"Academically, I have gained a much deeper knowledge on the subjects I have been studying. Coursework load is rather challenging, but, at the same time, it is always a pleasure going to class with so many great professors who are daily prepared to share knowledge and thoughts with students. Personally, I have gained independence throughout this experience and saw myself maturely dealing with responsibilities I had never thought I would be capable of facing on my own."
– Maria Clara Vieira Martins Starling, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Brazil, March 2013 Student of the Month.
“Having the opportunity to study in a foreign country is a life-changing experience. I've been studying at Bucknell University for only three months now, but it is already possible to see how distinctly different the college life here is from the one I am used to in Brazil. The way professors teach their lectures is more direct: they use the time they have the best way possible, always asking questions and requesting participation from the class.”
– Guilherme Cardoso Medeiros, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, March 2013 Student of the Month.
"In these first weeks I have been studying in Davis I have already noticed some of the reasons that make this university one of the best in USA. From the huge campus to the excellent students, it is visible everywhere that UC Davis is indeed an amazing place to be a student. It has exceeded all of my expectations. Thanks to the Brazilian government and to the Global Study Program staff I am having the experience of a lifetime, one which is enhanced by UCD's quality. I hope to excel in my studies and to bring all the best from UC Davis back to Brazil.”
–Igor Rodrigues Barroso, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), Brazil.
"These first days at UC Davis have been a great mix of feelings. On the one hand I need to be alert to keep up with my academic tasks and to get used to how everything works, but on the other hand UC Davis has given me everything that I need to succeed. My classes are thrilling, my professors are inspiring and I am amazed with how much I've learned in that short time! As an international student and even more as a scholarship student I want to take as much as I can from my time at UC Davis; so far it is has already been the best experience of my life!"
–Isabella Oliveira da Cunha Hines, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil.
"It's kind of different from Brazil. The base is way higher. The classes are harder and you get more interaction between the students and the professors.” Back in Brazil, Machado said, there is very little interaction between students and professors during class, with professors typically lecturing most of the time. "Here [at U.Va.'s School of Engineering and Applied Science], the professor makes the students ask questions. It's pretty nice. I really enjoy it. Here, the students really live the university experience. People really enjoy going to university. You have a whole environment here, like you have the sports teams, and everyone goes 'Hey, let's go Hoos!' That's really nice. We don't have that in Brazil."
–Leandro Machado, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Read the full article about Leandro in UVa Today.
“I’ve always wanted to live and study in a different country and the Science without Borders has enabled me to achieve that,” Blaz said. “This program has allowed me to leave my ‘comfort zone’ and experience life abroad, living with different people and cultures. I’ve faced a lot of challenges and learned a lot from them. One of my goals is to attain fluency in English. What I like most about the program is that I am able to focus uniquely on my academic studies. In Brazil it is common to work during the school year, but since the Brazilian Government sponsors [the program] I have been able to spend more time studying and living the university life.”
-Marcelo Blaz, Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Read the full article about Marcelo here.