International College

These courses are perfect for students preparing for university, taking a break during their studies, or taking a course before starting their career

English plus Academic Subjects

Study Abroad options for advanced level students

University Foundation Programme

for entry to university

Undergraduate Programme

university level including transfer of credits to your own university

“The college exceeds expectations” – ISI PFE December 2022

Your choice between Study Abroad or Preparation for University

St Clare’s offers a first-class education and cultural experience exclusively for adult students who are looking for:

a Gap Year course between finishing school and starting university
a preparation course for students who want to apply to a university that requires certain academic results and a specific level of English
a Study Abroad semester for students at US universities who want to be challenged in class and transfer credits to their home university
an English course to develop their English language skills after university but before they start their career

For many students, their time in Oxford is a truly life-changing experience and all value the internationalism, the opportunity to progress from one course to another, and the benefits for their future — at university, in their career, and for life.

Themes of the Week

Spring Term 2026

Week 1 - Learning and Change: Western New Year

Out with the old, in with the new
New Year’s resolutions
Personal development: life/career paths

Week 2 - Learning and Change: Education & academic traditions in Oxford

Widening access: private vs. state education
University timeline & number of colleges
Famous alumni: Berners-Lee, Blair, Le Carré…

Week 3 - Learning and Change: Innovations in technology

Uses of technology in committing & detecting crime
3D printing, cloud computing, AI, graphene, etc
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc

Week 4 - Social Values: Individualism Vs Community

Self-reliance or mutual support?
Community service – what do we “owe”?
Freedom of choice balanced with conformity

Week 5 - Social Values: British values

Democracy / rule of law
Individual liberty / Freedom of speech
Tolerance of different faiths / Mutual respect

Week 6 - Social Values: Eastern/Lunar New Year

Different calendars & horoscopes
Animals & personality vs Star Signs
Superstition: luck, colours, numbers & lanterns

Week 7 - Social Values: Cultural diversity in Oxford & the UK

Cultural self-awareness (the cultural ‘iceberg’)
Places of worship: cathedral/ mosque/temple
Multiculturalism – a barrier to integration?

Week 8 - All Around the World: Travel broadens the mind...?

Package tours vs. Rough Guide / Lonely Planet
Eat and sleep “local” – Air BnB or The Hilton?
Learn before you land – phrases, gestures, taboos

Week 9 - All Around the World: Changing gender roles

Traditional roles of women in family, community, and economy across cultures.
Rise of women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
Role of activism and social movements in redefining gender norms.

Week 10 - All Around the World: Charitable work - helping other people

Comic Relief – do something active to raise money
Homelessness, alcohol / drug abuse & crime
OXFAM, volunteers & philanthropists

Week 11 - All Around the World: Easter

History of celebration
Unusual ways of being celebrated around the world
Rebirth, Bunnies, Eggs, etc.