Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great immersion into the Afro-Brazilian culture. Brazil: Public Health, Race, & Human Rights Past Review

By (Sociology., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about public health, specifically within the context of Afro-Brazilian culture. It was so fascinating to note how both Western medicine and the alternative Candomblé religion can work in conjunction to help patients or conversely conflict tremendously with each other. I absolutely feel in love with the Brazilian mentality on life and would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a drastic change from American culture.

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:

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

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? $50

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Classes
  • Culture
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Time frame of excursion
  • Hours of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have studied Portuguese before going to Brazil. I feel that would have made my transition much easier.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'