A Chance to Live in Brazil Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the course load to be very manageable. I entered with an advanced level of Portuguese and probably should have chosen more challenging courses, however, each of them was eye-opening in different aspects. It was interesting to compare Brazilian teaching styles with the American classes I'm used to.

On-site administration of your program

This is an independent program with limited activities, which I liked because it gave me the opportunity to build my own experience. However, I felt that several program activities were disorganized. We often received information last minute, and the monthly cultural activities we were supposed to have never really happened.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family. This was the best part of my experience. They truly let me into their home and I felt like a part of their family. While I recognize that there's luck involved with host families (having spent a semester in a different country with another host family), Brazilians on the whole are a very welcoming, hospitable people and staying with a family was key to my cultural fluency and understanding.

The "mineiros" (people from Minas Gerais) are known for their fabulous cuisine, and the food here is amazing! It didn't hurt that my host mom was also a wonderful cook...I miss the food already (one month out).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The independent nature of this program and the openness of Brazilians allowed me to create strong friendships with locals. I appreciated having contact with people in a variety of settings, including in school, my internship, in public, and at social events. The home stay was really important to my social and cultural integration since I did a lot of things with my host family and sister.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I study public health and was diagnosed with psoriasis while in Brazil, so I got to experience the healthcare system as a student and patient. The public system in Brazil is free but slow; be prepared to wait even for scheduled appointments. I was attended by a different resident and doctor every visit and was initially offended that the doctors spoke to the residents but not me; this is a cultural difference and is probably only the case in teaching hospitals, not private clinics. The program's insurance reimbursed me about 2 months after I submitted receipts. It was definitely an experience that brought living in Brazil to a new level.

Like any Brazilian city, you have to be aware of your surroundings in Belo Horizonte. It's an adjustment to not be able to use your phone in public and constantly "ficar de olho" (keep an eye out). Brazilians tend to feel exposed in public settings, so pay attention to how locals act and copy them. I wasn't assaulted, but even in average neighborhoods it not uncommon. I also wanted to make a special note of cars and traffic: Brazilians drive more aggressively than people in the U.S. Be aware of this as a pedestrian and passenger (be careful who you get into the car with).

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students

• Independence
• Contact with host culture

• Organization

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer