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Oxford International Study Centre

Why choose Oxford International Study Centre?

Oxford International Study Centre is a well-established college in the centre of Oxford. OISC has a grade one inspection report (“exceeds expectations” ) of the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which is an approved educational oversight body authorised by the UKBA. OISC is an associate member of the European Council of International Schools. The Principal is an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

OISC has a Highly Trusted Status UKBA licence (Tier 4) for visa documentation.

Oxford International Study Centre is situated in the very heart of the University City in the conservation area, between the Town Hall and Christ Church, Oxford's most famous College. The Study Centre occupies a beautiful and prestigious building which is over four hundred years old and retains its beamed ceilings and many other original features.

Founded
2006

Reviews

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Cynthia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great study environment!

OISC is a very good college where you can combine both studies and fun. The teachers, other staff members and students are very nice and helpful. It has been a great experience so far, and I'm looking forward for even more.

Read my full story

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Cynthia Pitta Grós

Cynthia Pitta Gros is an 18-year-old from Angola, where she finished secondary school. She went to England with the intention of enrolling in college to study medicine. There, she first attended an English programme (at OISC) and is currently doing A-Levels (also through OISC).
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Describe your program socially and academically.

My program included several lessons a week, sometimes with different teachers, which made the program much more interesting and versatile. The social environment was great both among students and between the students, teachers and other staff members. We all had a very open relationship and talked to each other in and outside of class. They were also very helpful and I got to experience and learn many things in Oxford because of their help. We were like a little family and it was one of the reasons why I chose OISC. In other places, I can imagine that the social atmosphere might be very different.

How has this experience impacted your future?

From the academic point of view, the English lessons allowed me to improve my English - which will be my passport to university. I just earned an 8 on my IELTS due to OISC and I'm very happy with that. From a personal standpoint, I made a lot of friends in Oxford whom I hope to be close with for years to come. My future definitely looks much brighter now.

Do you think your program changed you as a person?

Not only the program, but my time spent in England, has been a source of personal development and growth. I made lots of friends and I got to know people from all around the world with different cultures. I think this has made me more understanding and patient. I'm not the same girl I was when I left home. I'm more mature and independent. I thank my time in England for that.

What was the best place you visited outside of your study abroad city?

England is a beautiful country. There are so many places to know and see. I haven't been to every place I want to go, but I visited many cities and small towns. I have to say that my favourite was obviously London. It is a dynamic, lively and full of history. Also, Liverpool and the Cadbury factory in Birmingham.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to future OISC students?

COME. That's what I'd like to say. Come to England, come to Oxford, come to OISC. You'll have a great time while you learn English or prepare for university. One more thing, don't forget your umbrella, you'll need it :)

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

In today’s ever shrinking world, through the internet and social media, it is important for all students to experience these differences by visiting a country and immersing themselves in its culture. Only then can they truly learn the language and the nuances of its use, in everyday living. They also have the opportunity to become true global citizens and make lifelong friends from all different nationalities.

What unique qualities does your company possess?

OISC is in the heart of Oxford and as such we are in a unique position to offer both a learning and cultural experience for our students. In the summer months we use some of the university facilities so that students who come on our Summer Experience Course can truly get a feel for the university life at Oxford. Oxford is relatively small and the majority of the colleges are near the centre. There are also many prominent cultural and literary figures in Oxford’s history that the students learn about and it provides a unique experience for them. We want all our students to go home having had a great time, and hopefully eager to return again the following year,

What was your favorite traveling experience?

My favourite travelling experience was when I took a gap year, a few years ago, albeit a bit later than most! I toured Europe for a few months and then did a 3 month road trip across the USA, and managed to visit 32 states! I met many interesting people on my travels, from all different backgrounds, and I am still in contact with some of them. It showed me that we all have things in common and we all have things we can share with others. I love travelling and still have a long wish-list of places to visit.

What language have you always wanted to learn and why?

I am currently trying to learn Russian, although progress is very slow! OISC have connections in Russia and when I visited there in November I realised how little of the language I did know. This has spurred me onto try and master the language.