2025 COURSES
Immerse yourself in the life of Oxford University through these rigorous, graduate-level courses. In your spare time, explore the historic surroundings of the university and city. Study in small interactive seminar groups, led by specialist Oxford tutors, and conduct research with your own Bodleian Library card. Join fellow scholars for walking tours, after-dinner discussions, and weekend excursions to sites of literary and/or historical interest. You will live as a student of Exeter College, one of Oxford’s oldest colleges, founded in 1314, and become a member of the Oxford summer community. You may choose to study English Literature, Creative Writing or History, Politics & Society. Click to read descriptions of each course:
- English Literature, Exeter College (July 6 – July 26, 2025) Examining a variety of significant literary texts and movements from Middle English to contemporary literature.
- History, Politics & Society, Exeter College (July 6 -July 26, 2025): Providing insight into issues and events that have influenced the contemporary world using a thematic approach.
- Creative Writing, Exeter College (July 27 – August 16, 2025) Offering intermediate and advanced seminars for creative writers wishing to enhance their skills.
2025 PROGRAM COST
$6200 Program cost includes tuition, access to libraries and IT facilities, single accommodation in Exeter College with shared bath, and most meals in Exeter College Dining Hall (except lunch on all Saturdays and Sundays). A limited number of rooms with private bath available upon request ($500 additional).
Program cost does not include travel, travel insurance, medical insurance, additional meals, or any other incidentals.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEACHERS
Every year, the ESU Branches nationwide provide nearly scholarships for classroom teachers in their communities. ESU scholarships are for current classroom teachers attending our multi-week courses at Shakespeare’s Globe, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Oxford.
SUISS offers their own scholarships which are completely independent from the ESU. Please read below for more information.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTACT HOURS
The program provides a minimum of 46.5 contact hours: 24 hours of seminar meetings and 22.5 hours of lectures. Classes contain no more than 15 students. All participants will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Oxford upon submission of course work. All students who complete the program will receive a certificate of attendance. Those seeking credit at their home institution may request a detailed certificate which lists contact hours (for seminars and lectures), an assessment of their contribution to seminar discussions, grades achieved for written work, and the number of private study hours required. Certificates will be sent to students’ home institutions within a month of the end of the summer school. As Oxford University does not offer credit for this summer school, those wishing to obtain credit from their home institution for attending this program must make appropriate arrangements with that institution in advance.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This program is comprised of rigorous, graduate-level seminars. Participants must complete all preparatory readings, attend all seminars, and spend considerable time in the library (with your own Bodleian Library card!) to complete the required reading and research including a final paper of 2,000-3,000 words. There is also preparatory reading that must be completed prior to program start.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications Instructions:
- Download and complete the 2-page Oxford application form for the course you wish to attend
- Oxford Creative Writing: Complete the application form (intermediate)
- Oxford Creative Writing – Advanced: Complete the application form
- Oxford English Literature: Complete the application form (graduate)
- Oxford History, Politics and Society: Complete the application form
2. Compile the remaining Oxford application materials:
- One letter of recommendation
- JPEG portrait photograph for use in Oxford ID
- Proof of overseas health insurance (photo or scan of card)
- One-page personal statement, detailing your academic reasons for wishing to attend the summer school. This should include what you hope to get out of the course, and what you are likely to contribute to the intellectual life of the summer school. This may include details of related courses you have previously taken, or the relevance of the summer school to your present course of study or professional development. It is essential that you clearly state your reasons for wishing to enroll in specific seminars.
3. All application materials must be emailed to ESU National Headquarters (auhl@esuus.org) by April 15th The ESU reviews and forwards all applications to Oxford. Final acceptance is determined and notified by the UK institution via email in Spring 2025.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Cancellation Policy:
If you are unable to attend the program, you must notify the ESU immediately in writing at auhl@esuus.org and when applicable cc the ESU Branch that awarded a TLab Branch Scholarship. Fees already paid to the UK institution will be returned according to the institution’s cancellation policy, as specified in their materials. ESU Branch TLab Scholarship Recipients will be personally liable for additional TLab fees such as stipend and/or airfare if disbursed or paid prior to departure in the event of a withdrawal.
If the State Department of the United States announces a “no travel” policy or a program is cancelled fees paid to the institution will be returned according to the individual school’s cancellation policy, as specified in their materials.
International Airfare:
It is highly recommended to all participants to book a changeable/refundable flight. ESU TLab Branch Scholars please do Not book international airfare until given permission by your ESU Branch.