To thank our Brazilian friends for their hospitality, the other Americans and I decided to host a Thanksgiving party. Despite a botched toast in which I referred to Brazilians as Indians, the party was a success!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Back in Brasil
After a semester at the Universidad Federal de Vicosa and the Christmas season in North Carolina, I have returned to Brazil for a few months of research in the Amazonian state of Rondonia and for another semester of classes starting in March. I am a Masters student from NC State University in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. I chose to participate in the FIPSE exchange program between the two schools to prepare myself for an NCSU research project on Amazonian deforestation as well as to further develop my skills in international affairs.
I loved my first semester in Vicosa, so much so that I opted to come back for a second. The university is a first class institution which attracts top notch students from around the country. As I am now conducting research on land use and welfare in the Brazilian Amazon, I am learning how well known the school is and what a developed network of alumni is has. The school itself is located in a city of 70,000 with an active student body, both politically and socially. Students are dedicated to their studies and many undergraduates work in laboratories and research stations in addition to their classes. For those interested in natural resources or simply a true exchange program, Vicosa is a great place. All my classes are in Portuguese, which though challenging at first, was made possible by helpful professors and peers who are more than willing to show off Brazilian hospitality.
Brazil is incredible country which merits the learning of Portuguese in itself. From the marvelous beaches of Rio de Janeiro, to the exotic flavors of Bahia all the way up the coast to Belem and the Amazon River which stretches into the heart of South America, Brazil enamors those who visit. I’ve been to over 40 countries before and must say none have shown such diversity and zest for life. I’m excited to have the next 7 months ahead of me.
I loved my first semester in Vicosa, so much so that I opted to come back for a second. The university is a first class institution which attracts top notch students from around the country. As I am now conducting research on land use and welfare in the Brazilian Amazon, I am learning how well known the school is and what a developed network of alumni is has. The school itself is located in a city of 70,000 with an active student body, both politically and socially. Students are dedicated to their studies and many undergraduates work in laboratories and research stations in addition to their classes. For those interested in natural resources or simply a true exchange program, Vicosa is a great place. All my classes are in Portuguese, which though challenging at first, was made possible by helpful professors and peers who are more than willing to show off Brazilian hospitality.
Brazil is incredible country which merits the learning of Portuguese in itself. From the marvelous beaches of Rio de Janeiro, to the exotic flavors of Bahia all the way up the coast to Belem and the Amazon River which stretches into the heart of South America, Brazil enamors those who visit. I’ve been to over 40 countries before and must say none have shown such diversity and zest for life. I’m excited to have the next 7 months ahead of me.
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