Oxford was the first university in the English-speaking world, established around 1096. Its spires and towers soar above a beautiful, tree-lined medieval town filled with distinguished and historic colleges that comprise one of the greatest universities in the world. Founded in 1879, Somerville College, where Great Books students live and study, is one of the newer colleges among the 38 constituent colleges that make up Oxford.
This Literary & Writing Travel Adventure series is anchored at Somerville. Situated close to the city center and bordered by the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Clarendon and Jericho, Great Books students enjoy the best of local culture. The deep history and unique atmosphere of ancient cathedrals, abbeys, and a central castle make Oxford a magnet for students and scholars from around the world. Outings may include walking tours, punting on the Thames, a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and more.
Explore and write with us in England! Based at Somerville College, one of the constituent colleges of University of Oxford. Join us for one week or two weeks! In one of the most enchanting cities in England, this special program gives students the opportunity to let the rich history of Oxford and England inspire their writing.
Academics
Oxford Writer's Program - Week of July 18: Students in this program will spend mornings in craft seminars, learning writing techniques, and discussing a broad array of British literature. Late morning and evening writing sessions give students the opportunity to put pen to paper to create original works.
Oxford Literary Travel Program - Week of July 25: Students joining us this week will spend their mornings taking part in Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions on selections of British and world literature. These lively sessions, inspired by our historic locale, focus on building critical thinking skills as students engage deeply in lively discussion on the big questions of humanity.
Both programs allow students to learn more about the history and tradition of writing and storytelling in England as they live and write in a city rich with literary history.
Cultural Exploration
During both our Writer's Program and our Literary Travel Program weeks, we spend afternoons and most evenings touring the real-life landmarks and haunts that inspired the memorable characters and fanciful worlds of greats like JRR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and more. We'll also see the different colleges that comprise Oxford, including Christ Church and New College, which were featured in the Harry Potter movies. Our Writer's Program week will include writing time in some of these special locations.
In addition, Great Books students in both programs will enjoy the bone chilling (and hilarious) tales on the famed Oxford ghost tour and spend an afternoon punting on the Thames just as Lewis Carroll did with little Alice when he first imagined Wonderland!
Students may join us for this residential program for one week or stay with us for both weeks in Oxford or combine it with our other literary adventures for a longer stay. For rising grades 9-12 and gap year. Learn more about Great Books Literary Travel Programs and see the schedule for a typical day at camp.
Space is limited. Save your spot early!
Have questions? Contact us today. Our Admissions Team is here to help!