Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An eyeopening and refreshing experience to be immersed in another culture Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/15/2016 to 01/19/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Niterói

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, my time abroad was worthwhile. I advanced my language skills, made local friends and experienced a rich culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always be aware of surroundings. Try not to bring valuables when leaving host house. Pick pocketing is prevalent, especially in the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would like the opportunity to have a new experience in another country or city although I enjoyed the program in general.

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)

Food (depending on where you go) and transportation is relatively cheap. However, rent is unnecessarily expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to get student and tourist discounts.

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

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? PGSE 215 + PGSE Language school (intermediate)
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? Build a friend group of locals and plan outings with them to use the language. Try to speak with host family frequently.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Wide selection of classes
  • Independence
  • Cultural and academic Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Housing options and prices
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Although it is an academic experience, it is very important to take advantage of leisure/tourist experiences to widen knowledge of the history of the country.

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:

Bar e Bebidas

Course Department: Tourism
Instructor: Claudia Moraes
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: Instructor was always well prepared for class and gave ample readings that supplemented lectures. Practical exercises were very useful and offered an opportunity for students, especially international students to demonstrate skills learned. The course was generally enjoyable and easy to follow.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Geografia da America Latina
Course Department: Geography
Instructor: Cristina Mary
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: This course was challenging, not only because of the jargon used in that department but also because the course was reading intensive. The teacher was very knowledgable but class discussions and lectures did not seem to make use of the readings in a constructive manner that would benefit all students. Readings were interesting although difficult to get through due to language level. Assignments were not clear.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Historia da Musica Popular Brasileira

Course Department: History/ Music
Instructor: Felipe Trotta
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: This course was very enjoyable and informative. It provided an opportunity to learn more about the culture and political framework of the country through its music. Lecturer was very knowledgable and always clear on assignments. However, written assignments were a bit demanding for this course, especially because the course was not intensive.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Literatura Espanhola

Course Department: Languages
Instructor: Ana Isabel Borges
Instruction Language: Spanish, Portuguese
Comments: This course was great. The professor provided all readings directly to students and was always prepared for classes. Student opinions were highly valued and teacher encouraged participation. However, there were not many opportunities for assessment (there was only one final that accounted for 100% of final grade along with participation).
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A