My Experience in Brazil Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 07/04/2012 with

SUNY New Paltz: Rio de Janeiro - Study Abroad at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning a new language and having friends all around the world is a unique and rewarding experience

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250+

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? HISP-P 200
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? Listen to Music/Watch movies in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The City- Rio is the most exciting city in the world
  • The people-Rio has the most down to earth/good looking people on the planet
  • The experience- It's not like going to a super industrialized city in Europe, You'll learn a lot about your self here
* What could be improved?
  • Comunication b/w school and student
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring as many clothes