Studying Abroad and Majoring in English

For non-major students seeking signatures for English courses taken while studying abroad, for FDR or general credit, please see these instructions before visiting the departmental study abroad liaison.

With only 33 credits (11 courses) required to fulfill their majors, English majors who plan ahead can take spring term, one of the long terms, or even the whole junior year abroad. Summer study can also be arranged, though petitions are required to count summer courses for major credit. (The integrated six-week Virginia Program at Oxford is especially recommended to English majors, and some English credits can be earned through that program.) Be aware of the relevant deadlines of International Education. Study abroad usually takes one of two forms: Year-long or semester-long study at a foreign university in an English-speaking country. English majors have had good experiences at Advanced Studies in England in Bath; University College, Oxford; University College, London; York University; Melbourne; and other universities abroad. See the website of International Education for a list of approved programs. Arrangements about transferring credits for specific courses should be discussed with your departmental study abroad liaison and with the chair of the department before your departure.

Advanced Studies in English: ASE Bath

Washington and Lee is one of thirteen U. S. colleges and universities affiliated with Advanced Studies in England (ASE), an undergraduate humanities program based in the city of Bath which offers qualified students a one- or two-semester experience (summer school also available). Students live in Georgian townhouses near the city center. The seminar-sized classes taught by British faculty often include study trips designed to deepen the students' understanding of the particular curricular subjects and English culture.

Virginia Program at Oxford

The Virginia Program at Oxford is a Washington and Lee-sponsored, interdisciplinary summer school program based in St. Anne's College, Oxford University. The six-week program, which is open to students of any major after their first year, examines the history and literature of Renaissance England. Instruction follows the English system of higher education, combining daily lectures by renowned, British scholars with small, weekly tutorials. Students, drawn from a six-school consortium of small Virginia colleges and universities, earn three credits in history and three credits in English. These credits may be used to fulfill Washington and Lee’s FDR requirements in literature and humanities and may also be applied toward a major (unlike most summer credits) in English, history, or Medieval and Renaissance studies. Some need-based financial aid is available.