Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly an immersive and culturally rich experience. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/14/2017 to 12/22/2017 with

Federal Fluminense University: Niteroi - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Thought the classes were rigorous enough but each department had their own idea of a good grade. One professor only gave out the lowest possible passing grades. I had to explain to him I was an exchange student and that his class was very important for my GPA, eventually he understood and gave me a fair grade. it was unnerving to say the least.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Silvia was wonderful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Really amazing host parents, couldn't have been better.

* Food:

Delicious

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to make a lot of friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

did not have an experience with healthcare

* Safety:

I was definitely very precautious but nothing happened to me.

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

Learned a ton in my classes, made a lot of new friends abroad and I improved my language skills. Also I still need to see more of Brazil!

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)

it was great, Rio was understandable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $40-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat at home as much as possible!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

all the time!!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 250
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make local friends and hang out with your host family

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural excursions
  • living situation
  • program flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • communication with Professors at UFF
  • simpler process for choosing classes abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not sure, I guess I wish I had seen more of Brasil before I left

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

A América Latina nas relações internacionais e estratégicas
Course Department: international relations
Instructor: Gabriel Passeti
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: it was very challenging, the professor was very knowledgeable. I participated in class a normal amount. I was assessed through two tests and one presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: Im still in the process. Definitely try to get that done sooner than I am
Course Name/Rating:

Economia Brasileira contemporanea

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Michel Renaut
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: it was rather challenging but the professor provided the help needed for me to succeed.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Historia do cinema brasileiro
Course Department: FIlm
Instructor: Rafael de Luna
Instruction Language: portuguese
Comments: very interesting class, we had one presentation and one final paper and a participation grade
Credit Transfer Issues: currently dealing with that
Course Name/Rating:

Interpretaçoes do Brasil

Course Department: economica
Instructor: Aloysio Carvalho
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: I learned a great deal in this course, although I had to talk with the professor a lot and explain my situation to him. for some reason everyone was getting the lowest passing grade in this class, maybe it was because everyone was taking it pass fail but before the professor understood my situation it was a rather unnerving situation.
Credit Transfer Issues: dealing with that now