Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing and Breathtaking Past Review

By (Speech Pathology, California State University - Chico) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 05/14/2015 with

USAC Brazil: Florianópolis - International Business, Environmental/Conservation Management, and Latin American Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and have fun doing things on my own. To be more patient and take things in. I gained looking at life from other perspective and being away from what I am used to. My experience was so special and worthwhile - I had an amazing time and I would not trade it for anything. I hope to one day go back.

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.

I thought my classes were very interested and mostly laid out well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very available for help

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked the house I lived in and it was close to school which I liked. The neighborhood was small and cute. Close to a lot of things, e.i market, restaurant, school, etc.

* Food:

I loved how in Brazil most food places are buffet style and you can pick whatever you want. I also loved eating acai. Sometimes there was too much fried food when on the go and not much else available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt apart of the community in the short time I was there. I got a hang of the transportation system and such the longer I was there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

no experience with this

* Safety:

I felt safe - I of course knew of bad situations happening, I still never felt unsafe or scared. However, the driving there is quite unsafe for those walking - just be careful.

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)

I would say about a high 3 or 4 - not too expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write for scholarships

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

5 - a lot. The program helped you find a Brazilian speaking partner also encouraged you to speak Portuguese in the office, etc.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? no Portuguese before I went
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? Practice before you go - talk to yourself, name things off in the language you are studying

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Friends made
  • Support/advice given
  • Activities offered
* What could be improved?
  • more field trips
  • more internship/volunteer oppurtunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how fast the time would fly by.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.