Summer courses for Adults 18+
• Make friends and develop cross-cultural awareness
• Wide range of activities, Study Visits and excursions
Summer Courses for Adults
Our English language courses for adults help you improve your English language level over 2+ weeks. We offer a wide range of everyday English courses, including English for Life and English for Life Plus, plus the English for Exams, English for Law and English for Business specialist courses. Furthermore, we also offer personalised 1-2-1 online English lessons. Our strong reputation matches our expertise; we have been teaching academic English to non-native speakers for over 70 years.
Why Join Our Adults Programme?
Short, Impactful Programmes
Improve your language skills and confidence in a supportive environment, with flexible summer courses designed to fit your schedule.
Expert Teaching
Learn from experienced English language teachers who tailor lessons to meet your individual goals.
Small Classes, Big Results
With a maximum of 15 students per class, you’ll receive personalised attention to develop your confidence and fluency.
Join a Global Community
Study alongside adults from around the world, make new international friends, and share experiences across cultures.
Learn in Oxford
Immerse yourself in a world-famous university city with access to historic colleges, museums, libraries, galleries, and beautiful parks.
Explore Beyond the Classroom
Enjoy one free excursion each week plus study visits that connect learning to real-world culture, history, and heritage.
Rich Activities Programme
Try something new every week, whether it’s punting on the River Thames, exploring London’s markets, visiting the theatre, or even surfing in Cornwall.
Stimulating Course Content
Weekly themes make learning topical, interactive, and engaging, giving you fresh perspectives while improving your English.
Courses:
College Life
College life offers a unique opportunity to live and study in the historic city of Oxford, surrounded by its rich academic and cultural heritage. The campus is within walking distance of both Summertown and Oxford city centre, giving students easy access to shops, cafés, and iconic landmarks. With students from over 35 countries, the college fosters a vibrant, international community where lifelong friendships are made.
Learning Experience
The learning experience is enriched through study visits and guest speakers, bringing real world context to the classroom. Topical weekly themes are designed to take learning beyond textbooks, encouraging students to engage with current issues and ideas in a dynamic and meaningful way.
Themes of the Week
Week 1: £$¥ (Money) Talks
Money makes the world go round, or so they say.
It apparently grows on trees.
They say it can’t buy happiness.
How does money really affect the world around us?
We’ll examine current trends in the business world- moves towards social enterprise and recognising that the decimal place is not the only factor we should be considering.
Explore the power of money in shaping economies, careers and lifestyles.
Week 2: Power of protest
Explore how voices unite to create change. Across history protest has shaped societies, we’ll discuss how these movements have led to monumental change. Is protest right for the modern age? Do the ends justify the means? Delve into the language of activism, understand how words, slogans and speeches have shaped societies across the world. Discover how language drives change.
Week 3: Doers and Dreamers
Explore the world of innovators, creators and visionaries. Whether you’re a doer who takes action or a dreamer with big ideas we’ll look at your place in today’s society and the influence of those doers and dreamers that have come before us. Become empowered to express your thoughts clearly, develop critical thinking and collaborate with others. Turn your dreams into action
Week 4: Rhythms and masterpieces
Blending music, poetry and visual art we’ll explore expression, emotion and storytelling in new ways. Embrace your inner creative, examine the influence art in it’s many forms has on the modern world. Through engaging activities, discussions and hands-on experiences you’ll develop your English communication skills.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity.
Week 5: Nature vs Nurture
What makes us the people we become? The environment and people around us or a set of codes within us. How do these factors affect our personalities, behaviours, and life choices.
In the city where the 1860 evolution debate was held, you’ll learn more about the topic and improve your English communication skills through lively debates, real-world examples, and engaging activities.
Week 6: Read all about it
In a digital age of picture and sound. We’ll go back to the written word and how the world of media has transformed into what we see around us, you’ll explore current events, headlines, and captivating stories from around the globe. From fact checking presidential elections to censorship on social media. Learn how to read between the lines, analyse different perspectives and express your own views on a range of topics.
Get ready to explore the power of the press.
Week 7: Bridging the senses
Explore how sight, sound, touch, taste and smell come alive in communication. Discover how language connects ideas, cultures and people! Discuss whether there are only 5 senses. Embrace the beauty of language that speaks to all the senses. Step into a world where language builds bridges.
Week 8: Mysteries unsolved
Unlock your curiosity. In a world full of information, we’ll focus on how we can be sure what we’re hearing and reading is factual. From historical enigmas to modern day riddles we’ll explore famous mysteries, puzzling phenomena, and unsolved cases from around the world. Are you ready to crack the case?
Activities and Excursions
Students enjoy a varied weekly social and cultural programme, with activities such as punting, horse riding, and axe throwing (some may incur an additional charge).
One excursion is included each week (choice subject to availability), with the option to join additional trips. Destinations include London,
Windsor Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, the city of Bath, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, and many more, offering the perfect balance of culture, history, and adventure.
Sample Timetable
View the sample activities timetable. Please note these are subject to change.
Accommodation
Students can choose to stay in one of our college residences or with a trusted English-speaking homestay provider, depending on their preference for independence or a more immersive cultural experience.
Our adult college residences offer:
- A choice of single or twin rooms, with shared or in-flat bathrooms
- Self-catering kitchens
- Sociable communal spaces, including common rooms, dining areas, and outdoor green spaces
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner available in the dining hall
Living with a homestay provider includes:
- A single room with a shared or private bathroom
- Breakfast and dinner provided daily
- A homestay provider to offer support
- The chance to practise English daily and experience the life and culture of modern Britain firsthand
All accommodation options include bedding, towels, access to laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Food
Lunch is included and served in our dining hall, offering delicious and nutritious meals with all dietary requirements catered for. Snacks and drinks are also available between meals at our on-site café, The Globe.
Student Welfare
Student welfare is a top priority, with 24-hour support provided by a dedicated team of Residential Managers, Night Security, and Welfare Officers. In addition, students have access to our College Nurse for medical support and wellbeing guidance, ensuring a safe and supportive environment throughout their stay.
Fees and Dates
Students can choose to study for 2, 3, or 4+ weeks, with a range of start dates available in June, July, and August.
The course fee includes tuition, accommodation, lunch, a full sports and activities programme, 1 excursion per week, and insurance. Breakfast and dinner are also available at an additional cost.
Summer and Short Courses brochure
Summer course enquiry
Please fill in this form to submit an enquiry about our summer courses, or call us on +44 1865 517704.
You may also wish to get in touch to arrange a campus tour or find out what it is like to live and study in the city of Oxford.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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