Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Each semester, organized with our partner in Oxford, a small group of high achieving Mason undergraduate and graduate students are selected to study as affiliated students at one of a variety of University of Oxford colleges, alma mater of presidents and prime ministers. Each semester consist of two parts: a traditional course taught by the Mason attending academic director and the Oxford Term when students take part in traditional Oxford tutorials.

Participants in this program learn through Oxford’s unique tutorial system. The tutorial system gives participants unparalleled individual attention through weekly one-on-one meetings with an Oxford scholar. Each student is guided through an intellectual exploration of their chosen discipline. Tutorials are similar in structure to intensive directed reading courses or graduate independent studies at George Mason University.

Tutorials are offered in the social sciences, theoretical sciences, business, and the humanities. During tutorials, students are expected to do substantial independent library work and periodically produce written essays and oral presentations. 

At the close of the program, participants produce a portfolio of their work. The portfolio consists of an essay reflecting their experience and copies of their tutorial work.

During the fall semester (Oxford’s Michaelmas term), the experience begins with a course taught by the Academic Director. Participants leave for England in late August or early September. This arrival date allows program participants adequate time to settle into living quarters and complete the academic director's course, an upper division course accompanied by field trips before the regular Oxford term begins. Once the regular Oxford term starts in October (terms are shorter and more intensive than George Mason's), each student will take two primary tutorials.

During the spring semester (Oxford's Hilary term), the experience begins with the Oxford term. Participants leave in early January. The regular Oxford term (tutorials) start immediately. Spring semester participants also take two primary tutorials. Tutorials end in early March and are then followed by a three week course taught by the Academic Director. This course utilizes skills developed in the tutorial.

The course taught by the Mason Academic Director is enhanced by visits to museums or sites related to the course topic. Topics change each semester based on the Academic Director's expertise and discipline.

Eligibility

Undergraduate: Open only to Mason undergraduate students with a 3.50 grade point average or higher, or Mason Honors Program students and University Scholars with a 3.30 grade point average or higher.
Graduate: Open only to Mason graduate students with a 3.80 grade point average or higher.

 

Cost:

Program Cost: $19,995 Included: Tuition Housing Cultural visits Excursion to London Pre-departure orientation Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance Administrative services in Oxford and at George Mason University Not included: International airfare Domestic transportation to and from Oxford Meals Personal expenses

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes