Very hard and frustrating but I am proud of myself and it was very rewarding. Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 06/29/2012 with

Universidad Estadual De Campinas: Campinas - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence, different view on dance, Portuguese, grasp on Brazilian people and culture. Yes it was worthwhile!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Only University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
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.

I wasn't able to take as many credits as I usually take and all of the courses were at a much lower academic level than in the US. However the Portuguese was extremely hard (not included in class).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was very confusing and very difficult to figure out any administrative tasks. Even toward the end when I knew more Portuguese, everything in Brazil is very unorganized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my Brazilian roommates, I learned so much from them.

* Food:

The food at the university was very cheap and fresh and delicious, however it was very difficult getting used to eating rice and beans every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not knowing Portuguese when I started was very difficult. I felt like an outsider, even though the Brazilians were very warm and welcoming, there was a huge language barrier. After I started picking up the language things got much more easier and fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had anything serious. However if I was sick from a cold I had multiple offers from students and faculty that said they would take me to the hospital or anything else I needed. Health care is pretty good in Brazil, they are especially known for having excellent dentistry.

* Safety:

I felt safe because I knew what I should do and shouldn't do. However Brazil is much more dangerous than the US and I felt unsafe a few times.

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)

The food was really cheap for students, however everything in Brazil is at least 3X as expensive as in the US and much worse quality.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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

All of my classes were in Portuguese and I was basically only allowed to speak in Portuguese.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Study the language before you go! Especially a hard language like Portuguese!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friendly and warm people
  • Motivation to learn
* What could be improved?
  • Organization!
  • Efficiency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Portuguese