Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

James Scholar Trip and G.O.L. Past Review

By (University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign) - abroad from 05/16/2011 to 05/26/2011 with

Campus Brasil: Traveling - Faculty-Led Study Tours in Brazil (MBA, Undergrad Business, Science, etc)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how different cultures operate and the role that international relations must play in effective and efficient business operations in the upcoming years. Campus Brasil's staff taught us valuable lessons about the Brazilian culture, which have been useful in my work.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • I enjoyed the knowledgeable and friendly people at Campus Brasil. In the 2011 Brazil trip, I learned things about Brazil and international education systems that prompted me to start a non-profit with the focus of aiding education systems within Sao Paulo. In this process, Campus Brasil has been invaluable with their advice. They truly go above and beyond for their clients.
* What could be improved?
  • Personally, I believe they arrange the program to meet all your needs. Small changes could be made to increase expediency, but overall the quality of this company's services has been unrivaled.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One aspect I wish I would have known was what to wear on the visit; however, this was more the responsibility of my University.