Monday, February 28, 2011

Is Brazil a safe country for an exchange student?


Is Brazil a safe country for an exchange student?
I've heard that it is safe, and that it isn't. I'm trying to figure out where to go as an exchange student, and I'm considering Brazil. But when I ask around, I get mixed opinions. Also, if you think Brazil isn't safe enough, where would you suggest? I want to go somewhere different from American culture, but kind of headed in the same direction? That's not the best way to word it, so forgive me if I'm being confusing. Please don't answer this question if you have never been to Brazil. I don't appreciate answers based on news reports, and what you've heard from friends. Please be reasonable.
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Hi. I am actually an exchange student from Brazil in US now. I guess ppl might say a lot of stuff about Brazil and how it is not safe. What I can say is that it is not really safe. But of course you have to think where you gonna be and with what kind of ppl you will be with. I knew a friend who came to Brazil as an exchange student and she had a blessed time in Bahia, and nothing bad happened. Usually, if your are in a free exchange program you will be probably put into a public school like I did when I came to America. So don't bring precious stuff with you, and do not show off too much since Brazilian kids is not as rich if you are in a public school. However if you are going to a private school, there kids tends to be richer. I would say that the safety really depends on where you are going. Some places are safe but some are not. It is not ALL bad nor good. Do not go out at night by urself... this is a wise choice.. haha =3 After all.. Brazil is a beautiful country, ppl are very nice to each other. I don't know where you are from (city or suburb).... and beautiful beaches if you like oceans... =3 food.. is delicious.. (rice and beans are their traditional foods) and BBQ.... I can think of a lot of good stuff. Well, I was from Sao Paulo, the biggest city, there is not much to do in this city, but if you like going out all the time with friends it is a very good city because of its easy transportations. But if you really like a beautiful and hot place... Bahia, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro... (cities by the coast) are very good .. But if you like colder areas .. Santa Catarina.. iss good too! Well.. since I am also an Asian, if you really do not feel safe about Brazil, you should try some Asian countries. China, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan... theey are also pretty... Even tho I am not a Korean, I would recommend Korea because they have a very strong culture background. I hope I had helped a little. Good Luck.~

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Is there a list of USA universities that offer degrees in Mechanical Engineering and transfers from Brazil?


Is there a list of USA universities that offer degrees in Mechanical Engineering and transfers from Brazil?
I have a friend in Brazil who is in their 3rd year of a 5 year degree program in Mechanical Engineering. They would like to move to the USA and are looking for colleges/universities that accept transfer students from Brazil. Any city is fine. Thanks!
Engineering - 2 Answers
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1 :
Don't know of a list but I know NMSU will probably accept that transfer.
2 :
Não conheço nenhuma faculdade com essas descrições. De que cidade/estado é o seu amigo?

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Monday, February 7, 2011

What are some exchange programs with scholarships available for a college student from Brazil?

What are some exchange programs with scholarships available for a college student from Brazil?
I have a friend I met on a service trip in Brazil, he is studying right now in his hometown there but would like to study abroad in the United States. He is getting his undergraduate degree there in Brazil and then would like to receive his masters from a school in the US, preferably on the west coast to match the weather he is used to. I have tried looking for some programs myself but my Portuguese is limited and I am not having much luck. Any information is greatly appreciated! I have a friend I met on a service trip in Brazil, he is studying right now in his hometown there but would like to study abroad in the United States. He is getting his undergraduate degree there in Brazil and then would like to receive his masters from a school in the US, preferably on the west coast to match the weather he is used to. I have tried looking for some programs myself but my Portuguese is limited and I am not having much luck. Any information is greatly appreciated! EDIT: this is for a college student, not high school.
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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1 :
Go to an organization called AFS intercultural programs its a great way to get involved either study abroad or summer programs. Im going to Argentina this summer for a volunteering program for a month!

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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Exchange student from Brazil, hints on how to make her feel more welcome?


Exchange student from Brazil, hints on how to make her feel more welcome?
Hi, I will be hosting a 17 year old from the very south of Brazil for a school year. I'd like to know things about what kinds of things we can do with her for evenings and weekends that Brazilian teens enjoy. Also, are there any cultural things I should know about like certain ways of celebrating holidays, special meals or parties, etc? I'm going to send her a box with newspapers from our city and a few american magazines, what is something else useful for before she gets here? Any tips at all would be helpful, we want this to be as fun for her as possible. Thank you!! Thanks everyone so far for great answers :) I'm going to keep this Q open as long as possible because every bit of advice helps!
Other - Brazil - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
i hosted people from japan. try showing him/her more about your country... just treat him like normal citizen treat him as your friend treat him with your normal daily meals bringing him to your musuem is also a good way
2 :
Wear a thong around the house. They like to show off their butts alot
3 :
Hi, I owned a language school and I brought in about 10,000 Brazilians over a 12 year period. They will miss their own country very much. If they have access to the internet, MSN, Schype, etc, they will be fine. They have great food in Brazil, so I would ask them their preferences. They will enjoy the cultural and social aspects of your city. Most important thing I would say is the internet. You will love your Brazilan. Paul
4 :
hi i'm a 18 year old braziliam and i'm from the south of brazil i think the best think you shold do is teach her about you culture as much as you can.. show her around you city and about the magazines and news papers this was a very good idea congratulations!!! i think you don't need to worry about by the way another good idea is to go to the movie theater with her i think she would like it good luck =D and thanks for beeing hosting somebody from brazil =D
5 :
I agree with Paul, internet access is a must to keep contact with family in friends back home. I'm from Sao Paulo, have lived here for over 15 years and I talk to my cousins daily on orkut! As to food... I think the student may want to have the "American experience" so just cook what you usually have for dinner. Great idea about sending the magazines, maybe Seventeen and Glamour. Also you can send some photos of you and your friends around town and school, so she can have an idea of what it's like. If you live in a cold state, also send some warm gloves or a scarf. Definitely take her shopping bc that's all my family wants to do when they're here bc things are so much cheaper here! I'm sure it'll be a great experience for the both of you!
6 :
Don't try to show her what's from her country... show her your country... us brazilians just love the culture, the movies, the language, the fun of other countries... she'll have a great time there... whatever you do... be sure to have a computer, because brazilians are fanatic for internet..
7 :
Do a barbecue...American barbecue it´s completely different from the South Brazilian´s ones, but anyway, I think she will enjoy it a lot. PS: Barbecues are very popular in Brazil...especially in South Brazil.
8 :
I'm South-Brazilian, from Rio Grande do Sul. We have our own culture, but it's not too different from other Brazilian places. We Brazilian love to learn as much as possible about different cultures. When I was in Argentina with my family for a week, I missed too much Brazilian music (samba, to sum up) and food (we have foods from all around the world coz Brazilian culture is a great mix-up, but we can't live without fruits and vegetables!!! heheheh) another thing I missed there is something I don't know the translation for English - but if you google "chimarrão" or "mate" I think you'll find out something about (all South Brazilian people are addicted to it! heheheh I'm joking ^^ but we do miss things like that) I hope it helps :D
9 :
It all depends. Here in Brazil it's let's say fashionable for teenagers to go to dance parties on Saturday evenings but she could be a different type of teen who likes to stay home or simply go to the movies. During the week, if she is an active type, she could go to a gym and play volleyball or basket ball but of course you would have to know about her in advance. I would play it by year and try to give her what I would like to give myself if I were in the US. I'm sure that she will be much more interested to know about how things go in the US life than to have a continuation of what she already has in Brazil; although it's very nice of you to think this way. Holidays: Carnaval when people dance samba on the streets(you could take her to a Brazilian club and learn more about the culture); Easter(Páscoa), if she is catholic, she would probably eat fish but you could learn it from her;September 7th, Brazil's independence day and in October Our Lady of Aparecida the protector of Brazil's. Something really useful will be a map of her whereabouts in the States. Take care and have fun with your guest!
10 :
I agree that you should focus more on providing your Brazilian exchange student with an authentic American experience as opposed to trying to recreate a Brazilian one. That said, I'm sure he/she will enjoy staying with you as it's already apparent you are a gracious host who cares about your guests. One thing I would suggest is to make sure you have lots of fresh fruit and vegtables on hand. Brazilians are used to eating home cooked meals and might miss the fresh veggies/fruits they eat on a regular basis in Brazil.
11 :
I think sending some photos along of your home, inside and out, and also the city in which you live is always helpful. Brazilian people are great, and I'm sure it will be a great learning experience for you both!

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