Salvador: Cultural Exploration Past Review
By Maya C (Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies., University of the Pacific) for
CIEE: Salvador- Liberal Arts
I learned a lot, but there are other programs in Brazil that I know I would have enjoyed more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The maid became a good friend which created some tension between me and my host mom. My host mom was not very sociable or talkative though so it left me no other option. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lots of cultural events, outings, activity suggestions. Usually included in the program fee. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was pretty dangerous and health issues were left completely up to the student with very little help from the program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget early or your money will disappear. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not find my professor very knowledgeable or helpful at all. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The program holds your hand and has housing and academic rules. If you want to be more independent, go somewhere else. You have to work to make good Brazilian friends and break away from the foreigners, but it can be done. |
