Thomas More (& Shakespeare) in England

Not available 2008. Will return in 2009.

Thank you for visiting our site, and for your interest in our program. We regret to inform you that we will be unable to run the Thomas More in England Program in the summer of 2008. Dr. Wegemer explains this situation in this letter.

If you are able to defer your interest for a year, we would surely welcome an application from you next fall. Our application period generally begins around October 1, and we will certainly notify you when applications are available. You may also complete an inquiry form indicating interest in our 2009 program.

For those of you who might be looking for another study travel opportunity for 2008, we attach a letter from Dr. Gregory Roper, director of Thomas More in England's sister program, Shakespeare in Italy. Please read the letter and give serious consideration to the possibility of studying Shakespeare’s Roman and Italian plays in situ this summer with this acclaimed medievalist and teacher of writing. Please visit the Shakespeare in Italy webpage for more information or to complete an inquiry form.

The University of Dallas invites mature and talented high school students to explore the rich lessons of principled leadership found in the life of St. Thomas More and in the plays of Shakespeare. Our aim is to bring a new immediacy to More's life, times and writings by studying them in his native land through this rigorous two-week study tour. Like all of our study-travel programs, Thomas More in England is based upon classical and classic texts from the University's Core Curriculum.

Save by applying today!

Completed applications received before our December 1 early application deadline will be eligible for a 5% discount on program fees.

Making a difference: the need for leadership

Thomas More made a difference in his world. We are looking for high school students who want to make a difference in ours. To understand more clearly the complexities and the challenges of great leadership, we will investigate the life, times and writings of Sir Thomas More and of William Shakespeare.

More’s life shatters the common view that one must be corrupt to be successful, or that integrity and high principles are doomed to failure- although More’s life also teaches us that upright individuals do run risks in pursuing truth and justice. A brilliant lawyer, author and diplomat, More rose to become the Lord Chancellor of England, the highest office next to the king. St. Thomas, canonized in 1935, was also a man of principle and of deep faith, one who in the end paid for these commitments with his head. For further information about the influence of St. Thomas More, click here to visit the Center for Thomas More Studies.

Exploring London…and Beyond

Our focus on Thomas More will help us bring London into focus. After all, More was born in London and lived there most of his life. Some of the many places we visit are:

Great Literature, Great History

Besides lectures and on-site tours, we will read and discuss Thomas More’s own intriguing writings on statesmanship. We will also study English history by visiting major sites and by considering More’s and Shakespeare’s accounts of important English kings and queens.

The Adventure of Learning

The University of Dallas, a private Catholic university, has offered study abroad programs as part of its undergraduate curriculum for more than 35 years. Almost 6,000 UD students have studied abroad as a way of enhancing their appreciation of our Western heritage. UD also offers to high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while studying and traveling in England. Program features include:

Travel and Costs

Eligible high school students include rising juniors and seniors. Students who successfully complete the program earn two college credits from the University of Dallas. The cost (click for description) of the program covers tuition, airfare, land travel, documentation fees, room and board in England, and all museum fees and entry passes to historical sites. With the exception of no more than a few lunches during extended tours, all meals are provided. A few limited, need-based scholarships are available. University also provides fundraising assistance to interested students.

While studying in England, the students will reside at Wycombe Abbey, a prep school in rural Hertfordshire outside of London.

Faculty and Staff

Wycombe Abbey residence halls

The director of Thomas More in England, Dr. Gerard Wegemer, has published several books on More, and has taught for 30 years. He will be assisted by staff members who have experience with the UD Study Abroad Programs.

For More Information

Click here to fill out an online inquiry form or contact:

Mr. Luke Mutschler
The Rome and Summer Programs Office
University of Dallas
1845 East Northgate Drive; Irving, Texas 75062-4736
(972) 721-5181
email: udsummer@udallas.edu.
AOL IM Screename: Udsummer

In your request, be sure to include your name, address, phone number, the high school you attend, and year of high school graduation. We'd also like to know how you heard about the program.