Brazil Business Study Tour: A Must See! Past Review

By Matt J (Marketing., St. Cloud State University) for

St. Cloud State University: Traveling - Brazil Business Intersession

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained an understanding of Brazilian culture as well as the challenges they face as an emerging economy. Brazil has the potential to be a dominant world economy if they establish a sense of direction and are well managed (at the government level)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I experienced Brazil over a 10 day period and did attend classes in the host country. N/A
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Our hosts were knowledgeable, transportation was great, program size was adequate
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	Dining occurred on our own at restaurants
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Experienced restaurants and night life of Sao Paulo and Rio De Janiero. Highly recommend!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I did not feel unsafe at any point of my Brazil experience.
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?	I spent about $700 over a 10 day period. This included travel expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Brazil is expensive. There are a lot of service fees and taxes that you aren't aware of until you receive your bill (restaurants, etc...)

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?