Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Brazil beyond samba and soccer Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/07/2020 to 12/11/2020 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Niterói

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to live independently, outside my comfort zone, confidence

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration helpful and responsive to questions

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family who I was very incompatible with. I had to renegotiate our contract in order to improve living conditions, however host did hold herself to our negotiated standards. It was the worst part of my abroad experience.

* Food:

Affordable

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Playing on a sports team helped me make Brazilian friends and integrate better

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get stitches for a rugby injury, my teammates brought me to a local hospital where I was treated for free. I had a little trouble finding a clinic to remove them, but I eventually got them removed at another free local clinic. I did not use my Middlebury health care plan or rely on the Middlebury program for support.

* Safety:

I arrived very nervous about safety, however learned that there is no need to be scared if you are safe. It is helpful to know the geography of the city. I never walked alone at night (after 10pm).

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in the dining hall because it is only R$0.70 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

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? Port 0375 Colonialism and its legacies
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 local friends, speaking with other Middlebury or international students will not improve your Portuguese to same extend as with native speakers

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The university's rugby team
  • Middlebury sponsored travel
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Required language course
  • Accessibility and aid in changing housing
  • Language pledge among students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Local students want to show you around and introduce you to their culture, just ask them to take you somewhere

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Socioeconomic and Political Reality
Course Department: History
Instructor: Marcus Dezemone
Instruction Language: Portuguese
Comments: This class taught me the most about contemporary Brazilian history, staring with the proclamation of the Republic in 1889. We were assessed with 4 projects, it was more work than other classes, but worth it. I recommend any course with this professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: