Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience That I Will Never Forget January 06, 2025

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/25/2024 to 12/05/2024 with

CET Brazil

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like i became more mindful and gain an international perspective about different issues. It was definitely worthwhile, getting a chance to live in a different country and experience the culture for a semester.

Review Photos

CET Brazil Photo CET Brazil Photo CET Brazil Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

I feel like the people I met and the specific experience I had playing basketball for a college in Brazil is an experience I would not trade

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)

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? Eat at the your universities' dining hall often as well as cheap cafes. avoid delivery apps and cook.

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? 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? Intermediate Spanish
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? Duolingo and practice with your Brazilian roommates

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The FGV Basketball team
  • Food
  • Included Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Language integration
  • Housing quality
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important it is ti budget everything

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.