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England Study Abroad Program at St Edmund Hall

About St Edmund Hall in Oxford, England

Required GPA: 3.6 (4.0 scale)
Application deadlines: April 15 for spring two terms (Jan-June)
January 15 for fall term (Sept-Dec)
January 15 for full year (Sept-June)
We recommend early application to St. Edmund Hall.

Program advisor: Meghan Cross

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Program Snapshot

We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the St. Edmund Hall, University of Oxford for your semester or year abroad. Oxford is a beautiful city with a wonderful mix of the ancient and modern, and St. Edmund is located just off High Street, close to other colleges and the shopping district. We're sure you're going to love studying there!

There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab. We recommend early application to St. Edmund Hall.

What St. Edmund Hall has to offer

Founded in the 13th century as an academic hall that housed students attending various colleges
Architecture that shows a mix of old and new, with a library that was converted from the 12th-century church of St.-Peter-in-the-East
St. Edmund students are well known throughout the University for taking their sports seriously
Abundant extracurricular activities, including the drama society and the Terry Jones Society, which organizes trips to nearby plays and concerts

Housing

Students live out in town with second-year St. Edmund students
Student apartments have kitchens, but the IFSA-Butler program fee includes 38 dinners per term in the college dining hall

Academics

Extremely competitive admission
Students receive individual guidance from their tutor and benefit from the tutor's expert knowledge
Unique tutorial instruction allows students to work independently and develop their own academic ideas
Students take one primary tutorial and one secondary tutorial per term

We look forward to working with you!

Academics

Academic Structure

How is the University of Oxford structured?
The University of Oxford is a federation of 44 autonomous colleges and halls that have separate grounds, their own tutors and administrators, and distinct personalities. The colleges organize admission, accommodation and tutorial instruction for students. College tutors and administrators have their offices in the college as well. Seminar and lecture halls and a college library are located in each college for academic purposes. The colleges are also responsible for providing sports and social facilities. Not only do students live, study, socialize and dine at their college, but they may also take their tutorials in their college. As a result, students often have a stronger allegiance to their college than to the university.

The university determines the general content of each discipline, organizes lectures, regulates degree exams, and provides excellent resources like the Bodleian Library, faculty (departmental) libraries, laboratories, museums, computing facilities and more.

Students are members of both their college and the university. Compared with American institutions, each of the member colleges is quite small, few having more than 500 students. The combined full-time enrollment of undergraduate and graduate students at Oxford is about 20,000 men and women who are among the brightest, most motivated students the world has to offer.

What does St. Edmund Hall look for in potential candidates?
St. Edmund Hall faculty members who review applications are primarily interested in the following:

A student's overall academic background.
Achievements in the student's major area(s) of study. Typically St. Edmund Hall prefers students who have taken three to five courses in their tutorial field prior to the term they are studying abroad.
The tutorials requested by the student.

Who are the tutors?
Most Visiting Students are instructed by tutors from their specific University of Oxford college, but sometimes by tutors from other colleges. The main criterion is that students should have the most appropriate tutors for their own particular interests and needs. Visiting Students may be taught by Fellows, lecturers, or advanced graduate students.

During their period of study at St. Edmund Hall, Visiting Students will be under the general supervision of the Tutor for Visiting Students, a Fellow of the college who is appointed to oversee the program. In addition to coordinating the study program, the advisor will be available for consultation on both academic and personal matters.

How does the tutorial system work?
The tutorial system is at the heart of Oxford's approach to university education. While most universities in the U.S. and the U.K. rely on lectures, classes and seminars as their main mode of teaching, Oxford places the emphasis on tutorials. Other methods are used, but they are secondary to tutorials.

Oxford's tutorial system consists of an hour of in-depth discussion between one student or a pair of students and a tutor assigned by the college. Tutorials that take place once a week are called the primary tutorial, and tutorials that take place once every other week are called a secondary tutorial. Visiting Students take one primary and one secondary tutorial per term.

At the center of each tutorial is an essay that a student researches and prepares in the week prior to the meeting. In the traditional tutorial, students will read the essay aloud to the tutor, although today many tutors might ask to take the essay home with them or will request the essay early in order to read it before the meeting. Discussion of the essay will often lead to further conversation of the topic at hand or a related topic.

Tutorial meeting times are traditionally arranged between the tutor and the student upon arrival. Tutorials can also be held in a variety of locations: a college room, university building or even in the tutor's own home.

How do I prepare for a tutorial?
In researching and writing the assigned essay, students consult a list of books, journals and/or research materials they have received from the tutor and also explore related materials. In this way students bring to the essay and the subsequent discussion a variety of information, which will also stimulate their thinking on the subject. This is a highly individualized method of learning, and tutorials can often be tailored to the student. Keep this in mind when discussing the subject for the next tutorial.

Preparing for a tutorial is much different than studying for a class or a test. It requires independence, self-discipline and self-motivation. The great advantage of the tutorial is that for an entire hour, a student has the undivided attention of an expert in the subject at hand. However, be prepared for the fact that Visiting Students, like degree students at Oxford, must become accustomed to self-directed study and working independently. Tutors will not simply offer facts and information because they will expect students to present their own thoughts and ideas!

When will I know if I've been accepted?
Your program advisor will contact you via phone and/or e-mail when you've been accepted by St. Edmund Hall. Acceptance decisions generally take about eight to 12 weeks once your application is complete and sent overseas.

Will I be fully integrated into the Oxford Community?
Yes. All IFSA-Butler students studying at Oxford are awarded Visiting Student status, as opposed to the more restrictive Associate Student status. Visiting Students are considered to be full members of the college and have access to all University facilities, libraries, societies, and sports teams with the exception of the University rowing team. Visiting Students are also full members of their college's Junior Common Room (JCR) and enjoy full college privileges, including college-owned accommodation with other undergraduates of their college.

Most importantly, Visiting Students are taught in the same manner and assessed by the same standards as other degree-seeking undergraduates at Oxford. Tutors expect the same quality of work from Visiting Students as they do from degree-seeking undergraduates. Visiting Students are considered alumni upon successful completion of their term or year abroad.

Tutorials

Where can I find a list of subjects and/or tutorials that the university offers?
Open St. Edmund Hall's list of available subjects.

Are there any tips for completing the tutorial request form?
Yes! Following are some of the things you should keep in mind as you complete the tutorial request form.

The tutorials you choose should build on knowledge you have already acquired at your home university. Do not request introductory-level or survey tutorials. You should not plan to fulfill elective requirements while studying at Oxford. Stick to tutorials in your major or another discipline where you have already taken at least two classes.
Your tutorial topics should be limited to no more than two subjects, and those subjects should be related. For instance, the tutors reviewing your application will look more favorably at a tutorial request form that has choices limited to politics and history departments. They would not be as impressed with a tutorial request form that lists choices in chemistry, economics and art history.
We recommend that you complete the form by requesting all of your top-choice tutorials first. Then, after you've completed your top choices, go back through and add your second choices. Occasionally, St. Edmund Hall may accept a student based on some of their second choices, so make sure you like all of the tutorials you list.
It is difficult to change your tutorial choices once you've made them, so make sure you are comfortable with your choices.

What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your tutorial preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.

Course Restrictions

Your tutorial topics should be limited to no more than two subjects, and those subjects should be related. For instance, the tutors reviewing your application will look more favorably at a tutorial request form that has choices limited to politics and history departments. They would not be as impressed with a tutorial request form that lists choices in chemistry, economics and art history.

Credits

How many tutorials am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
Students take one primary (major) and one secondary (minor) tutorial every term. Students are not permitted to receive extra credit by taking two primary tutorials in one term. Butler University will award students 8 U.S. semester credit hours for each primary tutorial and 4 U.S. semester credit hours for each secondary tutorial. No credit will be awarded for additional work undertaken even if the Oxford College approves it.

Butler University will issue 12 U.S. semester credit hours for the Michaelmas (fall) term, 24 U.S. semester credit hours for the Hilary/Trinity (spring) two-term program and 36 U.S. semester credit hours for the academic year at Oxford.

Science and math students may be required to attend University lectures or to take one or more short tutorials. Regardless of the number of tutorials or lectures required, science students will earn the same number of credits (12 U.S. semester credit hours per term) as other students.

Registration

What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Oxford course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.

You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.

The tutorial preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host college know which subjects you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your tutorial selections with your academic advisor at your home institution. Completing the tutorial request form is one of the most important things you will do as you prepare to study abroad. Your admissions decision will be partially based upon your tutorial preferences, so please do not plan to deviate from your initial choices.

Exams

What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, most students will not take exams at the University of Oxford. However, you will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program. Please refer to your program calendar to review the program dates.

Transcripts

How will my home university know what my tutorials were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Oxford. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address. After you receive your Butler University transcript, both you and your home school advisor will also receive copies of your tutorial reports containing helpful feedback from your tutors.

Housing

Housing Options

What are my housing options?
Visiting Students are housed along with other St Edmund Hall undergraduates in college-run accommodation in one of several annexes close to the College.

Typically each student will have a single study bedroom with a washbasin, wardrobe, desk and twin bed. There is access to bathrooms from each room and kitchen facilities are available as well. All rooms have telephone and/or Ethernet connections. Linens are not included but may be purchased from St. Edmund Hall. Students will also have access to laundry facilities as well.

Meals

There are self-catering kitchens available in the accommodations, but they are basic: microwave, refrigerator, stovetop. Additionally, St. Edmund Hall offers visiting students access to their dining hall. St. Edmund Hall students receive 38 dinners per term as part of the program fee. Self-service breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in College at the Wolfson Dining Hall every day and there is Hall dinner on Sundays. They also have a number of formal 'Guest Nights' when students can invite their friends and special menus are served. Students are able to buy meals at the dining hall on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Housing FAQs

Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Students are required to move out of their rooms during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the college housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during the university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.

When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases students may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in England for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the college.

Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.

Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.

Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.

Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and by May 1 for fall programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.

Location Info

Living and Studying Abroad in Oxford, England

About Oxford
Population: 170,000
Location: Oxfordshire, in south central England

City features

Bustling, modern city anchored by an air of academic tradition
A diverse population and an urban edge
Incredible architecture, from medieval to Victorian to modern
Museums, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, drama clubs, debating societies, river sports and a wealth of entertainment resources.

In addition to many cultural events at the colleges, the city offers plenty of pubs and bars for nightlife

Do more!

Participate in Oxford traditions such as punting (boating) on the River Isis (Thames) and Cherwell and caroling from the Magdalen church tower on May Day
Take day trips to the beautiful Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace and Stratford-upon-Avon, home to William Shakespeare
Catch a bus or train London, about an hour away

Links
Oxford University
Oxfordshire Link
Cotswolds Tourism
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwick Castle
This is Oxfordshire

Dates & Fees

Program Dates

St. Edmund Hall dates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view our full England program calendars.

Program Fees

St. Edmund Hall fees for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of England fees.
What's included in our England program fees
Expense calculator

Personal Cost Estimates

Personal cost estimates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of England personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator

Forms

To apply to the St. Edmund Hall program, use our easy online application.

Applicants to the St. Edmund Hall program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:

St. Edmund Hall Application, Essay and Tutorial Form
St. Edmund Hall Housing Form
Two graded writing samples

St. Edmund Hall also requires that each applicant complete a Disability Disclosure Form. Due to U.S. federal privacy laws, IFSA-Butler cannot require you to complete this form. However, St. Edmund Hall requires this information at the time of application so as to best meet your needs. This form will not affect your admission to St. Edmund Hall or IFSA-Butler. Please complete this form and put it in a sealed envelope. Return the sealed envelope with your other forms. Your answers to these questions will be forwarded to St. Edmund Hall unopened. Your application will not be complete until we receive these answers.

We must receive these materials before we can send your application to St. Edmund Hall for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.

If you have already started an application to the St. Edmund Hall program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.

Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team

IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in England:

meghan Program Advisor Meghan Cross assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. Meghan can be reached at the email link above or at 800-940-0229, ext. 4229. After studying abroad twice (once on an IFSA-Butler program), Meghan graduated and came to work for IFSA-Butler. She currently acts as a program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in England, Ireland and Wales.

alt Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.

alt Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.

Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident directors. Click here to read more about Resident Directors Lynne Alvarez and Andrew Williams.

alt Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. Currently she is working on her Doctorate in Adult, Community and Higher Education at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.

Get Connected

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If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
Student Network
Student Blogs
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