The colleges that we are working with are aware that American students often are only able to study abroad for one term or semester (due to course requirements at home, finances, etc.). If they accept a Visiting Student for one term they naturally wish to be sure that he or she will receive a substantial and coherent academic program. The eight week period is that part of the Oxford term during which the University lectures are given. Degree candidates normally arrive in zero week (the week before the first week of the eight weeks period) to meet with their supervisor regarding the term's courses, etc. Tutorial courses may extend into ninth or tenth week. According to experienced tutors, most degree candidates do academic work for at least 39 weeks a year (an average of 13 weeks a term). An important point is that Oxford degree candidates normally work on reading lists during the three vacation periods. The Vice-Chancellor recently confirmed this view of the Oxford academic year in the Oxford Gazette. He wrote "... attention is being given to ways in which existing practices may be formalized to make explicit the fact that the academic year at Oxford is more nearly the thirty week year of other institutions, and not, as is commonly assumed, a twenty-four week year." WISC will ensure that Visiting Students will be in residence for 13 weeks a term and will (depending on the individual college) normally study in two primary tutorial courses of nine tutorial sessions each. Alternatively, in some cases, three secondary courses of six tutorials each might be educationally desirable. Senior fellows also expect to consult with the Visiting Student's U.S. professors to work out the best academic program for him or her. With the approval of his or her U.S. home college a non-graduating student may enroll in 2-4 additional tutorials each term at no extra cost. If a student chooses to study in less than the normal 14 tutorials there can be no refund since the cost for the entire program is based on average costs per student. Not every student will participate in every tour or use every library, etc. The same "average use" principle applies. This will mean that a Visiting Student could properly earn 13-14 U.S. semester credits over 12-13 weeks of intensive academic work. Associate Members will also be in residence for 13 weeks a term. Housing is included for the entire Winter and Spring "vacation periods" at no extra cost.