The Scholars' Semester In Oxford

The year-long Scholars' Semester in Oxford (SSO) provides an opportunity for students, as members of Wycliffe Hall and Visiting Students of Oxford University, to do intensive scholarship in this historic seat of learning. Concentrations for study are available in: 

• Classics
• English Language and Literature
• History
• Philosophy
• Theology and Religious Studies

VISION
Through work with academic tutors students at SSO hone their skills and delve into their individual areas of scholarly interest. Keat's "city of dreaming spires" provides the arena for a rare opportunity to engage in scholarly fellowship and development.

QUALIFICATIONS
Eligibility requires:

• 3.5 GPA or above
• Junior standing
• Possess a strong committment to academics and Christianity

CREDITS
A total of 17 credits are possible each term. 

Fall or Michaelmas term is divided into 3 required components:

• Primary and Secondary Tutorials (6 and 3 credits)
• British Landscape  (4 credits)
• Integrative Seminar (4 credits)

Spring or Hillary term is divided into 3 required components:

• Thesis (4 credits)
• Primary and Secondary Tutorials (6 and 3 credits)
• Further Studies in the British Landscape (4 credits)

For the British Landscapes Course students may elect to take credit in one of four ways:

For the tutorials  the SSO has 18 interdisciplinary thematic concentrations:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES 
Gordon students wishing to apply for SSO must submit an academic paper and have a formal interview with the GEO staff as well as complete the online seat application (link available to Gordon students only) to participate in this Best Semester Program. Only after you've been approved by the Global Education Office, may you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application for SSO.

1. Seat applications for the full-year Oxford program must be submitted online by January 15.
   
2. The formal interview with the Global Education Office must be conducted by January 17.
   
3. The BEST SEMESTER's application must be submitted by February 2 (the Best Semester early admission deadline).

COSTS
The cost is generally equal to a 16 credit semester at Gordon and includes:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Room
  
• Immigration and Visa expenses
• Program-related travel 

Please note that board is not included in the Best Semester costs. Accordingly, Gordon College will not bill students for board.

Should the costs of the Best Semester Oxford Program exceed the cost of Gordon's tuition, room, and comprehensive fees, students are responsible for the difference.

Not included in regular tuition costs are such items as:

• Board
• Travel to and from Oxford
• Personal expenses
• Books
• Fee for International Student ID Card (ISIC)
• Personal medical expenses, if incurred 

Note: The exchange rate currently favors the British. Plan your budget accordingly when thinking about personal expenses.