Insights from the Inside: 5 Key Lessons from the Oxford Next Horizons Programme

Co-Directors Elizabeth Kiss Warden & CEO of the Rhodes Trust and Professor Jane Shaw, Principal of Harris Manchester College , and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor, 英国牛津大学 share emerging insights from the first year of this innovative programme.

Launched in 2022, and with its first cohort arriving in January 2024, the Oxford Next Horizons Programme (ONHP) is a pioneering six-month residential programme designed for individuals in the later stages of their careers. Next Horizons offers participants access to Oxford University’s vast intellectual resources and is based at two of the University's most distinctive communities—Harris Manchester College, dedicated to non-traditional age students, and Rhodes House, home to the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

The programme has proven to be a transformative journey, not only for its first cohort of 19 scholars and 4 associated partners, but also for its two host institutions, the Rhodes Trust and Harris Manchester College. Here we reflect on the success of the programme’s inaugural year, and its potential for lasting impact on our respective missions to foster lifelong learning.

1. The Power of Diverse Perspectives

The inaugural ONHP cohort was a vibrant mix of individuals from a broad spectrum of fields — ranging from education and medicine to technology and government service. This diversity wasn’t just a hallmark of the programme; it was its driving force.

In a room of 19 talented individuals, each voiced a distinctive approach to the question of what makes a good life, and to solving the big problems of today, the guiding questions of the programme’s two key seminars. This also highlighted a fundamental truth: when people from different sectors come together, they don’t just share their knowledge—they create a fertile ground for innovation. The varied backgrounds and perspectives within the cohort demonstrated that everyone's insights can contribute to a more comprehensive, sometimes startlingly new, understanding of the issues at hand.

2. Embracing Change: Plans and Priorities Evolve (And That's Okay!)

When the first cohort of ONHP Scholars arrived, each member came with a distinct and deeply personal vision for their time in Oxford and the projects they intended to pursue. However, as the programme unfolded, it became clear that flexibility and openness to change were just as important as the initial plans themselves.

It was both enlightening and inspiring to observe how various factors—whether it be new academic insights, unexpected collaborations, or personal reflections—began to shape and influence the scholars’ original intentions. Many participants found themselves on journeys they hadn’t anticipated, bravely welcoming transformative changes into their lives and projects. Rather than clinging rigidly to their initial goals, the scholars demonstrated remarkable adaptability, allowing their experiences in Oxford to guide them in new directions.

3. Building Lifelong Bonds: The Importance of Community and Connection

A defining strength of Next Horizons was its emphasis on cultivating a strong sense of community and connection among its participants. From the very beginning, the programme was designed not just as an academic journey, but as an experience that would forge deep, lasting relationships among scholars and with the wider community.

Close-knit relationships developed within the cohort, and in turn the cohort contributed in valuable ways to the deep sense of community at both Harris Manchester College and the Rhodes Trust.

4. Pushing Boundaries: The Value of Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

One of the most transformative aspects of Next Horizons was its deliberate focus on encouraging scholars to step outside their comfort zones. From the outset, the programme was designed to push participants beyond their usual boundaries, fostering both personal growth and a deeper sense of community. This is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from the challenges we least expect.

The Co-Directors and staff of Next Horizons also embraced this philosophy by taking on the creative challenge of designing programme activities that encouraged participants to explore new and unfamiliar territories. Vital to the success of this experience was the balance between stepping into the unknown and remaining anchored in a supportive, trusted community.

5. Learning at Every Step: The Significance of Intergenerational Learning

During their time at Oxford, the Next Horizons Scholars immersed themselves in a vibrant network, forging connections with the students, staff and Fellows of Harris Manchester College, Rhodes Scholars in Residence and members of Rhodes’ partnership programmes. Engaging in a book club, speed mentoring sessions, and collaborative projects, they exchanged ideas and experiences across various life stages and career paths.

This cross-generational dialogue not only enriched the learning journey of the participants but also underscored the power of mentorship and collaboration within our community, bridging generational gaps and fostering lasting bonds.

Find out more about Oxford Next Horizons

Oxford Alumni can join Dr. Kiss and Professor Shaw on 21 September at the Oxford Meeting Minds event for an engaging session, "What Constitutes a Meaningful Life?" and Other Big Questions, where they’ll explore the Oxford Next Horizons Programme and delve into thought-provoking topics that shape our understanding of purpose and fulfilment.