A whirlwind of an adventure Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 11/30/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Brazil
I learned a lot about ecology, and the dangers facing Brazil's remaining environment. I learned that I am capable of traveling independently. I learned that Brazil has the loveliest and warmest people who love to share their culture with others. It was worthwhile, but in retrospect I probably would have chosen a program that placed more value on cultural integration. However, it is incredible that this program allows you to travel to so many different parts of Brazil in so little time.
Review Photos
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 only slightly difficult part of the program was keeping up with the field journal. But as long as you don't fall behind on this assignment, the academics were fairly easy. Students studying biology or ecology will find the program to be significantly easier than those studying other subjects. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We primarily stayed in hostels and hotels. They all had very nice accommodations, but I would have preferred a longer homestay (we only lived with a Brazilian family for one week). This is because the focus of the program is on understanding the diverse ecosystems of Brazil rather than becoming integrated in the culture (hence the constant travel). |
| * Food: |
We ate out very frequently. Brazilian food is delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program is based on furthering one's knowledge of ecology, rather than becoming integrated with the local culture. It is very possible to meet the locals, but you have to make the effort on your own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare system in Brazil is of very high quality (especially in the south), and when health issues arose, the program was very helpful with accessing healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
Curitiba (where the program is based) is overall a very safe city, and feels comparable to a highly populated city in the U.S. or in Europe. It is necessary to be aware of your surroundings (as in any city) but I always felt relatively safe. |
| 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) |
Brazil can be very expensive. The program provided per diem for our food, but oftentimes this wasn't enough. It is possible to be frugal, but it can be difficult, especially if you want to have a good time while there. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Por kilo restaurants are a cheap option for food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We only had around a week of Portuguese classes. Otherwise, you have to practice on your own if you want to learn the language. Some students greatly improved their Portuguese during the internship component because they were living on their own and communicating with the locals everyday. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak in Portuguese with fellow students, and talk to locals every chance you get |
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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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew how intense it would be to travel constantly with a small group of people. I also wish I knew how important the cultural component of study abroad would be to me. |
