Brazil: Semester Exchange Programs testimonials
Going to Brazil was one of the greatest experiences, and something that I will never forget. I have fallen in love with the Brazilian culture and the its language. The Brazilian community was welcoming and willing to help me with anything I needed. I met a lot of great people who helped me develop strategies to develop my research project on social programs and accomplish it. Overall, I have improved my Portuguese and have learned new skills from the students I have interviewed. I have challenged myself in many ways and have learned to be patient. I have learned a phrase that will help me on my future success – "Quem tem boca vai a Roma" ("Who has a mouth goes to Rome"), meaning that if you go out and ask for help with what you need, you will go further to achieve your goal. Now, my interests are to return to Brazil to do my Masters Degree in something related to political economy of development (global policy or public affairs).
—Zoila Guachichulca, Brazil, Spring 2011
My time in Juiz de Fora on the ACM Brazil Exchange program was a fun and rewarding combination of living in the center of town with a Brazilian medical school student who is now one of my close friends, learning Portuguese in and outside of the classroom, collaborating on a project in an economics lab, traveling, and making close friends from Colorado to Rio.
—Cameron Combs, Brazil, Fall 2010
My experience in Brazil was unforgettable. My host family was great and everyone I met was extremely receptive. Living in Brazil made me a better person and gave me a new outlook on the world. I would do it again given the opportunity.
—Warren Takashima, Brazil Exchange, Spring 2007
I had always wanted to learn Portuguese, but my college wasn't offering any Portuguese classes at the time. I discovered the Brazil Exchange program and found it attractive because everything would be taught in Portuguese, and I would be with all Brazilian students. When I arrived in Brazil, I knew less than ten words in Portuguese. Luckily, I caught on quickly and after about two months, I was completely conversational; after six months, I was fluent. Juiz de Fora had few tourists, so I was a total celebrity! I was known as Ivi (pronounced Evie), the American, all over town. I can't imagine a better place to spend a semester or a better way to learn Portuguese.
—Eve Aguilar, Brazil Exchange, Spring 2008