St Clares, Oxford

About

St Clare’s was founded to advance international education and understanding. They have been running academic and English language programs for U.S. undergraduates, gap and foundation year students and English language learners for over 60 years.

Students from all over the world come to St Clare's to explore new academic opportunities, study new subjects, learn English or prepare for the IELTS and Cambridge exams. They are supported by a highly experienced team of career and education advisers, who guide them with university applications in the UK, the U.S. or beyond.

Their small interactive classes will develop your writing, research and presentational skills. Explore Oxford, London and England through their range of exciting trips and activities. St Clare’s students have a unique experience: living in Oxford, one of the most famous and historic centers of learning in England, but in an international community.

Website

www.stclares.ac.uk

Founded

1953

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Reviews

I was a Liberal Arts student at St. Clare's and was sponsored by them as a Blackfriars Scholar at Oxford University. The living arrangements were great, the lecture courses were engaging and involved field trips, and the weekend and evening trips were a lot of fun. Blackfriars is a demanding program, but it helps students expand their critical thinking, time management, and writing abilities. I highly recommend this program!

Being an American and only having the opportunity to go abroad for a semester, it was difficult for me to choose only one county to study in, because I wanted to experience as many cultures as possible. St. Clare's puts students in contact with such a diversity of students that they feel that they went abroad to more than one country. During the fall break, I was fortunate to be invited to go home with one of the Dutch students, so I was able to receive an authentic Dutch experience as well.

Not only is the charming "City of Dreaming Spires" an incredibly unique place to study abroad, but St. Clare's provides students with an opportunity to experience the great diversity of Oxonian, English, British and European life. With a wide variety of inspiring coursework and regular trips to locations around the United Kingdom, St. Clare's provides visiting students with a welcoming, educational community that supports their personal growth in every possible way!

While also participating as a visiting student of nearby Blackfriars Hall, I was able to experience nearly every aspect of the life of a typical Oxford student. The incredible care and support I received from the staff at St. Clare's and my host family alike made my experience truly unforgettable.

What would you improve about this program?

The only complaint I can think of is that I felt I lost some of the regular networking support I had received at my home university during my time at St. Clare's. While the coursework I learned was very relevant to my field and the professors offered wonderful professional advice, it would have been nice to have still received some post-graduate support during my semester abroad. Perhaps hosting some kind of networking event for those looking to stay either in England or Oxford specifically, where students could connect with representatives from other institutions/companies!

I could not have asked for a better program for study abroad! St. Clare's always had trips panned on the weekend that allowed the students to see a ton of England. St. Clare's also gives you 3 weeks off to travel through Europe! A employee at the school actually helped my friend and I plan out our trip. From England to Europe I saw so much more of the world then I would have seen at another school.

What would you improve about this program?

A lot of the trips were pre-planned and they were willing to plan new trips if you asked but it would be cool to have a survey or something before the semester or at the beginning to recommend places to go.