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Oxford Direct Enrollment - St. Catherine's College
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with St. Catherine’s College.
Academic Environment & Expectations: The Tutorial System
University education at St. Catherine’s is based on the tutorial system. Typically, you have two lectures per week for each class and one tutorial, or small group meeting, for which you’re expected to prepare a list of readings and topics to discuss. There is a high expectation that you will put in a significant amount of independent study in addition to classroom, laboratory, and tutorial hours.
Because of the high academic rigor of this program, a 3.85 GPA (out of 4.0) is required to participate. St. Catherine’s sometimes considers applicants with a GPA slightly below 3.85 who include an exceptional set of essays or an original and compelling personal statement. St. Catherine’s will not consider applicants with a GPA lower than 3.7.
Using the resources available, you must engage in extensive independent reading and research under the broad guidance of a tutor. Your tutorial sessions require you to discuss your weekly reading and essay. This methodology sharpens the learning skills of critical evaluation and organization of ideas. You are taught by the same tutors, in the same manner, and held to the same standards as matriculated Oxford students.
Courses
Study abroad students usually apply to one or sometimes two academic departments and then propose to study topics within those departments. St. Catherine’s offers a wide range of disciplines. Past IES Abroad students have proposed to study the following topics:
- Aesthetics in Plato & Aristotle
- The American Revolution
- Anglo-Norman Literature
- Behavioral Economics
- Behavioral Genetics
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- British Politics Since 1945
- Cellular Signaling
- Computer Architecture
- Confessional Latin
- Ethical Theory
- Global Health Epidemiology
- History of Chinese Philosophy & Religion
- The Islamic Civilization/Golden Age
- James Joyce
- Macroeconomic Analysis
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Middle Eastern Politics
- Neuropathology
- Probability
- Radical Social Theory
- Renaissance, Humanism & the Church 1300-1600
- Theological Understandings of Gender
For more details about course options, visit the "CATZ" website.
IES Abroad Pre-Semester Tutorial in London
To ensure fall and academic year students receive the 15 credits per semester required by IES Abroad, we require a 3-credit, pre-semester tutorial in London. You live and study in London for three weeks prior to the start of the term in Oxford.
Designed to prepare you to succeed at the University of Oxford, this independent study tutorial sharpens your skills in oral and written rhetoric. You work one-on-one with IES Abroad London tutors (some of whom also teach at Oxford). The subject for the tutorial is chosen from the standard IES Abroad courses.* While in London, you live in a residence hall.
Partner Institution(s)
St. Catherine’s College
St. Catherine’s College, whose foundation stone was laid by Queen Elizabeth II on November 4, 1960, welcomed its first undergraduates two years later. Although St. Catherine’s is the youngest college in Oxford, it is also one of the largest with almost 500 undergraduates and 400 postgraduates, as well as 70 fellows and lecturers.
In addition to its formal academics, St. Catherine’s is known for its extracurricular opportunities in music, drama, and sports, and is generally regarded as one of the friendliest and most open colleges in Oxford.
Campus & Facilities
St. Catherine’s buildings, located on the east side of Oxford, are modern—the result of an international competition won by renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobson. The college was designed to be a modern reflection of a traditional Oxford college. At the heart of the college lies a rectangular quad, its sides flanked by student rooms built in the conventional Oxford “staircase” format, its ends consisting of the dining hall and library.
The facilities also include a large junior common room with a debating pit, television and game room, small theater, and music house. Squash courts, a weight room, and punt house are also onsite. You can also use a boathouse and playing fields for rugby, soccer, and field hockey nearby.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to you. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at St. Catherine’s College, you have access to the IES Abroad London Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to— that’s why our staff is here for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Oxford, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. These trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. As these field trips typically depart from and return to London, past Oxford students have also found it convenient to visit some destinations independently as well.
Bath & Stonehenge
2 Days | Fall Only
Visit mysterious Stonehenge and the ancient Roman baths in Bath. Marvel at the collection of world-class couture at the Fashion Museum and explore the Jane Austen Centre.
Cambridge
1 Day | Fall Only
Visit this historic university town, with its picturesque colleges and punt in a gondola on the river.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Oxford is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
Fall and Academic Year Students –The IES Abroad orientation starts in London, and is designed specifically for direct enrollment students. The orientation program introduces you to St. Catherine’s, your fellow students, and to London. You also become acquainted with the teaching methods of British professors and begin your 3-credit, pre-semester tutorial.
Following the IES Abroad orientation in London, you participate in an orientation program at St. Catherine’s that covers topics like accommodation, academic policies, registration, student life, travel, and safety.
Spring Students – Fly into London, stay the night, and join the IES Abroad orientation in London the next morning. Our orientation program introduces you to your fellow students, IES Abroad staff and support services, and prepares you for the transition to St. Catherine’s. Then travel by bus to Oxford to participate in an orientation program at St. Catherine’s that covers topics like accommodation, academic policies, registration, student life, travel, and safety.
Housing
As part of IES Abroad’s direct enrollment services, we offer well situated, comfortable housing for all students, since securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad offers housing options that reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
Accommodation Blocks/Residence Halls – Live on campus in either single or double rooms with shared facilities. Wherever possible, IES Abroad and St. Catherine’s try to pair a St. Catherine’s student as a roommate if you select a double room. All rooms have internet access.
You have access to basic kitchen facilities, and the college has a dining hall on campus that provides meals throughout the week. When you arrive, you are issued a pay-as-you-go photo ID card, which is debited every time you take a meal and can be added to throughout the term. You are responsible for loading money onto your own card—meals are not included in the program cost.
Like all Oxford colleges, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are cooked onsite and served in the dining hall at set times. Meals are available to all enrolled students, not just to residents living on campus.
Residence Hall (during fall and academic year pre-semester tutorial and spring orientation only) – This student residence hall is located in Central London. You and another student share a room with en-suite bathroom and access to a common kitchen or en-suite kitchenette.
There are laundry facilities and WiFi access throughout the building, and you will have access to a fitness facility. Meals are not included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
University Clubs & Events
While you’re in Oxford, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet local students. We encourage you to get involved in the many clubs and societies covering almost every interest at St. Catherine’s (www.stcatz.ox.ac.uk)—from sports and music to drama and art. You can also join the University of Oxford Students Union.
Get to Know Your New City
Discover Blenheim Palace
The birthplace of Winston Churchill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers gardens, state rooms, and more for you to wander to your heart’s content
Picnic in Port Meadow
Grab your friends, your favorite foods, and unwind in this 70+ acre park along the River Thames.
Take a Punt
Climb aboard these iconic boats and cruise down the River Cherwell with your friends.
Lose Yourself in Museums
From the Museum of Natural History to the oldest museum in the UK (Ashmolean Museum), Oxford’s numerous world-class museums offer never-ending opportunities to explore.
Indulge in Afternoon Tea
Experience an authentic English afternoon tea at one of Oxford’s various cafes
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in London, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad London Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your London experience.
The IES Abroad London Center is an 18th-century Georgian building located in the central London neighborhood of Bloomsbury and a two-minute walk from the British Museum.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the library
- Bring your lunch to eat on the outdoor patio
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
Other features include: WiFi, printing facilities, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
The IES Abroad London Center is recognized by The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for meeting or exceeding UK expectations as a quality higher education provider. Learn more about our recent QAA reports.
Our Staff
John Ockey
Center Director
John brings over 15 years of experience with IES Abroad, including seven years with IES Abroad Milan and nearly three years with IES Abroad Siena before coming to IES Abroad London. Here, he oversees all programs in London and Oxford. During his time in Siena, John developed and implemented a banner program with a strong focus on cultural immersion and academic rigor. In Milan, he played a key role in improving and developing the Milan program, notably in the areas of student housing, student activities, orientation, and supervision of the student services staff. Prior to working for IES Abroad, John received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Italian Literature and Art History from Brigham Young University and worked in Geneva for the United Nations.
IES Abroad London Staff
Martin Hannan
Head of Operations
Rohima Ahmed
Academic Coordinator
Beth Lehlbach
Internships Manager
Zosia Rutkowska
Assistant Director and Head of Customised Programmes
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
AT A GLANCE
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