São Paulo made me appreciate Wisconsin´s nature and Wiped Clean my Wallet. Past Review
By kaitlyn B (Communication and Media Studies., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
ISEP Exchange: Sao Paulo - Exchange Program at Fundacao Armando Alvares Penteado
Absolutely! I learned a lot of things about myself through the living situations I was put in, the school I studied at and the culture of a metropolitan city. I absolutely love Brazil, as I have studied here once in HS. I only want to meet more states and places in Brazil the next time I am able to comeback. I hope this experience helps me in getting a job as a representative between American and Brazilian companies.
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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. |
I felt the workload to be extremely little, no quizzes or tests throughout the semester, and few class notes. This was extremely different than my experience in my studies in the american university system. The midterm and final are made of three to ten questions that you must be able to fully answer from the class notes and various readings. I found that quite difficult because you dont know what the professor wants. However, I have a few classes where the final exam is a presentation or other work and I really like that because you are required to put into action what you learned throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the program was good. Always there when I need help or advice and very accommodating to my situation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Eating out and eating in is extremely expensive. The food is delicious, just very pricy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed the museums. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The safety is okay as long as you are smart. You need to know where you can and cannot walk alone at night, without importing if you are male or female. |
| 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
| 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?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you chose this program, you must realize the type of culture you will experience in this school as it is the elite culture of South America (like the NYC elite). Also, you must be prepared to spend a lot of money. This city of São Paulo is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world, and holy moly, is it a shock. Look into teaching english, VIP entrance, discount sites for food, and friends that know their way around the city. Also, get a bus pass so you only pay half price on the buses and metros. Make sure to know that system as soon as you get here and your life will be much easier! |
