This UVA student is no stranger to studying abroad

January 21, 2026
collage of photos from Sahasra Molleti's semester in England

Second-year College of Arts & Sciences student Sahasra Molleti can be found spending her time in England learning about politics, economics and English traditions at the University of Oxford. (Illustration by Johnny Utterback, University Communications)

After previously studying abroad in Georgia, Japan and China, second-year University of Virginia student Sahasra Molleti continued her global education with a semester at the University of Oxford. 

During her last year of high school, Molleti lived with a host family in Georgia through the FLEX Abroad program. She then spent six weeks in Japan as a Kikkoman Scholar. This past summer, Molleti also studied Chinese language with the UVA in Shanghai Program.

“These study abroad experiences are definitely what got me out of my comfort zone and made me comfortable taking this opportunity to go to Oxford,” Molleti said. 

five women posing for a picture wearing paper crowns

Sahasra Molleti, second from right, poses with fellow students. Students at Oxford apply to residential colleges, each of which have their own unique characteristics. Specifically, St. Anne’s is a historically women’s college known for its welcoming community. (Contributed photo)

Originally from Minnesota, Molleti is a student in the College of Arts & Sciences studying politics with a focus on foreign affairs and economics. In the fall, Molleti studied British politics and public economics as a part of the St. Anne’s College Visiting Student Program.

She arrived at Oxford in September, along with other visiting students, and began the academic term in October. A typical week consisted of four hours of material in large lecture settings, and more personalized tutorials where students met with their professors one-on-one or in small groups.

“It was a lot of content, but I would get feedback on my essays that were never tied to a number, so I never had to focus on the grade I was getting and could instead focus on learning,” Molleti said.

Discovery and Innovation: Daily research. Life-changing results.
Discovery and Innovation: Daily research. Life-changing results.

Outside of academics, Molleti explored the surrounding area with other students she met through the program. “A lot of times we hear about Oxford and think about tough academics and historical buildings, but what surprised me was definitely how open everyone was,” she said.

Alongside her academics, Molleti spent time participating in different activities. Wednesdays were spent as a netball social team member. Other days included rowing outings with the crew team. More notably, she saw a German television show being filmed and even met actress Emma Watson. 

“Finding little pockets of places that I loved was really fun,” Molleti said. “The place that really felt special to me was this room, super deep underground at a bookstore. Sometimes I would go with friends and just study there. It was huge, and we were just surrounded by books.” 

Molleti posing for a photo at Oxford University

With no prior knowledge of British politics, Molleti takes the approach of learning in an immersive environment. Her experiences include field trips to London and watching debates by the Oxford Union, among others. (Contributed photo)

Spending time with new friends was a formative part of her experience. “One of the other American students hosted a ‘friendsgiving’ on Thanksgiving night. That was a moment where I felt like I had found a real community,” Molleti added. 

As she starts her spring semester back on Grounds, Molleti is reflecting on the lessons she learned abroad.

“Something I’ve struggled with at UVA is really valuing my time. Having such an incredible experience abroad reframed how I see intentionally spending time with others,” she said. “I have such limited time at UVA, why would I waste it?” 

After months of relationship building and exploration, Molleti said some of her most memorable takeaways were found in smaller everyday moments.

“I actually really like British food, and I’m a big fan of the English breakfast,” she said. 

Molleti’s time studying abroad has also served as a steppingstone for her future.

“I would love a career where I am interacting with people from different countries and understanding their different perspectives, like being a policy advocate or working in diplomacy,” Molleti said. “I think studying abroad is just one of those opportunities for me to learn from others.”

Media Contacts

Christina Abouzeki

Student Writer

The Latest From Student Experience