Living in Rio de Janeiro Past Review
By Emerald B (Theatre, University of Maryland - College Park) for
Pontificia Universidade Catolica Do Rio De Janiero: Rio de Janeiro - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Overall, my study abroad experience made me believe that their was another way of living, loving, and eating. I discovered new academic interests in the field of visual cultural anthropology and documentary. I've also learned that it's important to work to live not live to work.
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. |
The academic work load consisted of more critical thinking on focalized sections of work based on different themes opposed to numerous assignments on various themes. The grading system were based on essays and semester long projects. Those projects were usually discussed with your professor on a regular basis to determine progress. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program's strength was the ability for the host country's administration to host events and trips to make the exchange students feel welcomed and learn more about the country. The host country's weaknesses were mostly situated around the homestay. Often the homes they placed us with families were difficult due to cultural unawareness on both parts. The host administration could have had pre-cultural awareness workshops for both the host family and the exchange student to avoid or alleviate conflict. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host families provided breakfast; which included, juice, coffee, bread, cheese, ham, and a piece of fruit. The place I stayed in was about 15-18min walk to the campus and I was right in front of the shops, restaurants, bars, and lived a block from the beach. If I wanted to go out in dance in a club atmosphere, then I would hop on a bus to lapa (an outdoor/indoor arena of clubs, bars, restaurants). The bus to Lapa would normally take 35min from where I lived in Leblon. |
| * Food: |
The food I ate was very balanced and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved going to the beach almost everyday and attending FiFa world cup events, whether on the beach, at a family home, or a bar. During the world Cup Brazilian are the most animated and fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't carry huge amounts of cash on you. Don't talk English really loud on the buses- the buses are huge opportunities for theft. Always remain aware of your surroundings. Be leery of groups of young children. Don't walk by yourself at night. Have common sense! |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people I encountered had learned english and more willing to speak english. However, my professors strongly encouraged us to speak portuguese and gave us positive and constructive feedback. Often in the language program, our professor organized trips outside of the classroom that threw us into natural environment to speak the language with those outside of the program. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The type of student that would benefit most from studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro is someone who takes life in strides. If you're the type of person that lives life with strict ideology and gets upset when life doesn't go according to plan, then you may have problems. A student who appreciates moment by moment and craves and exciting yet educational study abroad experience should definitely consider this program. |
