Brazilian study abroad was a rewarding experience both personally and professionally! Past Review

By (Mba, Pepperdine University) for

Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV EAESP): Sao Paulo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an outstanding experience. It is what you make it. Don't rely on the administrators to walk you through having the best time abroad. You have to do it yourself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fairly easy. Since the courses are in English, I felt as if the Americans had a leg up on the rest of the International students who used English as their second language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great school; well respected. Outstanding location as it in the heart of the Brazilian financial district. Portuguese is difficult to learn but very important. My school didn't offer Portuguese, but I learned it from cultural assimilation/immersion.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

They eat A LOT of meat in Brazil. Definitely not veggie friendly. But if you do like meat it is a paradise as the quality is second to none.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All extracurricular activities were paid for and coordinated by myself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

N/A The program did not address either of these problems. Students are independent of the program in this regard.

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)

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Quality of classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spanish doesn't really help. Portuguese is completely different so don't waste your time learning Spanish if you don't