About Oxford, England, Global Education | May 12-22, 2026
The Chase Center will choose up to 24 of its affiliated scholars and fellows who apply to cover the costs of registration, lodging, academic programming, and most meals. Students will live, study, and dine together in an authentic Oxford college setting with access to libraries, dining halls, and other college amenities, creating a unique environment that fosters intellectual and civic formation.
Program History and Description
The academic program will be based on a study of key concepts of Civic Thought in the Anglo American tradition, hosted by the Canterbury Institute in a historic venue that dates back to the 15th century (once the estate of Robert King, Bishop of Oxford).
The Canterbury Institute will host four academic seminars and two tutorial sessions. Each student will select one seminar topic and compose two short papers (approximately 500–800 words each). Seven dedicated study blocks are set aside for reading, research, and drafting papers in preparation for tutorials. Papers will be submitted to tutors in advance, and students will receive feedback and engage in discussion during their two tutorial sessions.
Twelve tutors will each lead two sessions, working with small groups of two students per tutor to provide close, personalized guidance. In accordance with University of Oxford policy, tutors may be either faculty members or graduate students. Study days at the Canterbury Institute will include catered lunches and coffee, with the option to dine on-site or enjoy a picnic just across the street at Christ Church Meadow.
In Oxford, students will take part in a series of extracurricular activities designed to immerse them in the rich history of the ancient medieval city and one of the world’s oldest universities. Highlights include visiting the historic foundation site of the University at St. Mary’s Church, exploring the Bodleian Libraries and rare book archives, touring colleges, punting on the River Cherwell, and discovering other notable landmarks around the city.
Students will also enjoy a designated break day, giving them the freedom to explore Oxford independently, continue their studies, or experience daily life as a student during term time. During their stay, students will reside alongside Oxford University students in Wycliffe Hall, a historic college situated in the heart of the city. Each morning, breakfast will be served in the dining hall, offering a traditional Oxford collegiate experience.
The trip will include three excursion days. Two of these will be spent in London, where the Associateship at King’s College London will provide the Chase Center with one or two lectures, as needed, on topics related to civil discourse. Students will also have the opportunity to explore significant sites tied to Anglo-American civic history, including Parliament, the National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Churchill War Rooms.
Travel to and from London will be via the Oxford Tube, a 24/7 bus service connecting Oxford and London. In addition, students will visit the ancient city of Bath, founded by the Roman Empire in the first century. Highlights of this excursion include an audio-guided tour of the Roman Baths, a visit to medieval sites, and opportunities to explore civic-related literary themes at the Jane Austen and Mary Shelley museums.
Eligibility
Students will be selected will be those who demonstrate an interest in the Chase Center’s mission, and first priority will be given to Chase scholars and fellows.
How to apply
The Chase Center will provide a registration link to students who are interested in joining. They are encouraged to email Associate Director Chris Green while cc’ing Assistant Professor James Hooks.
Costs
The Chase Center will cover the costs of accommodation, academic programming, registration, extracurricular activities. The total value of over 3,400 USD per person.
While expenses will vary, each student should conservatively budget for the following estimated expenses: Incidentals: $150, Personal Transport in the UK (bus and train): $150, Meals: $400, Flights: $1,000. A personal estimate may therefore be around $1,700 USD.