At Olivet Nazarene University, opportunities for scholarship and academic rigor extend beyond the Bourbonnais campus. For students looking to expand their academic horizons, Olivet’s study abroad program in Oxford, England, offers the chance to complete courses for their degree overseas in an international cultural context. The Oxford Scholar Semester, the oldest and most well established of Olivet’s several study abroad options, gives students an experience of the rich academic environment of Oxford alongside peers from other Christian universities across the U.S.
At Oxford University, the tradition of learning stretches back nearly 1,000 years. Students in the Oxford Scholar Semester follow in the footsteps of medieval scholars as well as recent academic luminaries such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In the program, built around the traditional tutorial model of instruction in which scholars work individually with an Oxford professor, students take specialized courses in their disciplines as well as weekly field trips exploring the history of Christianity across England. A semester abroad at Oxford combines the best of the Olivet experience with the history and tradition of Oxford University.
This past semester, Olivet faculty had a chance to visit the program and learn more about what it has to offer.
“The Oxford Scholar Semester is a unique study abroad program focusing on scholarly, academic engagement,” explains Dr. Mark Mountain ’97, University registrar and study abroad coordinator “It’s an excellent opportunity for our students to be challenged academically through a one-on-one tutorial with a scholar in their discipline [and] an excellent opportunity for students seeking to engage their learning through a model beyond the typical classroom.”
Dr. Ryan Himes, professor in the Department of Biology, agrees: “The rigorous nature of the tutorial format, where students meet one-on-one with Oxford dons each week, has the potential to be transformational. For students who crave knowledge and want to be challenged to think deeper than they ever have before, I think it will be life-changing.”
For Dr. Beth Schurman ’03/’05 M.A.E., chair of the Department of English, Oxford offers a unique combination of community and academics.
“If the appeal of immersing yourself in the shelves of the Bodleian Library or traversing the streets and sights isn’t enough to convince you, then the community of scholars and research will,” she says. “For students who are serious thinkers and scholars, Oxford is where they belong. I cannot think of another undergraduate experience that will challenge or stretch students more than this program.”
Besides academics, the program is characterized by community, Dr. Schuman notes.
“What stood out to me the most was the feeling of community from everyone involved in the program,” she says. “It was a feeling of a family of scholars where everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. Put simply, this program will not just teach you; it will transform you as a thinker, scholar and person.”
For students who want a taste of Oxford but are not able to spend an entire semester, a summer option is also available. Anna Shoup ’25 decided this would be the best fit for her.
“The program itself was incredibly open,” Anna explains. “Because it was largely independent study and research 
due to the tutorial system, the days were mostly my own to do what I wanted with. There was plenty of work to do, but I had the opportunity to go do it in whatever scenic new coffee shop or library my heart desired. Because of this freedom, there was a whole lot of adventure and spontaneity built into the experience. … The opportunity for adventure made it an ideal summer program for me.”
Anna recommends the program to students who are interested in research, academia, history or a fun challenge. Personal highlights included visiting as many Harry Potter filming sites as possible and Friday field trips with the whole cohort.
“Every Friday the entire group goes on a day trip to historic places,” she says. “It is a wonderful break and a way to see the country. My favorite was Salisbury Cathedral. Another highlight was the community built during our time there. The leaders and other students are wonderful, and it is really an opportunity to make lifelong friends and make unforgettable memories with them in a once-in-a-lifetime place.”
For more information about studying abroad at Oxford, visit https://www.scio-uk.org. Students who plan to make a semester abroad part of their college experience are encouraged to contact Dr. Mountain at 815-928-5794 or mcmountain@Olivet.edu.
Read the entire “Doing Something Good Together” issue here.
