Oxford Royale Academy | Teen Ink

Oxford Royale Academy MAG

By Anonymous

     Last summer, I decided to explore the world outside the UnitedStates. One of my teachers recommended a program at Oxford University, but I was skeptical. ThoughI didn’t know much about England, I always imagined it to be similar to the U.S. so it wasnot my idea of an exotic location. However, I believed taking an course in European history wouldenhance my understanding, so I looked at the program’s website and immediately becameinterested.

The Oxford Royale Academy summer program offers English language courses fornon-English speakers and an Historico-Cultural course for English speakers over the age of 16. Theprogram is very flexible and can be divided into either a two-week or a three-week session, withcustomized trips. The course aims to serve as an insight into English culture and traditions byproviding lectures from University professors and seminars with world-renowned academics.

Unlike some, the Oxford Royale application is impressively convenient. The program offersrolling admission with immediate response and once admitted, you can customize your courses. During2005, participants took advantage of this opportunity by hiring tutors. Some integratedmathematical components while others refined their musical talents. Upon acceptance, Oxford Royalesends an information package including a welcome letter, a list of necessities, flight informationand maps.

When I arrived at Exeter College, I felt like I had gone back in time. Thebuildings exuded an air of historic importance and even though it was night, I could see that thecampus was beautiful. I was greeted by a throng of people from Germany, France, Italy, Korea, HongKong, Canada, Mexico, Portugal and both coasts of the United States. Despite any previousreservations about the program, I instantly felt comfortable.

I participated in a two-weeksession and in my first week attended lectures on Norman England, the Middle Ages, the Tudors andthe Stuarts. Discussions included the development of nationalism and the importance of religion.The second week included lectures on the Georgians, the Victorians, 20th Century Britain, and WorldWar II. Discussions, which were based around economics, politics and society, were geared towardunderstanding modern Britain.

One of the most interesting lectures was on Shakespeare. Ledby Jane Humphreys, it was based on a psychological analysis of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Herinterpretation launched a discussion on marriage, love and human relationships. The mostprovocative lecture was led by Richard Dawkins and based on his book The Selfish Gene. In a groupconsisting of many cultural backgrounds, Dawkins’ questions about evolution shook many of ourbelief systems. He challenged our convictions and sparked a discussion on race, religion andmorality.

Besides academics, Oxford provides sightseeing tours for a fee. Blue Badge guidesled our day trips and weekend trips. Day trips included Stonehenge, Broughton Castle, WarwickCastle, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Waddeston Manor, and museums. The overnight options included trips toParis, Brussels and Amsterdam. Many of us also enjoyed the August weather and played cricket,croquet, football and even Ultimate Frisbee in the park.

The most impressive feature of theprogram was the administration’s attention to detail. During my preparations, the directorregularly e-mailed me and offered to help with any problems. He even picked me up at theairport! There was no concern they didn’t attend to. For example, a language student fromPortugal was interested in attending “The Phantom of the Opera” in London butdidn’t know how to organize it. Although the musical wasn’t on our list of activities,the staff took it upon themselves to invite all of us and found tickets. These are just a fewexamples of the staff’s dedication.

In addition to an amazing staff, challengingacademics and a plethora of activities, the students are phenomenal. Because the program is soinclusive, I had the opportunity to meet incredible people from many backgrounds. With suchdiversity, I not only learned about Britain but about France, Korea, Portugal, Canada and manyother places. By spending time together in the classroom, on trips, and even just hanging outwatching a movie, we developed a strong sense of community. I hope I’m not being trite when Isay that the friendships I made at Oxford will last a lifetime.


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This article has 10 comments.


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Pei Ling said...
on Mar. 7 2015 at 1:23 pm
I found Oxford Royale poor value for money. They are stealing money from naive pupils.

NANA said...
on Feb. 20 2015 at 1:14 am
Hi....I am looking to enrol this summer for the oxford royale academy new perspective 2 week programme. please can someone share some current information on the course, food etc. Is there any other course that you would recommend?

Dave98 said...
on Sep. 17 2013 at 11:24 pm
When was this? I know two people who attended last year and they said that the personal touch is now missing. Apparently the academy has got too big and take too many students! I am going to try to attend a smaller Oxford summer school next year - one that is personal and friendly!

N0R0 said...
on Aug. 26 2011 at 8:42 am
I'm 14 years old and just got back from my summer course at Oxford Royale Academy. In my opinion, the two weeks I was there for were the best two weeks of my life! The food was not terrible, but it wasn't a 7 star cuisine either. My classes were amazing: psychology, creative writing and photography & sketching. The teachers taught well, too. We got to go out for an hour and a half around Oxford, but be home before dinner and every day we got to choose from a selection of evening activities like dance, going to see a Shakespeare play, or doing sports in the sports hall at another Oxford college. I entirely disagree with Joey's statement about how they didn't have enough to do, as my day was packed with plenty to do but then maybe it's changed since he was there. All in all, I think anyone planning to go should definitely go ahead and do it as I was reluctant at first but then as soon as I got there I was having a great time. It didn't feel like summer school at all. 

on Apr. 10 2011 at 2:44 pm
That is a feeble attempt at constructive criticism. I am very interested in attending and will prognosticate from now that my experience will be enjoyable.
Instead of foolishly attempting to debase one of the most beautiful destinations in the United Kingdon, I suggest you refer to the complaints through personal opinion and not generalities.

nancy said...
on Nov. 28 2010 at 2:39 am
hey i am planning to go to the oxford royale summer course.. i need some views aout it.. i mean is it worth going?

Joey said...
on Aug. 3 2010 at 6:57 am
The course i attended was not organised, there was little activitities to do and the food was horriible.  I had to share a shower with 10 other students and the staff used the same shower it to Not good. some people left the course early. It was very expensive compared to other summer schools at £2995 uk pounds.  I would never attend another Oxford Royale course.

ASH said...
on Jun. 13 2009 at 9:09 am
HEY I'M FROM INDIA AND REALLY LOVED YOUR WORK.I'M A HUGE FAN OF THE "CHICKEN SOUP FOR TEENAGE SERIES".HOW ARE THE SUMMER COURSES AT OXFORD ROYALE?I" 17