English immersion programme Oxford campus

Our Immersion programme consists of 30 hours of class time, adapted to your level from intermediate (A2) to advanced (C1). Coursework will cover all aspects of English language learning including reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation. A 4-hour mock exam for the Cambridge English exam will take place at the end of the programme. To ensure a student-centered learning environment, class size is limited to 16 students. Both the main teacher and programme coordinator are native English speakers from the UK and USA.

To ensure maximum cultural exchange and language immersion, all students are placed in homestays for accommodation. Living with Oxford residents is a great way to learn about British culture, practice English speaking in a comfortable setting, and return home with an authentic accent. Homestay families are chosen according to student needs.

All families have been personally visited and have signed up to a code of practice ensuring the personal safety and welfare of students. All hosts are background checked and have been through safeguarding training with the majority registered with the British Council (an organisation specialising in international cultural and educational opportunities).  

Students will enjoy local British cuisine through breakfast and dinner with their host family every day during the programme. Lunch will be provided by and served on EM Normandie’s campus. Some meals will be provided in restaurants before or after group cultural activities. 

Oxford is one of the oldest and most celebrated university towns in Europe, filled with interesting things to do and beautiful sights to see. Our Immersion programme includes daily trips to allow students to explore the city, learn about Oxford’s history and culture, and improve their English listening and speaking through varied activities such as:

• Exploring Oxford’s most famous sites (Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church College, Sheldonian Theatre, Botanic Garden, Blenheim Palace, Ashmolean Museum...)
• Seeing inside the Bodleian Library to a Harry Potter film site
• Enjoying the view of the Cherwell River on a “punt boat”
• Touring the Oxford Castle & Prison
• Attending an outdoor Shakespeare play
• And more!

Our Immersion programme would not be complete without a day trip to London! A local guide will take us on a tour through Westminster to see some of London’s most iconic sights including:

• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square
• Changing of the Guard 
• Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• And more!

We will then take a River Cruise across the River Thames and head to the Tower of London for an exciting tour around the castle to see the Crown Jewels.

Students will be supervised by EM Normandie’s native English speaking coordinator throughout the entirety of the programme. Students will be accompanied during their time on campus as well as during all cultural activities in Oxford and London. When students are not taking part in class or activities, they will be with their host families at home or out for social activities.

Clarissa CARDARELLI - Immersion Programme Coordinator

Clarissa joined EM Normandie’s international department in 2021. She is an American, bilingual in French, with degrees in Language Acquisition, International Relations and Business. From 2013 to 2017, Clarissa has worked as an English teacher in schools and universities in the United States. In France, she has worked as a teacher in public and private schools, specializing in activities to improve student’s English-speaking skills. 

Miriam SCHMIDKONZ - Oxford Campus Director

Miriam is the director of the Oxford campus. She has been a professor of Business German, Research Methods, and Human Resource Management. She joined EM Normandie in 2000 as an assistant professor, project manager and program manager. She received an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration from the Business Science Institute (Luxembourg) in 2017 and holds a Master of Science in Education. Before joining EM Normandie, she worked in private companies in France and Germany.

The early bird price of the Immersion programme is €1,800. 

What’s included?

• 30 hours of English lessons 
• Homestay accommodation & all meals  
• Daily cultural activities & excursions  
• Day trip to London 
• Full supervision 
• Oxford bus pass 
• 1-year “Global Exam” online learning subscription 
• Certificate of achievement 

Our Immersion programme is open to all aged 16 to 19. An intermediate (A2) to advanced (C1) English level is required. Participants will need to bring their own personal laptop computer. 

Our Immersion programme is open to all nationalities, however some nationalities may require applying for a UK visa. Please note that all participants will need a passport (students may not enter the UK on a European national identity card). 

As health restrictions are fully lifted for entry into the UK, the full vaccination schedule is not compulsory. However, it is still recommended as a preventive measure. More information on the official website.

We strongly recommend that all participants take out travel insurance (including at least medical and hospitalization expenses, repatriation assistance, and civil liability abroad).

EM Normandie will provide support to participants and parents during each step of the process including:

• Preparation for the programme
• Booking transportation to Oxford
• Entering the UK as a minor
• And more.

A welcome guide will also be available detailing all information before, during, and after the Immersion programme.

The first step of registration is clicking “REGISTER NOW!” on our website and filling out your contact information. Afterwards, we will organize a video call in English or French with the student (parents welcome too) to introduce ourselves, discuss your interest in the programme, and ensure that all your needs are met. You will also complete a short English language test to ensure correct placement in class. 

The registration fee will be paid on our partner platform: Flywire. Participants will receive a secure link to pay online. No bank fees will be applied for payments in Euros. The Flywire platform also allows international students to pay their fees in their local currency.

After acceptance, you will have access to our Welcome Guide detailing all information before, during, and after the Immersion programme. EM Normandie staff is also available to help and support you to organize and prepare for your trip. 

Any questions? Feel free to contact us at short-term@em-normandie.fr or +33 (0)2 76 84 02 85.