Han, Song E
Dept. of Latin American studies 




 

In January, 2009, I went to Brazil for study by 3+1 student dispatch program of our GSIAS. This program was the best chance for me to study in Brazil. Because Brazil is a country located in the other side of the world I needed various things to prepare alone. However I had a plan to study master's degree or doctoral degree in Brazil, so I believed that this experience would help my further studies.

Before the classes of graduate school began, I took portuguese language course in Curitiba (Universidade Federal do Parana) for two months to improve my language skills. This city is well-planned, clean, secure and various students gather for better education systems here. Actually, I had studied in this city for 1 year when I was in university. So I could get more materials for my study with the help of professors and friends I knew there. But I couldn't contact with graduate schools in Curitiba this time. If I have another opportunity to study in Brazil I would go to Curitiba.

After finishing the language course I took 2 classes for 6 credits in graduate school at Porto Alegre ; Society and Education, and Culture seminar. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul has many exchanges with my university regarding portuguese language courses. However, I was the first case as an exchange of graduate student. So I participated in classes as a special student and professors were considerate of my difficulties.

In classes, professors gave us materials in portuguese and students discussed various subjects. And each student had to present their subjects. I also chose one subject about korean education system and handed in final report.

While studying in Brazil this time through 3+1 student dispatch program, I could study about brazilian society with their point of view. Now I can understood their culture more easily. In addition, I could decide to study in Brazil again because of this opportunity. This experience as a 3+1 dispatch student was so valuable for me that I would like to choose this program again if I could have another chance.