Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great way to experience Brazilian culture Past Review

By (Management and Leadership, Miami University) - abroad from 12/26/2013 to 01/24/2014 with

Summit Global Education: Brazil - Study Abroad Tour of Brazil

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was nice to see and participate in Brazilian culture. There are many differences in the way people act, what they are interested in, what types of food they eat, etc. Becoming immersed in this lifestyle was a valuable learning experience.

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.

Summit Global does a great job balancing classroom time and exploration time. The teachers were great and the cities in Brazil are all beautiful and unique. I learned a lot about international business and Brazilian culture. I strongly recommend this program to any students interested in visiting/learning about South America.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The restaurant options in Brazil are great. I suggest trying the different kinds of fruit that aren't popular in America.

* 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)

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

Portuguese class was very helpful

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Traveling to multiple cities in Brazil
  • Meeting new people
  • Learning about international business
* What could be improved?
  • More trips to areas surrounding Rio
  • The hostel was kind of far from the classroom
  • It was difficult to secure a student visa
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would recommend living in an apartment rather than a hostel for the time in Rio.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.