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22536
England

The State of the World: Contemporary Issues & Past Lessons

Political Science
History
Conferences
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With experts from the BBC, Al Jazeera and the University of Oxford, delve into the pressing topics of modern politics during a special conference at Oxford University.
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Activity Level
Program No. 22536RJ
Length
10 days
Starts at
3,549
England

The State of the World: Contemporary Issues & Past Lessons

With experts from the BBC, Al Jazeera and the University of Oxford, delve into the pressing topics of modern politics during a special conference at Oxford University.
Political Science
History
Conferences
Activity Level
Length
10 days
Starts at
3,549
Program No. 22536 RJ
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Cancel & Transfer Fees Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Deposit at Enrollment: 250
Final payment due: -149 days before departure date

Cancel & Transfer Schedule

Should you transfer or cancel, apart from the fees described below, you will also be responsible for any penalties we would incur for non-refundable transportation arrangements made on your behalf.

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

Fees

less than 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer: 100 % of order total

Cancel: 100 % of order total

66 to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer: 50 % of order total

Cancel: 50 % of order total

up to 67 days prior to program start date

Cancel: $250.00

up to 67 Days Prior to Program Start Date

Transfer: $0.00

Fees Transfer Cancel
less than 30 days prior to program start date 100 % of order total 100 % of order total
66 to 30 days prior to program start date 50 % of order total 50 % of order total
up to 67 days prior to program start date $250.00
up to 67 Days Prior to Program Start Date $0.00

If Road Scholar Cancels a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs either prior to departure or while in progress and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or revise the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring into another program or refunding your full program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a voucher to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the voucher will be $250 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the voucher.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

About Program Details and Itineraries. We do all we can to finalize all aspects of our programs — including itineraries — well in advance, but logistics occasionally must be altered. Our website reflects the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of programs within the U.S. If you have questions about your program, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Terms & Conditions

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Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks. Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. We are guided by advice from the U.S. Department of State, as well as on-site personnel. Our publications and program materials include information about special demands and conditions to guide participants in program selection. By enrolling in a program you agree to assume responsibility for your own safety and welfare and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety at any time.

Medical and Physical needs: Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in our programs. If you have any impairments or medical needs requiring accommodation, we ask that you communicate your needs to Road Scholar’s Participant Services team at the time of enrollment. Our Participant Services team will work with you to accommodate your needs and will provide you specific information on such matters as the suitability and functionality of requested modifications, the physical demands of the program and the availability of dietary options.

Admission & Participation Policy: The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar may revoke admission or limit or terminate participation at any time if, in the opinion of Road Scholar, a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are problematic, inappropriate or disruptive. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography: Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program.

Additional Program Information

Getting to your Program: Please note that programs in the U.S. and Canada generally require independent arrivals and departures, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to the program site.

Airline fees: Please note that many airlines now assess stringent penalties for changes or cancellations — up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be personally responsible. Before purchasing your airfare, please wait until you receive and carefully read your program preparatory materials packet.

Optional Trip Protection Plan
10 days
9 nights
21 meals
8B 6L 7D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Oxford, Orientation, Welcome Reception
Oxford
3
Lecture Series Begins
Oxford
4
Lectures Continue
Oxford
5
Lectures Continue
Oxford
6
Field Trip, Lectures Continue
Oxford
7
Lectures Continue, Free Time
Oxford
8
Lectures Continue, Walking Exploration of Oxford
Oxford
9
Lecture, Wrapping Up Our Discussions, Free Time
Oxford
10
Program Concludes
Oxford
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

In a world that is rapidly changing, a new era of global politics is dawning. Controversial elections, clandestine wars and increasing insurgency are becoming the norm as we enter a “post-truth” age. Gather with fellow Road Scholars at world famous Oxford University to meet with acclaimed experts and commentators to discuss how these changes have materialized, the effect this has on the future of peace and what lessons we can learn from the past. Intelligence experts, political commentators and Middle East authorities, among others, will be your guides into this fascinatingly relevant and vitally important conference event.

Best of all, you'll ...

  • Join Dr. Phillip Cunliffe, an expert in international conflict at the University of Kent, for a week-long immersion into the complexities of modern politics.
  • Attend lectures led by historians, published authors, intelligence specialists and experts from the BBC, Al Jazeera and the University of Oxford.
  • Delight in the ambiance of learning at Oxford College at St. Hugh’s and attend a gala dinner.

General Notes

This conference program has a maximum of 120 like-minded participants, is classroom-based and features acclaimed experts. For field trips, the group will be divided into smaller groups.
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A witty, charming and astutely observed account of an American graduate student's year spent in the halls of England's most prestigious academic institutions.
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10 days
9 nights
21 meals
8 B 6 L 7 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Oxford, Orientation, Welcome Reception
Oxford
D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Check-in from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early, you may leave bags at the desk.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. The college is within walking distance of central Oxford and Summertown, North Oxford, with its cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

Afternoon: After getting your room assignment and key at the Porter's Lodge of St. Hugh’s College, register at the Road Scholar desk in the foyer of the Maplethorpe Building. The Group Leader will show you to your room and give you a brief orientation to the area. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader, Dr. Phillip Cunliffe, Senior Lecturer in International Conflict at the University of Kent, who will lecture and supervise educational content, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. Due to the high profile nature of many of our speakers there may be changes due to reasons beyond our control. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of any changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Following the Orientation session we will have a Welcome Reception with wine for our Road Scholar group.

Dinner: In the college's beautiful dining room, we will have a 3-course plated and served meal with wine, coffee, tea, water included.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Lecture Series Begins
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: In the College dining room, the breakfast buffet offers a range of hot and cold items plus milk, fruit juices, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will begin our “State of the World” program with Dr. Philip Cunliffe, Senior Lecturer in International Conflict at the University of Kent. After a short break for coffee and fresh air, we will have our first special guest lecture. Our program was planned far in advance when details of speakers and lecture topics were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

Lunch: In the college's dining room we'll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included.

Afternoon: We will reconvene for our next lecture. The remainder of the afternoon is free time. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions for Oxford explorations.

Dinner: In the college's dining room we'll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included.

Evening: Dr. Cunliffe will lead an informal discussion.

DAY
4
Lectures Continue
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll gather for our morning lecture. We will then break for refreshments and free time at St Hugh's before lunch.

Lunch: Dining room plated meal.

Afternoon: We will attend the next lecture in the series. The remainder of the afternoon is free time.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Lectures Continue
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll convene for two morning lectures, with a break for refreshments.

Lunch: Dining room plated meal.

Afternoon: We will attend the next lecture in the series. Following the lecture and discussion, the remainder of the afternoon is free time.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Field Trip, Lectures Continue
Oxford
B,L
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll venture outside the grounds of St Hugh’s College for a field trip to a location of relevance to our conference. We'll return to St Hugh's for lunch.

Lunch: Dining room plated meal.

Afternoon: We will attend the next lecture in the series, followed by free time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Lectures Continue, Free Time
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll attend two morning lectures, with a break for refreshments.

Lunch: Dining room plated meal.

Afternoon: Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Lectures Continue, Walking Exploration of Oxford
Oxford
B,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College. Walking in Oxford up to 2 miles; city sidewalks, flat terrain.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll continue our conference with two morning lectures, with a break for refreshments.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We’ll regroup and set out on a walking exploration of Oxford.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Lecture, Wrapping Up Our Discussions, Free Time
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Ramps and elevator at St. Hugh's College.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll gather for a lecture. After we break for refreshments, Philip Cunliffe will round up our discussions.

Lunch: Dining room plated meal.

Afternoon: We'll begin the afternoon with free time to see and do what interests us most. We will gather before dinner for a farewell reception.

Dinner: In the dining room, we’ll enjoy a gala dinner with wine.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
10
Program Concludes
Oxford
B

Activity note: Check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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