Wonderful, Stimulating, and Exciting Experience in a Great University! Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

Universidad Estadual De Campinas: Campinas - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Without a doubt it was worthwhile experience. I learned heaps and I got to a point with my language skills that I can say I will never forget the language and even learned it to an academic level. Additionally, I never felt so intellectually stimulated, because besides learning in class, I was constantly learning about Brazil, its culture, its practices, its people, its laws, its institutions, its values and norms, and its weaknesses and strengths. I gain an invaluable insight into Brazilian society and culture. It was definitely a remarkable experience!

Review Photos

Exchange: Campinas - Universidad Estadual De Campinas Photo Exchange: Campinas - Universidad Estadual De Campinas Photo Exchange: Campinas - Universidad Estadual De Campinas Photo Exchange: Campinas - Universidad Estadual De Campinas Photo Exchange: Campinas - Universidad Estadual De Campinas Photo

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.

Unicamp (as it is called) is an extremely well recognized university in Brazil (ranked 1st or 2nd in the country) and also in Latin America (ranked 2nd or 3rd), so its quality is very high. Most of its programs are well known, but the ones that stand out are the hard sciences, including engineering and medical sciences, but also economics. They are a top research school. The university also has great resources and opportunities. Professors are at top Latin American thinkers and scholars in their areas. The only drawback of all of this is that the professors are very focused on their research and getting papers published and this sometimes draws away from their interest in educating. However, I enjoyed and learned a lot in all classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did everything for myself, but I liked that. They did give us some guidance and some help. The problem is that it is a very bureaucratic university, so it moves very slow and it is inefficient. But, they are mostly available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Finding a place to live is relatively easy. There are a plethora of options, which you can find online. Most cases, however, people would find a definite place once they arrive. The whole neighborhood around the university is full of apartments for rent specifically for students and a quick walk around will give you many options.

* Food:

Food was good. Brazil is very expensive. Luckily though because the university is a public institution lunch and dinner is very cheap (only US$1). However, food at the cafeteria can be repetitive. I enjoyed it though!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is really hard not to get integrated into the culture of Brazil in general and Unicamp specifically. Brazilians are very welcoming and students at Unicamp are great! I would find it strange if someone would have trouble in this respect.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Brazil requires health insurance for you to get a student visa. Moreover, Unicamp has a health clinic for the university community free of charge (including for exchange students!). Unfortunately, it is a very slow and inefficient system. So, although it exists and it is for free, one may have to wait long before being attended.

* Safety:

I had no issue with this. Brazil is not the safest of countries, but the region Unicamp is located is a safer environment. BarĂ£o Geraldo- the neighborhood where the university is located- is one of the materially richer areas of Brazil. Nonetheless, the best advice (for any place, including Unicamp) is for you to be smart and choose wisely where you go and when you (and with whom). I did hear of incidents, like thefts, that occurred to fellow students and in rare cases to exchange students. Overall though, it is okay.

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)

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries in Latin America. However, the university tuition is for free, even for students with which the university has no agreement or consortium. So, you only have to worry about airline ticket ($1200 to and from), housing ($200 a week), food ($100) and transportation ($90), plus other personal expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food was about US$20 other things were about US$20.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat as much as you can in the cafeteria (its only US$1 per meal!).

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

A lot! The course I took was great and very interactive. There are very few students from the U.S. so there is little opportunity to get into situations well you will speak more English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second Level Intermediate Level
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? Meet as many people as you can, make good friendships, and be perseverant about wanting to speak Portuguese.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 academic quality
  • Learning about Brazil
  • Free tuition
* What could be improved?
  • The university is too bureaucratic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Better information on how to choose courses and about the university schedule.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.