Expect the unexpected Past Review
By David M (Morehouse College) - abroad from 08/13/2014 to 12/12/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Brazil
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself that I had not known before and gained new insight on what I want to do with my life as far as my career and social spheres. My experience was defiantly worth while and I would do it all over again if given the chance.
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. |
The academics are rigorous but disorganized at times, |
|
* 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
|
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) |
Rio de Janeiro is a very expensive city, because it is such a heavy tourist destination. But you can find markets and things throughout the city that are budget friendly |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-75 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to shop for produce the open air markets are your best bet since the supermarkets can be pricey. Also if you are gong to be withdrawing money out of an ATM some banks charge an ATM fee on and others do not (plus the charge your American bank will take out) be mindful of that because the fees do add up! |
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 |
We were immersed in Portuguese from day one and it was on us on how much we learned outside of class |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | French 350 |
| 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? | If you have experience with Spanish and or French then Portuguese will not be that difficult to pick up right away. But in my opinion Portuguese is a lot harder and I had a much easier time learning off the street than in a formal class setting |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I had not been so uptight with my life and learned how to take risk earlier but coming to Rio was a big risk and it taught me how to unwind and go with the flow of things. As well as that I wish I knew how expensive Rio would be but I do not think that that would have swayed my decision but more or less made me prepare a little bit more for what I was getting into. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
Featured Program Providers
