Membership is open to all full-time undergraduate or graduate
research students at Cambridge University and Anglia Ruskin
University who come from another country and are interested in
finding out more about British culture, food, art, or people.
At the moment everything is very informal, so anyone who's involved
with the society in any way is considered a member. This includes
co-ordinators, hosts and students who have been on or hope
to go on visits.
Please take note that there is no membership fee:
We hope to reach out to all students, even those of little means!
If you are interested at all, please
submit your details on this page.
Personal accounts
Personal account from Parames Namasivayam:
Hello! I am Parames, a Malaysian Tamil who did PhD in the Department
of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University from the year of 2001-2004.
Now, I am back in Malaysia but with sweet memories of Cambridge and
England, thanks to Miss Joy Seddon, the founder and coordinator of
Welcome International Students of Cambridge (WISC). I joined WISC in
my first year -- to be precise four months after being in Cambridge.
My first experience was Easter in Miss Joy Seddon's home. That was the
beginning of my wonderful experiences in UK. Later, I was given an
opportunity of home stay experience with a very caring and kind
hearted couple. I have visited their home several times and had meals
with their family. They have always made me feel at home and that's
what you need when one is far away from home. During Christmas, I also
had the opportunity to visit many other English families organized by
WISC. It was a wonderful experience, learning their culture and life
style. In return, I shared with them about my culture and my country.
It was a two way learning process. All these were for FREE OF CHARGE!
I absolutely enjoyed my time in Cambridge especially because of WISC.
I would strongly recommend any international student to grab every
opportunity to be part of WISC. The reward is priceless experience and
you will make lifetime friends!
Personal account from Han Zheng:
When I first arrived in Cambridge for my undergraduate course, it was
my first time abroad and so far away from home. I was very worried
that I might not understand people, or fit into the society here. I
was very lucky to meet Miss Joy Seddon on the second day of my
arrival, who happens to be the WISC organiser, and had heard from the
Trinity porters that another Chinese student had arrived at Trinity.
I was immediately offered WISC hospitality, and on the third day, I
was on a host visit to Newnham and found myself having lunch and
interesting discussions with a very special host family! They were
very nice people. And they not only showed me British hospitality,
but also assured me that I could fit very well into the society here,
and that I needn't feel lonely or helpless because I've got host
families to turn to. They gave me tremendous warmth and confidence,
and I've gone back to visit a few times, and kept in touch with them
ever since. I have also gone to some other host families through
WISC, and they are all very nice and kind. WISC has given me the warm
feeling that I am being cared for in this foreign country, and I will
never forget all the wonderful hosts I have met through WISC.
