Brazilian Ecosystems: Beauty in Learning Past Review
By Erin B (Neuroscience & Spanish, Trinity University) for
Study Abroad Programs in Brazil
There was a wonderful mix of cultural exposure and ecosystem hands-on learning in this program, so I learned a whole lot about a whole lot of things. Different perspectives and different environments I think are of invaluable impact, especially on a young and open mind.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Learned a ton, mostly through actually seeing/ living what was being taught. Most lectures were conducted by Brazilian researchers in and about the different ecosystems. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
So many details to coordinate so occasionally, things fell through...leading to adventure more than anything. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Sometimes great, sometimes not so great... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
the nature of the program is taking trips to all of the beautiful and diverse ecosystems of Brazil, so that was nice. We also had trips to fairs and cooking class through the portuguese school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare facilities were not as well equiped/ formal as in america, but the few times students got sick, they were well taken care of and given the proper remedy. Depending on the field site, medical facilities may be a few hours away. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends how much you eat in restaurants and go out to bars and clubs on free days in the city. "Per dium" was given any day we would be responsible for buying our own food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There are always unexpected expenses, plan for it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | internship is 4000...I think |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Many people spoke English, but Portuguese was encouraged by friendly locals and courses/ homestay/ and internships solidified language acquisition |
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 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? | If you can adapt well to change, love to learn and be outside, do this program! The people I met and the places I visited are so special. |
