Why did you want to study abroad, and where did you choose to go?
My childhood had a huge influence on my ability to adapt between cultures, so inherently I've always enjoyed having to travel and learn from different cultures. During my senior year in high school I did a two-week Chinese Exchange Program, it was the first time I'd been overseas, excluding my native country (the Domincan Republic) and the U.S. My experience in China left me craving for more, so I decided to take advantage of quarter courses and semester exchange programs at Oswego. I traveled to Argentina, Italy, Benin, and Brazil.
Describe your campus and what student life was like.
During my semester abroad in Brazil I commuted to my host university, PUC-SP (Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo). It was about a 15-minute walk from the apartment I was living in with my host parents. The campus is simple and small compared to what I was used to at SUNY Oswego. I didn't get involved on campus aside from academics, because commuting was a different experience than living on campus. I took classes and returned home, so student life wasn't as eventful.
Was there a language barrier? And if so, how were you able to get through it?
There was at the beginning but for the most part I was able to get by just okay. The more I practiced Portuguese with my host family and friends, the easier it became to be understood and to keep up with the talking speed of Brazilians. I had the opportunity to visit a lot of the Brazilian friends I met during my time at SUNY Oswego, so I was privileged to be really immersed in the culture since their families would host me. I think getting to spend time with them truly helped a lot in my proficiency in Portuuguese.
What did you find most challenging throughout your experience?
The most challenging part for me was taking a 3-hour history class twice a week fully in Portuguese. We barely got much breaks and most of the lecture was lecture. I really struggled keeping up with the professor and didn't feel like I gained much knowledge from it. The final exam we had was to write essays on prompts regarding the information we learned and I couldn't seem to gather much information, it was frustrating.
Overall, how was your experience? And do you have any tips for future students who may be interested in traveling to the same place as you?
Every experience I've had abroad I would describe as fascinating and enriching. No matter how long I found myself in any country, there was always something new to learn about the people, the culture, and language. I recommend any student who is interested in visiting a country or any place they're unfamiliar with to do their research about the history, culture, and the people regardless if it's for academic purposes or not. I think it's important we as non-natives do our part in educating ourselves in order to honor the place.
Current Social Issues in Brazil, Brazilian Politics and Society, Intermediate Portuguese, and Contemporary International Policy.
What did you do in your free time?
PUC-SP partnered me with a Brazilian student to help introduce me to the city of São Paulo, so he took me around the city and showed me museums and locations that were well known by locals.