Overview

This course is designed for the overseas visitor who would like to improve their knowledge and understanding of UK customs and protocol in both business and social settings. We cover topics including introductions; invitations; table manners; restaurant etiquette; 'tricky food'; formal and social occasions; entertaining; and country pursuits.

Description

The course aims to provide the overseas visitor with a comprehensive understanding of the main rules of behaviour in the UK, in both business and social settings. We aim to cover the basic ground rules by means of readings, group discussions and role plays.

We make use of literary and video material in order to explore issues raised: for example, culture clashes as seen in modern Britain in the book and film “Bridget Jones’ Diary”, the film “Love Actually”, and the TV series “Keeping Up Appearances”. We study the real-life social and business dilemmas as printed in The Times and The Daily Telegraph newspapers and we analyse the responses offered by these newspapers’ experts.

On the final evening, we take formal dinner in Hall consisting of several courses (thus providing the student with the opportunity to practise using the correct cutlery, wine glasses etc) and students are expected to deliver a short but appropriate speech.

The following is a sample course outline; the actual timetable will depend on the specific interests and requirements of the group. Should you have a particular concern that you would like to address during the course, we can incorporate that if you give us at least four weeks’ notice. Students will be supplied with reading and study materials when they join the course.

Course Structure

Sunday

Arrivals (any time during the day)

Monday

Difference between etiquette, manners, and customs.

Cross-cultural differences in approaches to food, hospitality, behaviour in public, humour, etc.

The underpinning assumptions of these approaches – why are manners important?

The “social class system” in England.

Introductions and how to do them.

Private study: Reading from one of the set books.

Afternoon: tour of Oxford colleges and gardens

Evening: social event to meet other students.

Tuesday

Image management – hair, posture, clothes etc.

What (not) to wear to business and social functions.

Dress codes: work, formal, informal, occasion wear.

Nonverbal messages and communication; meeting and greeting, physical contact (a handshake or a kiss?), eye contact, personal space etc.

Social occasions in the English “Season” (Henley Regatta, Badminton, Ascot, etc.)

Private study: analysis of nonverbal communication in a public place.

Afternoon: visit to Blenheim Castle or punting in Oxford

Evening: visit to theatre

Wednesday

"Special occasions"

Written invitations; how to write them; how to accept and decline gracefully.

How to deal with oral invitations. Hosting business and social events.

Good guests and bad guests.

Private houses, hotels, beaches, yachts, private jets, picnics.

Meeting royalty and celebrities.

How to say “thank you”.

Private study: writing formal and informal invitations and replies.

Writing “thank you” notes and letters.

Afternoon: visit to Botanical Gardens or to Ashmolean Museum

Evening: “pub quiz” (a general knowledge contest)

Thursday

Dealing with the opposite sex.

Business strategies – how to avoid sending the wrong messages; how to deal with unwanted attention; gossip, innuendo and scandal.

Dating and mating strategies; engagements, weddings,

Christenings and divorces.

Church services in England.

Private study: Analysis of real-life scenarios.

Afternoon: visit to London or to Broughton Castle; or tennis in Oxford.

Evening: boat trip

Friday

Food, drink and smoking at social and business events.

Table manners.

Table settings and seating plans.

Messy food, difficult food, unusual food.

Speeches and toasts – what to say and how to say it.

Afternoon: free for you to prepare your evening speech

Evening: formal dinner to practise your new skills; students will each be expected to give a short speech.

Saturday

Depart after breakfast between 9 and 11am.

Notes

This is one of our adult courses, which constitute part of the Academy's continuing education division. We offer summer courses in literature, science, philosophy, psychology, music, art. film, and architecture. New courses are frequently added to the website, so if this course does not match your requirements, keep checking the website. In addition, we can make tailor-made courses to suit your requirements - just email us at admin@oxford-royale.co.uk, and let us know what you are looking for.

Accommodation

Students stay in Wadham College, one of the most traditional Oxford University colleges. Located right in the centre of city, Wadham is near all the famous colleges and museums, which makes it ideal for an inspiring study break! The Wadham College website contains practical information about your stay.

Excursions – Oxford Based

Included in the course fees, is a full schedule of sightseeing activities and social events in the city of Oxford. For a sample timetable go to www.oxford-royale.co.uk/tours2007.html and view the Corpus Christi timetable.

Excursions - Outside Oxford

Students wishing to travel outside Oxford, can visit places of historic interest, such as London, Hay-on-Wye, Bath and Blenheim Palace. These tours are an additional cost to the standard programme.

Application

You can either book online or you can download a paper application form and send it back to us.

If you require any support, please either email us or give us a call on +44 (0) 845 130 60 21.

Deposit

There is a booking deposit of £395.00 to accompany your application. Confirmation of your place will be sent to you once your application form has been processed.