The Marvelous City Past Review

By (Economics, United States Naval Academy) - abroad from 02/18/2015 to 06/12/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Brazil

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I challenged my views and learned about cultures that were quite different from my own.

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.

Not extremely strenuous, but it allowed for more time to explore the city and culture. The field studies were incredible.

* 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?

I did not know Portuguese before the trip, but being familiar with the language (or being fluent in Spanish) greatly benefited some of the other students in my program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's a big city, there are risks, but you can mitigate most of them by being responsible and aware.

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)

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cariocas (the people of Rio)
  • The staff was extremely helpful
  • The outdoor activities
* What could be improved?
  • More direct enrolment classes at local universities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Portuguese language skills!

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.