Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dream World Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/15/2017 to 07/20/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Niterói

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Langauge skills, interpersonal skills, culinary skills, music knowledge, exposed to new social and economic ideologies in practice. All worthwhile.

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.

* 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:

Just like any big city, be aware of your surroundings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Niteroi is ok, but it's proximity to Rio is what makes it spectacular.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a home-stay with meals included and walking distance to the university.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300
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? Make friends! Home stay! Finding a significant other will help the most!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Food
  • Adventure
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • nothing, it's perfect.
  • Just make sure to find friendly professors and don't worry so much about the class title!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Portuguese.

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:

Economia Brasileira Contemporanea
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Victor Leonardo Araujo
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: The material was not so hard to understand but the professor did not base the exams off the readings, they were based off his lectures. The exam instructions were also vague. Grade was based off three in class exams and there was really no way to explore the subject outside of class. The professor's accent and handwriting skills were also very difficult to understand.
Credit Transfer Issues: I'm not sure. I have to fill this out first.
Course Name/Rating:

Relações Internacionais e Geopolítica

Course Department: International Relations
Instructor: Danilo Avellar Bragança
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: Amazing class, amazing professor, friendly and helpful peers. One in class exam and one final project.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know, I have to fill this out first.
Course Name/Rating:

Processos de Integração de América do Sul

Course Department: International Relations
Instructor: Sergio Santanna
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: Amazing class, amazing professor, helpful and friendly peers. One group project and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know, I have to fill this out first.
Course Name/Rating:

Economia Latino Americana
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Javier Ghibaldi
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: Amazing class, amazing professor, friendly and helpful peers. One in class exam and a final group project with a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know, I have to fill this out first.
Course Name/Rating:

Curso de Escrita Portuguese
Course Department: Portuguese and Spanish
Instructor: Priscilla de Biasi
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: A few articles, one or two papers, and a documentary. Very helpful with grammar.
Credit Transfer Issues: