A Cidade Maravilhosa - Study Abroad in Rio de Janeiro Past Review
By Cara H (International Relations and Affairs., University of Hartford) for
Pontificia Universidade Catolica Do Rio De Janiero: Rio de Janeiro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Absolutely.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall it was a great experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The strength is that it throws you into another culture and allows you to explore and meet people from all over the world. It is not just for Americans, so it was fun to meet students from all over the place! The weakness would be that like I said before, you are pretty much on your own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I have family from Brazil so I actually lived with my aunt and arranged that myself. Most of my friends on programs found independent housing in groups. It is costly to live in Rio, so most people lived with 2 or 3 other people. I do not know much about the housing program. |
| * Food: |
I have always loved Brazilian food =) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is always someone to travel, hang out, party, etc.. with... there is always something to do in Rio! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rio is known for being dangerous, however, I did not once feel unsafe. Like any big city it is best not to travel alone, at night, or in areas that you are not familiar with. Many of us went to the favelas (which is not recommended by some staff), however if you know someone living there it is usually fine. Be aware of your surrounding at all time. Copacabana is notorious for theft, so dont flash jewlery or money and keep things close to you at all times! As far as healthcare, there is an on-campus health clinic which is usually helpful. CHeck with your insurance to see if they will reiumburse you for any doctors visits. Any good doctor is expensive and you have to pay up front. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The bus fees add up quickly. Also, everything in Brazil is expensive. I would suggest bringing toilettries (soap, shampoo, face wash, etc..) for the entire time you are there. Most common brands in the US are not sold in Brazil and if they are they are extremely expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with my aunt (who is a native of Brazil), so I only spoke Portuguese to her. Also, the staff at the university spoke in Portguese to us (even the Portuguese language professors). If you didn't understand what a word meant, they would explain it to you in Portuguese. I would say most professors spoke a little English, could read most, but spoke mainly in Portuguese. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of everything! Try new things, meet new people, and work hard =) |
