Brazil

Cherice Fleming
MU in Rio at Pontificia Universidade Catolica, Academic Year 2000-2001

"I cannot even begin to put in words what I learned during my year in Brazil, but I will try. First of all, Brazilians, in general, are some the most loving people you will ever meet. To greet one another you give kisses on the cheek and after five minutes of talking to absolute strangers, you will feel as if you knew them for years. Brazilians are some the warmest, most hospitable people I have met. The culture, the music, the climate, the food, the fruits alone will make you wish you were born a native. Rio de Janeiro is known for its beaches (although many are polluted), its beautiful people, O Cristo (the huge statue of Christ.....yes, the one that was in the Clare Danes/Leonardo Di Caprio version of "Romeo and Juliet"), and CARNAVAL. Need I say more?

"I do need to say that the big city (about 13 million) can be tough. Poverty is ever present. I went to PUC, one of the BEST private universities in Brazil (its image is comparable to our Berkeley) and volunteered at Rocinha, the slum literally on the other side of the mountain. The contrast is an emotional roller coaster, but the growth and knowledge obtained from such an experience far surpasses any formal education. If you are concerned about your loss of academic time.....how can I put this lightly....get over it. My major is Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Women Studies and Peace Studies. In other words, I couldn't have gone further off my path. I majored in Sociology at PUC and earned a total of 24 real credits for the academic year. In the end I am graduating in four years, and I am still sane.

"In other words, if you have the blessed opportunity to see another culture, speak another language, enhance your mind and spirit, DO IT. If you are having a hard time making the decision, I highly recommend PUC-RIO. If you would like further details and more in depth stories, contact me." Email: spiserpjat@hotmail.com.