Floripa: Can I Go Back Please? Past Review
By Derron J (Political Science, Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center) for
ISA Study Abroad in Florianopolis, Brazil
From every possible angle I gained something from my study abroad experience. Friends, language, cultural understanding, and most important memories. It doesn't have to this particular program but if you have an opportunity to go abroad for a period of time, go.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload is extremely light, making instances when you actually have work feel overbearing. Most professors grade on a 1-10 scale. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration team was great. They were available 24/7 and did everything they could to make each students' experience better. They were all familiar with American customs and traditions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food in Floripa is great. There are many different types of markets to buy food and the restaurants are wonderful . There was a little adjustment period for me personally but I settled in. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I actually felt as safe and sometimes safer in Floripa at night than I do in my hometown city. I only had minor experiences with the healthcare system and everything was great. You don't need any vaccines if you only plan on staying in southern Brazil. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone involved in the program was willing to speak/practice Portuguese if the student wanted however nothing was forced outside of the classroom. One could get by with only a small amount of portuguese in everyday interactions. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The program is best for individuals who like to explore, sunny weather, and beautiful people. That means everyone. There isn't a type of person who wouldn't find being in Brazil fun. |
