83 reviews
4.41 / 5 based on 83 reviews

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Robert C
Languages
Language of instruction: Portuguese
Was learning Portuguese a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your Portuguese?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Well, my portuguese was already pretty good before arriving in Sao Paulo. I then spent several months studying advanced language skills with a private tutor, seperate from the larger beginner and intermediate levels.
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Robert C
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
Well, things like food and accommodation are considerably cheaper. But one tends to go out more at night and travel in Brazil so you end up spending quite a bit here, but only because your doing it more.
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Telephone, Nightlife:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Housing, Travel, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Make sure your bank at your home country doesn't charge you a heavy transaction fee for cash withdrawals from brazilian ATMs. It varies from bank to bank.
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Robert C
Academic
Course recommendations
I believe that you as an international student must make a real effort to get to know the local students. Otherwise, you feel somewhat alienated.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
No, overall I was quite happy with it.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course

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Robert C
Overall
I wish I had known...
That my bank charged me heavy international withdrawal fees.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
One of the better all around universities in Brazil and the city of Sao Paulo has great arts and culture.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Make sure you try to get involved with as many events and experiences you can..don't worry if it seems different or not your typical cup of tea. Just dive right into it and see what happens.
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Robert C
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Just about anywhere within the neighborhood of Pinheiros on the weekends.
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Robert C
Housing
Type of housing: With a family
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I value my independence.
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Personal comments
It wasn't a good match with the first person they put me with so they helped me find another accommodation which suited me better.
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