford Program

Oxford 1

Study in Oxford, England

St. Clare's, Oxford is an independent, international college with the mission of advancing international education and understanding. St. Clare's was founded in 1953, bringing together students from Britain and other countries after World War II. A variety of academic programs are available, including Liberal Arts for visiting students from American, European and other universities.

The St. Clare's Liberal Arts Programme is designed specifically to provide students with an international experience by living and studying with other students from different countries. An academically challenging experience in intensive small classes with personal attention, enriched knowledge through study visits, and the opportunity to learn more about Britain, round out the St. Clare's experience, making it a thoroughly well-designed study-abroad program.

             

Program Overview

St. Clare’s was founded in 1953 as an independent, co-educational, residential, and international college in Oxford. It is not affiliated with Oxford University. It administers a liberal arts program, providing international experiences, personal attention, and learning through visits and excursions. At any time, there are students on campus from more than 40 different countries and all continents, which truly makes St. Clare’s an international learning experience.

St. Clare’s is located in a pleasant and safe residential area that is about one mile from the city center. It is well served by public transportation, allowing students easy access to the city. Students may find the campus very small. In a short time, teachers and other staff will know students on a first name basis.Classrooms tend to accommodate only seven to twelve students, but they are well equipped with video, specialist equipment and other various resources.

Each semester St. Clare’s arranges several excursions and “sponsored trips,” which are available at no cost to the Liberal Arts students. Two day trips during the orientation period to Glastonbury and London are included.  Moreover various other trips are offered throughout the semester at no or nominal cost to students. Every semester at least one weekend trip to the continent is organized by St. Clare’s staff at a very reasonable price.Most recently, we have organized weekend trips to Barcelona, Prague, Budapest and Belfast. 

A variety of activities such as creative writing, dance, studio art and photography are offered to students. St. Clare’s also has a strong tradition of workshop theater and several productions are put on throughout the year. The college also provides physical activities such as yoga, squash, hockey, soccer and basketball. Additionally, all St. Clare’s students have automatic membership at a city centre fitness centre. There are also stables just outside Oxford for those who enjoy horseback riding.

We encourage all students to get involved in activities beyond the classroom, which will develop and enhance their overall experience of Oxford. The Activities Department will advise you of options on arrival.

 

Subjects:

Art History, Communications, Economics and Business, English Literature, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, Social Science and Studio Art., Language courses in Spanish,  French, German, and Italian.

Education courses with placement in a local primary or secondary school

Sciences courses to be offered as of  January 2008

For information about courses offered visit www.stclares.ac.uk/liberalarts

St. Clare’s and Blackfriars Hall Scholars’  Programme

We invite applications for our Scholar’s Programme from highly motivated students who would particularly enjoy an academic challenge in the fields of Philosophy, Religious Studies or Theology.

The Scholar’s Programme is a joint initiative between St Clare’s and Blackfriars’ Hall, a private permanent Hall of Oxford University governed by the English Dominican Friars.

Further information about the  Scholars’ Programme and application procedures,

Go to www.stclares.ac.uk/liberalarts/la_dates2.html

Student Welfare is St. Clare's Highest Concern

St. Clare’s pays great attention to the care and welfare of students.

  • The Student Services Officer is available to assist with issues relating to accommodation.
  • The college nurse is available to students on weekdays.
  • Students are registered with a local medical center, and doctors from the center will see you by appointment.

Regular academic monitoring meetings are held with senior academic staff to review progress.

Duration:

Either semester or full year

Intersession and summer programmes are available -- see study abroad office for further information

Dates:

Autumn semester: early September to mid December; Spring semester: early January to mid May.

Semesters: 14 weeks teaching and 15 weeks accommodation

There is a week long mid-semester break during the autumn semester (normally second half of October); whereas, during the spring semester there is a long weekend break in February and a two week break around Easter.

Summer programmes offered from end of May through to early July; intersession offered in the first three weeks of January

Eligibility:

All majors; minimum 3.0 GPA

Language:

Courses taught in English

Accommodation

Residential policy at St. Clare's, Oxford
Many of the benefits of international living can be experienced in our College residences. Students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds share houses at St. Clare's. Any student living in one of our shared rooms will be sharing with a student from another country. Time and again, we see how this generates increased appreciation and respect of different practices and views.

• Students usually reside in College accommodation or accommodation organized by College (e.g. homestay with a local host family).
• On entry to the College all students are placed within houses and within rooms to ensure mixing of cultural and language backgrounds
• Houses - but not rooms - are mixed with respect to gender.
• All students must sign the St. Clare's accommodation regulations on arrival at the College. Oxford 2

Accommodation options in College residence
• Single Superior (with private shower and toilet)
• Single Standard (with shared facilities)
• Twin Superior (with private shower and toilet)
• Twin Standard (with shared facilities)

• self-catering or full board

• St. Clare’s residences are located within 15 minutes' walk of our adult Bardwell Road Centre or a short bus ride away.
• All College residences have a resident House Manager.
• Bed linen and towels are provided.
• Laundry facilities are available.

Homestay accommodation

• accommodation as a guest with a local host family (appraised and inspected regularly by St. Clare’s Student Services Officer)

• support provided by welfare manager in college

• Bed linen and towels are provided.
• Laundry facilities are available.

•half-board (breakfast and evening meal every day)

•single room (limited single superior option available)

•short bus journey to college (up to 30 minutes)

 Take a look at our housing photo gallery

Permit/Visa:

Not Required for US Citizens

Grading System:

The Grading Scale used at St. Clare's is the following: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D and F.

Application Requirements:

  • Application Form
  • Full transcript of courses taken to date, with grades and grade-point averages
  • A written reference from a professor or teacher who knows you well
  • A personal essay giving your reasons for wishing to study at St. Clare’s and outlining what contribution you hope to make to the College
  • An academic statement on the form signed by the appropriate authority (from the study abroad office)
  • Two recent passport size photos (Please write your name on the back of each photo).
  • Application Deadlines:
  • July 1 for fall semester or year-long
  • November 15 for spring semester

 

About Oxford Oxford 3

Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, is famous all over the world for its university and its place in history. Oxford has been an established city since the ninth century and for more than 800 years has been home to royalty and scholars.

Although a busy, cosmopolitan town, Oxford still maintains its ancient roots through its unique architecture. The city is located in the center of England, surrounded by beautiful countryside yet close to many places of interest such as London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Windsor, and the Cotswolds. These English towns are all within easy reach, while Cambridge, England, can be visited as a day trip. 24-hour bus access to nearby London and London airports simplifies travel plans for going anywhere in Europe.

Oxford's two universities draw in a total student population exceeding 30,000. The city's youthful atmosphere and its coffee shops, pubs and various nightclubs provide a great environment for young people to meet others from all over the world and learn about their different cultures.

Oxford offers other means of entertainment such as theater, cinemas, concerts, meetings for clubs and societies or even lectures by noted scholars and public figures. There are art museums and galleries nested among buildings that are over 600 years old. The city provides an overwhelming amount of culture, social and intellectual resources to all the visitors.

Top Sights of Oxford

Learn More

 

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Clare’s, Oxford

What is the academic environment like?

St. Clare’s is a small college – small by design. We value knowing our students well, their strengths and the challenges they face. Our classes are small, never more than 12, and all high-quality interaction between teachers and students. The teaching environment is a combination of being academically challenging whilst also being friendly, supportive and informal.

Will my financial aid transfer?

Contact study abroad office for information on fees and financial aid.

Do I need a visa? How do I get a visa?

A visa is required only if you will be in England for longer than six months. If you are going for only one semester and you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa. Please see the State Department Web site for information on obtaining a visa.

Do I need vaccinations before I travel?

Visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health Web site and/or SOS International for vaccination information.

Who will my classmates be?

Your classmates will be from America, other European countries and the rest of the world.

How many classes are taken per semester, on average?

On average, five classes are taken per semester. Four of these classes will be core courses (classes of 12 students maximum) and one class is a tutorial course.

How many credits can I earn?

On average, students earn a minimum of 15. Students can earn a further three units of credit if they successfully complete the St. Clare’s Seminar Series.

What is the St. Clare’s Seminar Series?

The St. Clare’s seminar series has been devised as a forum for sustained academic reflection for our undergraduate and other senior students. The Seminar Series offers students an opportunity to consider a range of issues and ideas, as well as a chance to interact with scholars from Oxford University and other renowned academic institutions.

Students can earn three units of credit if they fulfill the following conditions: full attendance at all seminars; maintaining a written record of each seminar, as well as completing an essay. The essay topic must be approved by the Series convener.  The Seminar Series should normally be taken in addition to the regular course load.

What subjects are offered?

For a complete list of courses see www.stclares.ac.uk/liberalarts

Is there an orientation?

Yes, there is an extensive orientation program before classes start. In addition, tuition includes the cost of some excursions. Examples of typical trips include Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Bath; London; Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford; and Cambridge.

About Oxford

What is public transportation like?

Oxford recently implemented a new infrastructure that gives buses priority in the city center. Cross-country trains provide transportation from Oxford to other parts of the U.K.

There are designated bicycle paths and many Oxford residents and students use this as a quick and safe means of transportation. Students can purchase a fully equipped bicycle (including helmet, lights and lock) and re-sell before they leave at a local bicycle shop. Details are provided at orientation.

How do I get around?

The UK has an excellent railroad network, which you will be able to use to travel within England and throughout the rest of the UK. Student discounts are available, as are rail passes. In addition, discount airlines such as RyanAir and Easy Jet are based in the UK and provide inexpensive flights to locations throughout the UK and mainland Europe.

St. Clare’s encourages you to use free time to travel Europe, and the program often arranges trips to major cities. Moreover, most classes are scheduled from Monday through Thursday, and with very few exceptions, there are no classes scheduled on Friday.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures range from 4 to 16 degrees Celsius, with the hottest months running from June to October. One thing you can be certain of in England at any time of the year is rain. Weather is known to be a favorite topic of conversation among the English, so knowing the forecast is a perfect tool at social gatherings.

How can I learn more about the city?

Oxford is one of Europe's most beautiful cities with its museums, parks and art galleries. The universities add a lively, youthful atmosphere - theatres, concerts, and nightclubs are integral to the city’s social scene. Centrally located in England, Oxford is surrounded by beautiful countryside and many places of interest such as London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, and Windsor. For more information, visit the city Web site.

How do I apply?

Applications forms are available from the Study Abroad Office;

 Application information and requests for an application pack at www.stclares.ac.uk/liberalarts