Experience Erasmus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by Maxime

Why did you choose to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?

To improve my Portuguese and discover a culture.

How long was your stay? What was the amount of aid that you received?

5 months, 1000 euros for roundtrip airfare and 250 euros per month (transmitted the last month).

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What is the student ambience like in Rio de Janeiro?

The UFRJ, the school where I was, is situated in the exterior of the center of Rio, on an island, comparable to an enormous college.

Do you recommend the city and university of Rio de Janeiro to other students?

Yes, even though the Brazilian accent of Rio was quite difficult to understand.

How was the food in the country?

Not extraordinary, expensive for what it is.

Did you have difficulty finding housing in Rio?

No, there are quite a lot of student groups and house sharing!

What is the cost of living in Rio de Janeiro?

It's quite expensive for a South American city, the same as Lille.

How was your experience learning the language? Did you have a course organized by the university?

Yes, I had a Portuguese course but it was more important to interact with Brazilians, the courses are too theoretical.

What is the most economic way to get to Rio de Janeiro from your city?

By plane.

What places do you recommend for partying in Rio de Janeiro?

Lapa, Cantagalo, Ipanema.

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And for eating in Rio? What places do you prefer?

Kilo restaurants in the "centro".

And what cultural places do you advise?

Too many to choose! Corcovado, Dos Irmaoes, Lapa, Pao de Açucar.

And advice for other future students in Rio?

Enjoy the climate and have patience (at the level of administration and courses: a "Tudo Bem! " atmosphere) :)