It was an incredible experience, I would do it again in a heartbeat! Past Review
By Ivan A B (International Relations and Affairs., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/10/2013 to 07/20/2013 with
Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS): Porto Alegre - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a broader international perspective, I learned plenty from the culture and last but not least, I gained plenty of contacts. It was definitely worthwhile!
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. |
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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? |
Strongly recommend using the housing guide provided by UFRGS prior to your arrival ... I did and found a great place! |
| * Food: |
The food quality is good and the prices are low! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Like every major city of Brazil, Porto Alegre is considerably unsafe. I strongly advise to stay away from dark places at night, especially if your by yourself! |
| 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? | 75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget and take advantage of the subsidized university restaurants; the meals cost 1.30 BR reals which is about .70 US cents |
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 |
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| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Portuguese I |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make brazilian friends!! |
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 cold it can get in Porto Alegre. I packed pretty light only to find out that in the winter temperatures can get down very close to freezing. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
