Oxford/Tuscany | Excel

From the Gothic spires of Oxford’s venerable colleges, to the dazzling lights of Paris, to the marbled Roman basilicas and renaissance legacy of Florence, join us for a month of cultural and intellectual exploration in three of Europe’s most evocative and historic cities. Choose two fun, field-based seminars as your focus. Build a photography or design portfolio, learn about the complexities of European integration, hone your creative writing skills, and much more! Spend three days in Paris, and take day trips to the vibrant cities of London, Venice, and Rome, as well as the seaside villages of Cinque Terre.

Dates:
June 30, 2012 - July 27, 2012
Eligibility:
Students completing grades 9-12
Focus:
Excel
Typical Group:
50-70 Students, 8-12 Staff
Duration:
4 week(s)

Overview

Experience university life at Oxford and the cultural treasures of Italy from our Renaissance-era villa in the hills of Tuscany, and immerse yourself in the rich history and modern life of Europe. Emerge from your summer with a new appreciation of the cultures you have explored, and the desire to deepen your knowledge of Europe’s past and present. Excel Oxford/Tuscany gives motivated and intellectually curious students the opportunity to see Europe in ways unavailable to tourists. It helps them prepare for college with in-depth, hands-on seminars on a number of fascinating topics taught by our staff of dynamic, highly qualified leaders.

The rich historical, architectural, and cultural centers of Oxford, Paris, and Florence are ideal settings for our traveling seminars. Chose a major and a minor seminar to follow throughout the program. Seminars are limited to twelve students or fewer to encourage thoughtful discussion and hands-on, field-based learning. Join your instructor and fellow participants to head out into the field. Take advantage of some of the world’s finest art collections, architectural and archeological treasures, and historical monuments and museums to explore topics of special interest to you. You might find yourself sketching the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, discussing social responsibility with protesters in Parliament Square, joining in a critique of your short story draft at a Parisian café, following in the footsteps of Michelangelo and the Medicis to see the artistic and architectural wonders of Florence, or rehearsing a scene from Romeo and Juliet in an atmospheric Italian courtyard.

Excel Seminars take you out of the classroom. Here, Drawing and Painting students work on perspective techniques on an excursion to Siena, Italy.

Afternoons, Evenings, and Excursions: Afternoons are a time to relax, have fun, and explore your surroundings in ways that go beyond what you are studying in your courses. Activities may include a Shakespeare comedy in an Oxford park, a pick-up game of soccer or frisbee, an opera in the ancient amphitheater at Fiesole, a punting trip on the Cherwell River, or a discussion of current events at a traditional tea house.

The entire group gathers for a daily Community Meeting before dinner. After dinner, venture out again in the company of your instructors to experience the nightlife of Oxford, Paris, and Florence. In addition to concerts, comedy shows, movie nights, sports games, and theatre and dance performances, evening “coffeehouses” showcase the unique musical, artistic, and comedic talents of both students and staff.

Throughout the month, you have the opportunity to visit an even greater range of Europe’s incredible historic and cultural landmarks. While day trips vary from year to year, excursions may include a day exploring the ancient monuments of Rome or discovering the winding canals of Venice by gondola, a visit to London, Stonehenge, or the Aquae Sulis of Bath, biking in the Cotswolds, or trekking in Cinque Terre.

“Ilan very much enjoyed the program and gained a broader and deeper appreciation for art history and architecture (his two courses). All of the trips to the museums were highlights for him, and he loved the camaraderie of the  small seminar groups. We were impressed with the choices and options for excursions, and the time and effort that went into planning all of the additional activities. Thank you!”

- Mark and Iris Selinger, Scarsdale, NY

Accommodations: For two weeks, stay in single rooms on the beautiful campus of St. Hilda’s College at Oxford University, ideally situated on the banks of the Cherwell River in the center of Oxford. From this base, embark on numerous field trips to explore the awe-inspiring sights of this magnificent English city. While in Paris, stay at a student residence on a quiet street in the center of the trendy Marais District. Rooms here are dormitory style, with sinks and showers in the rooms and shared toilets on the hall. Our residence has the unusual Parisian luxury of a quiet courtyard and garden, and is within walking distance of the Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Pompidou Center, and the Musée d’Orsay. In Italy, our campus is a beautiful 16th century villa perched high on a hill in the small town of San Domenico. The majority of rooms here are singles and doubles. The villa is just a short walk or bus ride from the beautiful hilltop village of Fiesole and the vibrant renaissance city of Florence.

Final Presentation: The program culminates with a final day of presentations and performances, during which each seminar group showcases its accomplishments for the entire Excel community. Debut your photography portfolio or display your artwork at an open gallery, perform adapted works of Shakespearean theatre, conduct an architectural tour of the city, or hold a poetry reading of your original work.

Highlights

  • Explore the winding canals of Venice by gondola, or discover the historic Italian capital of Rome.
  • Bike through the Cotswolds, or try punting on the Cherwell River.
  • Chat with a local business owner about the benefits and challenges of European integration.
  • Sketch the carnival scene beneath the Grande Roue of Paris.
  • Interview locals in Italian to find out where the best gelato in Florence is made.
  • Sample the fresh seafood of coastal villages in Cinque Terre.
  • Attend a Royal Shakespeare Company performance in Stratford-upon-Avon.
  • Discover a new favorite artist at the Tate, the Louvre, or the Uffizi Gallery.

What to Expect

You should come to the program with an open mind, excited about new experiences, and prepared to think critically and creatively while engaging in thoughtful discussion during your seminars. You should be enthusiastic about participating fully in a schedule packed with intellectual and physical activity, and be willing to challenge yourself to make the most of your time in Europe. Most of the day is filled with structured activities, but there are some opportunities to explore your surroundings and make your own discoveries. We expect you to behave in a mature and productive way at all times. Rules that provide a safe and structured environment, set curfews, and prohibit the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco are in place and enforced.

At Putney we take pride in our reputation for careful, thorough planning and attention to detail.  The descriptions of our programs  are based on our experiences in previous summers and our plans for this summer.  It is inevitable that some things described here will not happen exactly as presented.  To get the most out of the Putney experience, participants need to be flexible in responding to unforeseen situations, and creative in taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.  We expect Putney participants to share responsibility for the success of their experience.

Fees

Tuition: $8,490

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

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Students at Excel Oxford/Tuscany choose a major and a minor course of study. All seminars are small (limited to 12 or fewer students) and field-based. On average, major seminars meet for a total of 3 days per week and minor seminars meet for 2 days per week. In addition to the major and minor seminars, there are many informal opportunities for afternoon and evening workshops on themes relating to English, French, and Italian culture.

Major Seminars (click on course title to read full description)
Archaeology: From the Iron Age to the Roman Empire
Evidence of Roman engineering and architecture can be found throughout England and Italy in the form of villas, baths, aqueducts, roads, amphitheatres, and magnificent arches. Before the Romans, Celtic tribesmen built mysterious circles of stone in the English countryside, and Etruscans crafted beautiful ceramic tombs in Tuscany. Exploring ancient societies through their physical remains, this course opens a fascinating door into the distant past. Lectures by archaeologists, trips to ongoing digs, and field visits to sites such as Stonehenge, the Lutitia Amphitheatre in Paris, and the Eutruscan remains of Fiesole give you a look at the societies that pre-dated the Roman occupation.
Art through the Ages
Through visits to the world-renowned galleries and museums of Oxford, London, Paris, and Florence, consider Europe’s classical masterpieces and contemporary works of art from a historical perspective: For whom were they created? What was their historical and cultural milieu? How did artistic styles evolve through the ages? In this field-based seminar, discuss how Europe’s masterpieces were understood by their original audiences, and discover the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, the Tate and National Galleries in London, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Uffizi, Accademia, and Bargello in Florence.
Creative Writing
In this inspiring workshop, hone your skills by studying the fundamentals of creative writing, with a special emphasis on exploration in a foreign setting. The focus is on your own poetry, fiction, memoir/non-fiction, and journal writings. Develop your story-telling and descriptive skills by exploring ornate Gothic cathedrals, ruined castles, open-air markets, and Roman amphitheatres, or by seeking out interesting characters in Oxford, Paris, and Florence, and using your experiences to elucidate setting and character in your writing. Meet at a cafe to discuss your writing and relevant works of literature with your class.
Drawing and Painting: Open-Air Studio
Whether an experienced artist or a beginner, this field-based course provides instruction in techniques of watercolor, pencil, or charcoal. Sketch medieval and Renaissance churches, cobbled alleyways, olive groves, and vineyards. Find inspiration at the Ashmolean Museum, the Tate Modern and National galleries in London, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence. Feedback is given through critiques during which you evaluate your own and each other’s work. Show your new portfolio in an exhibition at the end of the program. Students provide their own art supplies.
International Relations: Europe and the World in the 21st Century
As European nations progress from monetary to political unification, they become an undeniable powerhouse on the international scene. Examine the larger issues of European integration and its influence on the rest of the world, interview local people in England and Italy about their opinions on the effects of the Euro, and see first-hand the effects of the European Union through field visits to traditional businesses. Guest lecturers and field visits lend insight into the major political and economic institutions of England and Italy, such as 10 Downing Street, Parliament, the House of Windsor, and the London Stock Exchange.
The World of Shakespeare
What is it about the Bard of Avon and his work that continues to fascinate us? Do we sit through his plays, as Oscar Wilde said, “In order to recognize the quotations?” Or can we experience humor, pain, and wisdom in words that are over 400 years old? Oxford is an ideal place to begin to answer these questions, with Shakespeare’s home of Stratford-upon-Avon close by, and the historical stages of London within easy reach. Attend several Shakespeare performances and, as a final project, act in and produce a series of Shakespearean scenes in an authentic Italian setting.
Travel Photography: Europe in Focus
Learn to observe and photograph your surroundings in ways that allow you to capture the essence of the places and people you encounter in your travels. Discuss the fundamental elements of photography (light, composition, and perspective), methods of approaching strangers, and candid versus “directed” photography. Master classes by guest photographers, visits to exhibitions, and structured projects help you create a portfolio for display at the end of the program. Emphasis is placed on field work and shooting techniques, rather than digital image manipulation. Students must provide their own digital camera and know how to use it. There is a supplemental fee of $250 for this course.
Video Production
In this hands-on introduction to documentary and narrative filmmaking, use Europe as your backdrop as you write, direct, and shoot a series of short films. From storyboarding and scriptwriting to camera operation and narration, experience the creation of a film from both sides of the camera. Discuss European film history and visit historic theatres and cinematic sites along the way. Through interviews with local people and footage from your journey, document your travels from Oxford to Tuscany and create a short film to present at the end of the program. Note: Due to the traveling nature of the program, emphasis is placed on the art of storytelling and narrative, rather than the use of editing software and other digital post-production tools. There is a supplemental fee of $250 for this course.
 
Minor Seminars (click on course title to read full description)
Architecture Through the Ages
From the Gothic spires of Oxford to the Romanesque Florence Baptistry and Church of San Minato al Monte in Tuscany, to the Modern architectural marvels of Paris- the Eiffel Tower, the Centre Pompidou and the Cinématique Francaise, this course provides an introduction to the rich spectrum of European architecture, and insight into the societies that produced them. Discover the impetuses behind the major architectural themes and styles of Europe, and investigate contemporary developments in architecture, urbanism, and eco-friendly design through field visits and informal discussions.
Art of the Sketch
As travelers through the ages have discovered, sketching is a way to etch permanently in one’s mind the memory of a place; a way to savor the travel experience, to interpret it, and to make it one’s own. Whether you wish to develop your artistic skills, try your hand at something new, or simply add depth to your experience in Europe, this field-based course takes you out into the historic landscapes and cityscapes of Europe, pencil in hand, to record your experience through a series of sketches. Students must provide their own sketchbooks and colored or graphite pencils.
History of European Cuisine and Culinary Arts
Each region of Europe is famous for its own specialty, usually a product of the climate, history, and customs of the area. In this course, the focus goes beyond simply discovering local foods, to delving into the origin of these specialties, parallels between food and art, and the cultural importance of quality and flavor. In addition to short readings and class discussions, visit local markets, attend a cooking workshop, learn about the regional agriculture, like the production of olive and sunflower oil. There is a supplemental fee of $250. Note: This is not a cooking class, but a multi-faceted exploration of European cuisine.
History of European Fashion
From powdered wigs and petticoats to skinny jeans and stiletto heels, fashion has proven to be an art form that continually reinvents and revitalizes itself. In this field-based course, draw upon the fashion history of Europe to consider the social and cultural implications of fashion through the ages, and explore how style and expression are communicated through design concepts today. In addition to short readings and class discussions, field-visits may include local ateliers, a designer’s studio, a textile mill, and world-renowned museums. Hit the fashion district to interview local people, seamstresses, merchants, and designers about contemporary changes in the ever-evolving fashion world. Note: This is not a fashion design course, but a multifaceted exploration of European fashion trends.
History of World War II
From 1939 to 1945, World War II took hold of Europe and shook it to its foundations. England, France, and Italy were major battlegrounds, and the memory of the war lives on in the minds of the older generations and in the historical landscape. In a series of informal discussions complemented by films and field visits, consider the legacy of WWII in Europe. Field trips include the Imperial War Museum, Churchill’s underground War Rooms and country palace at Blenheim, the Musée de l’Armée in Paris, and the Cimetero Americano in Florence.
Journalism and Print Media: Notes from the Field
What better lens through which to view England, France, and Italy than that of a foreign correspondent? The rise of the Information Age, plummeting newspaper circulations, the proliferation of the soundbite, and the immediacy of blogs and digital video mean that being well-informed is a more complex proposition than ever before. In this timely seminar, study traditional print media like The Guardian and The Times of London, The International Herald Tribune, and The New York Times, and use these publications as models to create your own newspaper for the Oxford/Tuscany program. Curiosity, passion, and a love of writing are required!
Travel Photography: Europe in Focus (Minor)
Learn how to use your camera as a tool to explore new environments and document your experiences. Through reviewing other photographers’ work, class assignments, and critiques, expand your understanding of photography and develop the visual and technical skills for capturing the essence of the people and places you encounter. In order to best take advantage of our inspirational surroundings, emphasis is placed on field work and shooting techniques, rather than digital image manipulation. Students must provide their own digital camera and have experience in using it. There is a supplemental fee of $150 for this course.
Survival Italian: Dov'é il gelato?
For students with little or no background in Italian language, this course allows participants to communicate at a basic “survival” level. A series of fun, dynamic language games and field exercises on such topics as food, greetings, directions, transportation, and speaking etiquette improve participants’ ability to get around and enhance their experience in Italy.
 

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

Apply Online

Itinerary

This program begins and ends at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Departure • June 30. Meet your Excel flight escort and the rest of your group at JFK Airport, and depart together for London, England.

Oxford • Upon arrival in London, board a chartered bus for St. Hilda’s College in Oxford, where we spend the first two weeks of the program. Settle in to campus life, and begin to take advantage of Oxford’s extraordinary range of opportunities for learning and fun through your field–based seminars and many afternoon and evening cultural activities. Take day trips to London, Bath, Stonehenge, and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Paris • From Oxford, we travel by train to Paris through the channel tunnel for a three day interlude en route to Florence. Explore the monuments, museums, markets, and cafés; and discover the winding streets and stately boulevards of the Latin Quarter, the Left Bank, Île de la Cité, Montmartre, and other neighborhoods. We explore Paris mostly in small groups through the lens of our seminar focuses. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, and more.

“Alex found Excel to be a wonderful learning experience. The courses were excellent; it was truly beneficial to be able to go out into the main cities on the itinerary, but to explore the surrounding towns and cities was a tremendous plus! She was able to experience new cultures, customs, and traditions as well as meet many new people. She gained an increase in global awareness, a love of other cultures and a new level of maturity, not to mention a lot of new friends! ”

- Suzanne and Jeffrey Barrow, Newton, MA

Florence • Bid au revoir to Paris and board a train bound for Italy. Stay for twelve days in a Tuscan villa  located in the hills just outside of Florence. Visit the Duomo, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the Medici Chapel, and the Pitti Palace. Take day trips to Venice or Rome, hike to the brightly painted seaside villages of Cinque Terre, and explore the medieval cities of Pisa and Siena. Throughout this time, continue with your seminars and prepare for your final presentations.

Return • July 27. Accompanied by an Excel flight escort, fly with the group from Milan’s Malpensa Airport back to New York, and continue to your final destination.

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

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Destination

Background • From the City of Dreaming Spires to the Cradle of the Renaissance, Oxford, Paris, and Florence are unparalleled in cultural richness and scholarly prestige. Western art, literature, architecture, science, and politics use as essential reference points the extraordinary historical events and cultural treasures of these cities, which offer insight into the foundations of our society.  Today, Oxford, Paris, and Florence remain crossroads of culture and wellsprings of innovation and forward thinking and are celebrated for their vibrant cosmopolitan energy and dynamic presence in contemporary Europe.

St. Hilda's College: Our home for the first half of the program.

Population • The city of Oxford is small, yet surprisingly diverse, with many of its 150,000 residents connected to the renowned University. In Italy, we are based in a small town, population ~15,000, situated in the Tuscan hills, just outside of Florence, population ~ 400,000.

Language • After just one week in Britain, you may begin to wonder what it means to say that English is your mother tongue. Over 20 recognized dialects and many more accents fill the streets of England. Likewise, Italy is home to as many as 30 regional dialects of the Italian language, though contemporary Italian is most influenced by the Tuscan dialect.

“I expected to make new friends, see interesting places, and learn from my classes, and I did all of those things and more! This trip was one of the most fun experiences of my life! I gained a better understanding of the world outside of America, and really enjoyed my courses (International Relations and History of World War II). My teacher, Dan, was fun and engaging, and took us to great places like Versailles, Winston Churchill’s bunker, and the Vatican. I especially enjoyed our trip to the Liberal Democrats in London for my International Relations class.”

- Grant Michl, Dexter School, Weston, MA

Climate • Summer brings out the best of England’s lush countryside and beautifully maintained gardens and hedgerows. Average temperatures in Oxford are in the high 60′s to low 70′s, but days can be as warm as the mid 80′s. You can expect a healthy dose of rain and fog—don’t forget to bring a sweater and a lightweight raincoat. During the month of July in Tuscany, the term “sun-drenched” is no overstatement. Here, there are 10 hours of sunshine each day and temperatures generally range from the mid 80′s to the mid 90′s.

Cuisine • English cuisine doesn’t enjoy the same reputation as that of mainland Europe; nonetheless, it is hearty and filling. The food only gets better as we travel south to France and Italy! While in Paris, we take advantage of the culinary scene to enjoy croissants, pastries, and haute cuisine dinners. In Italy, prepare yourself for homemade pastas, pizzas and gelatos. Vegetarian and vegan food is readily available in all three places.

The patchwork countryside of Tuscany awaits exploration.

Currency • The currency of England is the British Pound Sterling (£). In 2002, Italy and France converted to the Euro from the Italian Lira and the French Franc, respectively. An ATM card is the best way to access money while in Europe.

Voltage • England, France, and Italy all use 230V/50Hz current.  England uses type G plugs (three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle), while France and Italy use both type C plugs (two round pins) and type L plugs (three round pins in a row).  You should bring a universal plug adapter, and may need a voltage converter to run some US electronics.

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

Apply Online

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The Excel Oxford/Tuscany program is directed by Karen Phillips. If you have questions, are interested in receiving more detailed information, or would like to talk further about the program, please get in touch!

Karen Phillips

Karen Phillips: St. Lawrence University, B.A., French. Karen caught the travel bug in high school while on a music tour through Europe, and later studied abroad in Switzerland, France, and Senegal. She has led Putney’s Language Learning and Community Service programs in France and Senegal, and coordinates programs in Europe, Africa, the West Indies, and Indonesia. Her interests include rock climbing, painting, singing, and adventure racing.

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

Apply Online

How To Apply

Step 1: Log On.

If you are new to Putney Student Travel, visit our Online Application. 
If you are a Putney Student Travel alumni family, use your existing account information to Log In.

Step 2: Hold A Space In The Program.

You can hold a space in a program by completing the Online Application Form and providing the $700 Application Deposit by Mastercard, Visa, or Discover Card through our secure online system or by sending a check to our office. Our admissions staff is also available to take credit card information over the phone.  We will hold a space in a program for a reasonable time, pending completion of the full application process. See Step 3.

After March 15, to hold a space in a program an application must be accompanied by full payment made by check or wire transfer and the signed Agreement Form.

Step 3: Complete the Application Process.

Before we can make a final admissions decision, an application must be complete.  In addition to the Application Form and Application Deposit described above, a complete application includes:

  • Applicant Statement
  • Two Teacher References
  • Signed Agreement Form

These documents are available as part of our Online Application.  We review a completed application within a few days, and notify families of our admissions decision by e-mail.

For a full description of eligibility, admissions policies, and terms of payment, please visit our Terms & Conditions.

 

For more information contact karen@goputney.com

Apply Online