Brazil: Keileen Weberpal (Our Global Classroom)
Program: CET Brazil: Direct-Enroll at Universidade de São Paulo, Spring
Although classes have not yet started at the University of Sao Paulo, the format of classes across Brazil remains very different compared to the United States. It is more common for Brazilian students to take night classes due to balancing the need to work with education. In addition, classes only meet for once a week lasting at least 3 to 4 hours. It is common across Brazil for the kids to not leave from home at 18 years old, so dorms do not exist in Brazil. Most university students still live with their family and commute to their studies, while working as well. Across my time here, Brazilian families typically act very surprised to find I am with 21 years of age internationally without knowing any students beforehand. In addition to the extensive class hours, classes are typically not discussion-oriented. Grades such as an “A” are not as common to receive in Brazil. Only a few students typically are given an “A” if even. While students are able to ask questions to the professors after classes, professors do not have office hours and students are not able to debate grades. Letter grades do not exist in Brazil, all universities operate on a number system of 1-10. While the long class hours is taking time to acclimate to, I am look forward to taking classes with Brazil in focus such as a Brazilian Foreign Policy class to an elective pertaining to Brazilian Cinemas.
Class Excursion to Art Museums
Keileen Weberpal
Program Name: CET Brazil: Direct-Enroll at Universidade de São Paulo
Major: International Studies & Political Sciences
Hometown: Delavan Wisconsin
Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship has truly made my pursuit of studying abroad a reality, and for that, I am extremely grateful for having the support to allow myself to take part in a world outside the United States. This Fellowship will serve as more than a personal experience; I hope for this endeavor to be an opportunity to convey across campus to engage in the international world but also inspire others to have similar experiences.
I knew I wanted to go to a country that is culturally dynamic from the United States; Brazil will be a place in which I would be challenged to grow as an individual, while also being a potential pathway for my future career goals of international law and human rights. I know that by being able to study abroad in Brazil, this will provide me an opportunity of a lifetime to learn hands-on about the culture, the political atmosphere, and to be immersed in the Portuguese language. I feel that everything has been leading me to study abroad in Brazil and by immersing myself in it, it will provide invaluable memories and growth in all facets of my life.