Overview
Picture yourself wandering the ancient streets and storied buildings of the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Oxford’s deep roots are on display in its awe-inspiring architecture and longstanding traditions, and its focus on the future is evident in the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. In the city of Oxford, you’ll discover many contemporary restaurants, a traditional covered market, a bustling High Street with many shops, and some of the finest bookstores in the world.
The hallmark of the Oxford experience is the tutorial system. Tutorials are intense, one-on-one Socratic lessons with a content expert. Each week, students will research, read, and critically analyze large amounts of material, culminating in the submission of an essay for critique and discussion with the tutor. Oxford tutors expect students to develop their own arguments and ideas. This type of instruction is challenging and not for the faint of heart. Exceptional writing ability and time management skills are essential. It is this intense tutorial experience that makes Oxford one of the most rewarding places to study your chosen fields.
JMU partners with the Oxford Study Abroad Programme to enroll students as Associate Members in one of four Oxford colleges - New College, Trinity College, Oriel College, or Magdalen College. Students enjoy the college privileges of regular Oxford students, including access to libraries, social events, clubs and outings.
For detailed information about the program and experience, please visit our partner's website, here.
Eligibility
Studying at Oxford is a challenging academic experience. Participants should be intelligent, mature, hard-working students with a track record of academic excellence. Successful applicants possess 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 Oxford program is open to students in all majors who meet the above qualifications.
JMU Oxford Video
Term Options
Study at Oxford takes place over three regular terms, with summer options flexible from 4-12 weeks. The three terms are:
Michaelmas (late September - mid December)
Hilary (mid January - early April)
Trinity (mid April - late June)
The OSAP program is generally structured to allow for 13 weeks per term, giving students time to complete their studies and have some time for travel, as well.
Students who are interested in a "full year" mirroring a US experience usually enroll in Michaelmas and Hilary terms.
Application Process
The application for admission to Oxford is a multi-step process, involving applying first to JMU for sponsorship to our partner, and then applying to Oxford via our partner. Deadlines listed on this page will be the date your application is due to JMU; if accepted for sponsorship, you will receive further instructions for applying to OSAP.
A completed application at this juncture consists of the following components:
- JMU Study At Oxford Application.
- A 500-word personal statement essay. This essay may include your reasons for choosing this program; how the choice of courses, program structure, city or country might relate to your past, present and future academic, career and personal goals; (i.e., How do you think you will benefit from the experience?).
- One letter of recommendation, ideally from a faculty member who can speak to your readiness for this experience.
If accepted for sponsorship, you will need to supply your essay and recommendation letter, as well as a JMU transcript, to OSAP, so please save copies of your recommendation letter and your essay.
Courses and Credits
Students can study a wide range of subjects at Oxford. Because of the flexibility of the tutorial system, the Oxford program can accommodate almost any subject; however, courses in the traditional liberal arts and sciences (not including labs) are the easiest to accommodate. Students will work with our partners directly to identify appropriate course selection, and with JMU to arrange appropriate JMU credit.
Tutorial guidance and recommendations can be viewed here (links to .pdf)
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. Please note that the listed deadlines are approximately 3 months prior to term start, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible to allow for planning, more affordable flights, etc.
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Michaelmas - June 1st
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Hilary - October 1st
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Trinity - January 1st
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All summer terms - February 1st
If the application deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on the next business day.
Applications received after these deadlines may be considered on a space-available basis.
Financial Aid
JMU allows financial aid to be applied on Study At Programs subject to the standard restrictions. For more information, please contact JMU's Financial Aid Office.
Program Costs
The program fee (including tuition, housing, and educational tours) is $18,700 per term.
For all Study At programs, an External Study Abroad fee of $500 regular term / $250 summer term is required.
Both the program fee and the external study abroad fee are billed through JMU.
Students are responsible for food, airfare, and ground travel costs.
Committing and Withdrawing
Once accepted, you will be required to electronically sign the Statement of Intent to Participate to accept the terms of the program and secure your place. This form must be completed by the deposit deadline stated in the official acceptance letter, and be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of $750.
If at any time you wish to withdraw from the program, you must inform the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), not the program director. The CGE will not accept verbal cancellations in person or by phone; official notification of withdrawal should be made in writing or by email. Otherwise, you will continue to receive bills and be responsible for payment of the tuition and course fees and/or instructional fees and study abroad program expenses. Please note that we cannot refund your deposit if you choose to withdraw after accepting your place in the program. However, if your application is not approved by St. Andrews, Oxford or Cambridge, the deposit will be refunded as a credit on your student account.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about billing or other administrative issues, call CGE at 540-568-5209 or send an email to studyabroad@jmu.edu.
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100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
