I had fun, I learned a lot, met many new people, and just grew as a person. March 18, 2026
By Ilishaa N (Data Science and English, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2025 to 12/06/2025 with
WISC: Oxford - Visiting Student program at Oxford University
I met so many different people from different backgrounds because of it being a large university, and this taught me a lot and changed my take on what I want to do in life. I also met many people from my country who I ordinarialy would not have met in college or at home, and this also helped me understand the kind of people I want to keep company with. I even took part in a Sanskrit Play, an opportunity I would not have gotten at a smaller school.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were amazing, visiting students had single en-suite rooms. The rooms were furnished, and also serviced every week by a scout. |
| * Food: |
The dining hall was very accessible and the food was affordable, subsidized and good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The regular oxford students created a very welcoming environment in clubs and organizations for visiting students to participate given our interests. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I think the location, academic style, and even access to extracurricular opportunities at Oxford was very fit for a one-semester visiting student. The local students, visiting students, and professors made it a very welcoming environment for us. It was easy to take advantage of what a big university can give us |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 50 pounds |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try eating at the dining hall over buying groceries/ going out atleast during the week as that can turn out to being cheaper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There is room for every kind of person at a university as big as Oxford, and do not plan your experience before you go there, you do not have to join certain clubs because they are popular amongst visiting students. Trust your own experience and do things you will truly enjoy, say yes to new opportunity. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
