Examining Oxford

Regarding “Oxford Lite” (Jan. 14): Those desiring a less lightweight experience at England’s Oxford University should look into UC Berkeley’s “Travel With Scholars” summer program, telephone (415) 252-5229, Internet https://www.unex.berkeley.edu/travel. It offers two three-week sessions and is a true academic program that can be taken for credit or not. Either way, one is expected to produce a paper for the tutor and an oral report for the class.

The program is headquartered at Merton College, and I feel their room accommodations and meals are quite superior to what writer Christopher Reynolds described at Christ Church.

I have attended Berkeley’s program the past five summers. I am so enamored of it that I am returning again this year, for as Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “The world, surely, has not another place like Oxford; it is a despair to see such a place and ever to leave it.”

JUDITH FUJITA

Rancho Palos Verdes

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I read your article on Oxford with interest, particularly because I was a student and then resident of the town for many years.

For those whose trips are not academic, the hotels of Oxford are quite varied. It should be emphasized that cars are an inconvenient mode of transport in Oxford, so choosing a hotel in the center of town, within walking distance of the attractions, is usually best.

The Randolph, tel. 011-44-870-400-8200, is the luxury hotel in the center of town and ideal for those on a generous budget. Less expensive, but excellent, is the Cotswold Lodge Hotel, tel. 011-44-1865-512-121, on the outer edge of town but still within walking distance of the center.

RICHARD FORSYTHE

Lake Forest