The Oxford Gap Year
A transformative experience tailored for US Students
The Program
Established in 1988, the prestigious Oxford Gap Year program at Oxford Tutorial College is a unique study opportunity for US high school students and graduates who recognise the advantage of refining their academic skills, either before starting college or as a ‘semester abroad’ during their college course. Highly regarded for the quality of its teaching and student-centered approach, the program provides individualized and inspiring study courses, which foster greater confidence and motivation, enabling both academic and social success in college. The experience provides an invaluable foretaste of college life.
Students are given the opportunity to experience the more intimate method of instruction and study favored by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge; they are able to pursue their academic interests through meeting in small seminar groups, supported by one-on-one tutorials. They are able to explore their academic interests in a stimulating environment, with close tutor support and without a set curriculum.
Students may enrol at any time and for a course of any length; typically they join for one or two terms or a full academic year, although courses of a specifically-requested duration can be arranged, given the flexibility of the tutorial method. Up to four classes are chosen from a wide choice and each is tailored to suit the individual student.
Who Is It For?
High School graduates during their ‘Gap Year’, taking courses that interest them and preparing for college-level work
College students taking an overseas study semester or year, developing subject knowledge and academic skills
High School juniors or seniors taking a semester overseas, earning additional credit towards graduation
Mature students taking ‘time out’ to undertake an academic or research project, with one-on-one tutor mentoring
Oxford itself provides a rich opportunity for joining student clubs and societies and offers its unique student-centered backdrop. In addition, the academic life of the college is enhanced by a varied range of extra-curricular activities, including cultural and historical visits, activities, music and sports.
Program Structure
Students join the Oxford Gap Year for courses of any length, though normally for one, two or three terms, selecting up to four subjects from a wide choice. Check the extensive course selection here.
Learning takes place through a combination of small group seminars and one-on-one tutorials, following the Oxford model. Set reading and written preparation reinforce understanding and themes are explored in depth at weekly tutorials, with students encouraged to further explore the areas that interest them, under their tutor’s guidance.
As part of the student experience, a wide range of extracurricular activities is available, ranging from cultural immersion and visits, music, theatre and sport. Social events are planned each term, enabling students to meet and develop friendships.
The Oxford Gap Year offers tremendous scope for academic and personal development, and students who join the program invariably leave as more confident and academically-capable people.
Academic Approach
The emphasis throughout is to help develop academic maturity and self-reliance, with an interactive teaching style that encourages questioning and feedback.
A combination of small group seminars and one-on-one tutorials ensures student participation in the learning process. Emphasis on the Oxford tutorial system enables the college to offer a tailored program of bespoke courses. Students can choose from an extensive list of course options or may request other specialist topics to create their ideal program.
Students normally take between two and four courses. Each consists of either a daily small-group seminar, or four seminar hours plus a one-on-one tutorial each week, or alternatively three tutorials per week if a student has selected a bespoke course.
The college has an outstanding faculty of permanent staff and specialist teachers, who work with students to create the exact academic options they need. In Oxford, there are specialists in virtually all fields of study.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I learned so much about myself and made a tone of new friends. I really enjoyed the time I spent here.”
“It was the most amazing experience. The staff were always happy to help in any way. School and social was balance and the friends I’ve made will last a lifetime!”
“This program was one of the best experiences of my life. I had never left the United States before I came here, but seeing Oxford made me want to travel the world.”
Academic Subjects
Snapshot: A typical day on the Gap Year Program
10am – 11am: History seminar with three other students
12am – 1pm: One-on-one tutorial on European Politics
1pm – 2pm: Lunch at one of Oxfords many independent cafes
2pm – 3pm: Debating workshop
4pm – 5pm: ‘Thinking & Writing Skills’ seminar
6pm – 7pm: Preparation for the next day’s classes
7pm: Dinner followed by (for example) a visit to a cinema, the Oxford Union or a concert at one of Oxford’s many music venues
The Oxford Union
Membership of the world-renowned Oxford Union is granted to all students on the program. This prestigious club has been a center of discussion and debate since 1823, hosting leading figures from the world of international politics and the arts. Visit the Union website – Oxford Union – for more information.
Term Dates
Michaelmas Term 2017
Term Begins 4th September
Term Ends 20th December
Half Term 23rd – 27th October
Hilary Term 2018
Term Begins 4th January
Term Ends 29th March
Half Term 12th – 16th February
Trinity Term 2018
Term Begins 16th April
Term Ends 29th June
Half Term no half term
Bank Holidays 7th May and 28th May
Teaching Patterns & Fees
A standard course consists of a study group of six hours weekly, or a seminar group of four hours plus an individual tutorial hour weekly, or three individual hours weekly. Students have direct access to tutors to help with understanding and assimilation of material covered.
Tuition fees cover all teaching and supervised study, regular academic supervision meetings, assessments, advice with college applications, student materials (except books), use of the internet and photocopier. Regular weekend visits to places of interest and all activities and sports within Oxford, including membership of The Oxford Union, the prestigious student debating club, are covered by the college fee.
All program fees for the Oxford Gap Year are charged in pounds sterling (GBP). There is a registration fee of $400 applicable to all programs.
Tuition Fees 2016 – 17
Fees Per Term
One Subject
Two Subjects
Three Subjects
Four Subjects
Michaelmas Term 2016
£3200
£6400
£9600
£12800
Hilary Term 2017
£2560
£5120
£7680
£10240
Trinity Term 2017
£2140
£4280
£6420
£8560
Accommodation Costs
Host family or hostel accommodation is arranged by the college. Private rental accommodation is arranged by students. Costs are in the region of £180 to £225 per week with a host family where breakfast and evening meal are provided and a little less where students cater for themselves.
Rooms at student hostels are between £5,500 and £7,000 per academic year; priority is given to those studying for a full year although there are occasions students can be housed in the hostel for a shorter period.
Where the college assists a student in arranging accommodation, an arrangement fee of £150 and a termly management fee of £150 are payable.
A damages deposit of £500 is also charged, refundable once the student has left the accommodation, subject to any deductions.
Please contact us to discuss specific accommodation options.
Living Expenses
Allowance should be made for living expenses and pocket money during a student’s stay in Oxford. Where accommodation includes breakfast and evening meal, a weekly allowance of £120 is sufficient plus a termly amount of about £120 per subject for books and stationery. If a student is responsible for his or her own catering, an additional £80 – £100 per week will cover this.
College Fees
This termly fee of £200 covers the social activities and visits program plus membership of the Oxford Union.
Money Matters
Where this is preferred, the college can open a trust account which handles a student’s accommodation payments and living expenses. The agreed amounts for each term must be deposited in the student trust account at the beginning of term
2017/2018 Gap Year Applications Are Open
Start your application for this year's Oxford Gap Year Program here.
Apply Now