Just wanted to share an incredible experience my adult [ solo traveler] daughter is having this week:
Oxford's Summer Experience classes for adults. She staying in the dorms, all meals are included, and classes are in the mornings. The afternoons / evenings are either free or have "field trips." The classes cover a range of topics, from ancient Romans to British mystery writers- one picks one topic for the week.
One does need to dress for dinner. Evenings have included coquet and wine, pub walks, etc. We found out about these summer classes from an article in a newspaper Travel Section. The cost is very reasonable. She's having a fantastic time.
Just wanted to pass along a great idea for folks who have done Travel 101, and for solo travelers. I hope to sign up for a week next summer; popular classes seem to fill up early. [ Didn't include a link because I didn't want this Forum to think this was a commercial post.]
My daughter's going onto The Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland next week. Doesn't get much better!
Safe travels!
Posted by
Atlanta
2512 posts
Pat,
I have had my eye on this Week in Oxford series. I have a brochure from Smithsonian Journeys which sounds like the one your daughter is doing. How fun and then, to go on to the Fringe in Scotland!
What a thrill for your daughter!
I have read about a week in Stratford-Upon-Avon which focuses on Shakespeare and classes are taught by Oxford professors. You attend 4 Shakespeare plays and go to various Cotswolds villages and a one day trip to London for a play at the Globe Theatre. This is not offered by Smithsonian.
These classes are so tempting! One day I will take the plunge and then I can say, Well, when I was a student at Oxford, to impress people who don't know me! My friends will not be impressed, however.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14826 posts
OH, that just sounds wonderful! I think someone mentioned this a few years ago and I'd looked at it then promptly forgot. This just sounds like so much fun. Can you share what topic your daughter picked?
And...can you elaborate on "dress for dinner" - no athletic shoes/jeans VS something actually dressy like for a cocktail party (AS IF I'd been to one in 40 years, lol!!).
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1162 posts
This sounds so wonderful! I was too timid to go to school abroad back in the day but this is something I would do now without hesitation. Will you post the link please? Or just share what the cost is?
Posted by
California USA
4115 posts
Here is an example of Christ Church’s summer program for adults https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/oxford-experience. We’ve had friends participate in different courses like those run by the C. S. Lewis Institute. http://www.cslewis.org/ourprograms/summerinstitute/
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5649 posts
The cost is about 1500 GBP, which includes meals, lodging [I think 6 nites], classes, and extras. The dorm isn't air conditioned, but so far that hasn't been a problem, and there are stairs.
The fancy nights are the last evening's Gala , along with the evening that you have your turn at dinner sitting at the High Table [everyone sits there once.] Think the Dining Hall in the Harry Potter movie, my daughter said.
I better get a T-shirt out of this!
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
This has been on my radar for awhile. You need to start checking the website early in autumn for the next summer's schedule as classes fill quickly. I did something similar to this in the 90s staying at Brasenose, Magdalen, and Peterhouse (Cambridge). Enjoyed it so very much.
Thanks for the reminder. I will put this on my upcoming checklist.
Debbie
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5649 posts
I would add the pix of the schedule, but I have never figured out how to add an attachment here- can someone pls help me? Thx
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5649 posts
The 2020 schedule is already posted- and it looks REALLY appealing!
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Yes, here is the 2020 Oxford Summer Experience schedule (so far).
Pat, were you looking for how to link? I would be interested in adding photos too, but did not know we could do that.
PS, thanks for sharing and being alert to this. Really helpful. D
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5649 posts
My daughter sent me a pix of her daily schedule for all this week, and I can't figure out how to post it here. I've seen others do so, however.