Navigating Your Academic Year: Understanding Oxford Brookes University and Study Abroad Opportunities

This article provides insights into Oxford Brookes University and related study abroad programs, focusing on important dates, financial considerations, and program requirements. Whether you're planning a semester in Oxford or participating in a study trip, this information will help you navigate your academic journey.

Oxford Brookes University: A Brief Overview

Oxford Brookes University has a rich history. Oxford Polytechnic became a university in 1992 under government legislation and decided to honour its founding Principal, John Brookes, in its new title. Dorset House School of Occupational Therapy in Oxford also became part of the new institution. In 1993, Oxford Brookes University acquired the 14-acre Headington Hill Hall site, formerly home to media tycoon Robert Maxwell. Eight years later, Oxford Brookes University merged with Westminster College to create the new Westminster Institute of Education.

The university is located in Oxford, a city in South East England made prominent by its medieval university. It is about 60 miles northwest of London. Regular coach and rail services connect Oxford to London and also to several airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton.

Semester in Oxford Program

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center offers students the opportunity to spend a semester in Oxford, England. Students earn UHM credits for selected coursework completed at Oxford Brookes University. Students will be living on campus in single study rooms; kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared.

Eligibility and Requirements

The program is designed primarily for sophomore, junior, or senior-level undergraduate students. The minimum requirements are a cumulative GPA of 3.0, strong English writing skills, absolute fluency in English, and successful completion of course prerequisites. However, students with a lower GPA may be considered. Admission to the program is selective.

Read also: Explore Global Opportunities

Application Process

A completed Study Abroad Center application and three academic references must be received by the Study Abroad Center by specified dates to receive consideration. Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay a $500.00 non-refundable initial payment to ensure a place in the program. Please note that students accepted to the program are required to attend three mandatory pre-departure class sessions totaling 12 hours.

Visa Requirements

Students with a passport AND studying for one semester in London do not need to obtain a student visa prior to arrival in the United Kingdom. However, students applying for an internship while studying abroad and/or studying for two consecutive semesters in London must apply for a Tier 4 student visa.

International Business in Practice: Study Trip

Oxford Brookes University offers a non-credit bearing module recorded on their transcript: BMGT7011 International Business in Practice: Study Trip for students who are enrolled in the semester when the trip is running and successfully complete the Study Trip.

Key Dates and Deadlines for the Boston Study Trip

This section details important dates and deadlines related to the Boston Study Trip, providing a clear timeline for prospective participants.

June 1, 2025: Deadline to pay the remaining 1650 USD of the Seminar Fee. A late fee of 200 USD will be assessed for payments made after this date.
May 31, 2025: Deadline to document visa denial for a full refund of the 900 USD deposit. Denials documented after this date will result in a 400 USD refund.
June 8, 2025: Deadline for 50% refund of the full 2550 USD payment for withdrawals.
June 22, 2025: Deadline for 25% refund of the full 2550 USD payment for withdrawals.
June 23, 2025: Full 2550 USD payment becomes non-refundable for withdrawals.
July 12 - 19, 2025: Duration of the study trip.

Financial Responsibilities and Refund Policies

Understanding the financial aspects of the study trip is crucial for planning and budgeting. Here's a breakdown of the fees and refund policies:

The total Seminar Fee is 2550 USD.
A 900 USD deposit is non-refundable unless Tremont Global Education cancels the seminar due to low enrollment (minimum 10 students) or unless the participant can document that they were not granted a visa to enter the United States.
For those denied a visa, the full 900 USD will be refunded if you document your denial before May 31, 2025. If you are denied after May 31, 2025, you will only be refunded 400 USD.
For those who withdraw from the study trip module after having made the full 2550 USD payment, 50% can be refunded for withdrawals made on or before June 8, 2025, and 25% can be refunded for withdrawals made on or before June 22, 2025. The full 2550 USD is non-refundable on and after June 23, 2025.

Additional Costs

Be aware of the expenses beyond the seminar fee:

The cost of the international flight. Participants should not purchase flight tickets until it is confirmed that the minimum number of 10 participants necessary to travel has been met.
The visa (if required - students have to apply for a B-2 Visitor visa) to enter the USA.
Free time activities (including dinners) are not included in the seminar fee.

It is the participant's responsibility to obtain these items. Participants are also responsible for obtaining a transit visa through another country going to/from the United States if they require one (for example, Canada).

Visa Information

Participants are responsible for obtaining a visa to enter the United States if they require one. If a participant successfully obtains a US visa but decides not to take part in the Study Trip, Tremont Global Education will report it to US Consular agencies that they will not be participating in the program.

Program Flexibility and Potential Changes

Tremont Global Education reserves the right to make cancellations, changes, or substitutions to the agenda and other services in the case of emergencies or changed conditions as deemed desirable based on the interests of the group and the overall quality of the module.

Academic Considerations

Participating in this study trip does not entitle students to any extension in their studies, and it cannot be used as evidence for any exceptional circumstances claim. This fact will be widely communicated to tutors and the Exceptional Circumstances Panel.

Read also: Affording Baylor University

Enrollment and Cancellation

In order for the trip to run, a minimum of 10 students must enroll. If less than 10 students enroll and the trip is cancelled, the deposit and seminar fee that has been paid until then will be completely refunded. Any additional trip-related costs outside of this deposit and seminar fee will not be refunded, for example, the flight or visa application fee. Students will be notified when the minimum threshold of 10 students is met and therefore have clearance to safely purchase tickets.

Insurance

Travel insurance is provided by Oxford Brookes University for students who are enrolled in the semester when the trip is running for the duration of the study trip (July 12 - 19, 2025). If a participant intends to remain in the USA for a longer period, it is their responsibility to purchase the necessary insurance. The University's insurance policy does not cover any costs related to Covid (e.g., the cost of quarantine should a participant test positive for Covid-19 during the trip or trip cancellation due to Covid-related reasons). A copy of the University's Travel Insurance will be provided to those taking part in the trip. Participants will also be responsible for hotel charges if they must remain in the hotel (in quarantine) beyond the program completion date.

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