2027 Oxford Institute: FAQs
What is the purpose of the Oxford Institute?
The Oxford Institute is a small international gathering of practicing mental health professionals, educators, students, and others engaged in a “helping profession” who share an interest in excellence in global education and clinical practice. It combines a professional development event — scientific and scholarly presentations — with close collegial interaction and cultural exchange.
How large is the Institute?
By design the Institute remains small, limited to a maximum of 60 participants. This allows a uniquely personal and professional experience; if you are seeking the anonymity of a large conference, the Oxford Institute may not be for you.
It is a truly international event and a valuable networking opportunity. In recent years, educators, clinicians, and students from the USA, the UK, Germany, Turkey, Malaysia, Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Qatar, South Africa, Mexico, the Bahamas, China, Paraguay, and Ukraine have attended and presented. Each year includes a number of returning participants.
Who may attend?
The Institute is open to students, professionals, and paraprofessionals in any “helping profession” — including psychology, psychiatry, counseling, social work, family therapy, and related fields — who share an interest in education, training, supervision, and intercultural and clinical practice issues. Spouses, family members, and travel companions are welcome.
Is there a particular focus on advocacy?
The Oxford Institute reflects the values of the International Association of Psychology and Counseling (IAPC). As such, we do not advocate or seek to advance any particular philosophy, ideology, social, or political agenda. However, we welcome presentations and discussions on all topics that impact our professional work and the patients and clients we serve. The Oxford Institute provides a safe and supportive environment to share and exchange ideas.
I would like to present a program in Oxford, how do I go about submitting a proposal?
Proposals are peer-reviewed by the Oxford Institute Program Committee and must relate to some aspect of education or clinical practice. We also welcome topics relating to clinical supervision, pedagogy, substance abuse treatment, ethics, and work with special populations. The Institute strives to balance professional learning with cultural immersion, so presentation space is very limited and selection is highly selective. Every effort is made to accommodate participants who wish to share their expertise. Alongside 60-minute oral sessions, the Institute offers a poster session for presentation and informal discussion.
Prospective presenters should email the proposal submission form, along with other registration forms included in this packet to brian@intapc.org for review by the program selection committee. In the event a program is not selected due to time constraints, etc. – we will attempt to combine program proposals that share a common theme, including panel presentations on critical issues. All presenters MUST register for the Institute. Presenters will be acknowledged in the final program materials of the 2027 Oxford Institute.
What does the Institute registration fee include?
The fee includes access to all scientific and scholarly presentations and official Institute events. Housing options add seven nights in modern campus residential facilities at St. Hilda’s College and daily breakfast in the College dining hall. Airfare, ground transportation, meals other than breakfast, and incidental expenses are not included.
What if I wish to extend my stay and travel on my own?
Many participants have traveled independently before or after the Institute, often with other participants. The organizers have traveled extensively throughout the UK and Europe and will gladly offer suggestions and facilitate connections with participants who share common interests.
I don’t want to be just a “tourist” – will I have a chance to meet and interact with people from England and other countries?
Absolutely. You will have numerous opportunities to meet people who live in the UK as well as participants from various countries — the 2026 Institute included participants from eight. Many long-standing friendships and professional relationships started at the Oxford Institute.
I have additional questions, who should I contact?
If you have any questions concerning the Oxford Institute, travel to the UK, and/or suggestions for independent travel before or after the Institute dates, please contact Dr. Brian Canfield at email brian@intapc.org or text (+1) 985-974-8405.