By Daniel Limeira (DL) and Deborah Menezes
The Universidade Federal da Paraíba has partnerships with many foreign universities, so that Brazilian students can study abroad during a semester or two. These partnerships are part of a project called “PIANI” (Programa de Intercâmbio Internacional) . I had the opportunity to interview Deborah Menezes, a Letters English student who went to Leeds University (2008-2009).
DL: Deborah, why did you decide to enroll in the PIANI project?
Deborah: Studying abroad was already a dream of mine. I always dreamed about studying in England.
DL: How did you get to know about the PIANI PROJECT?
Deborah: My mother told me about a biology student who had experience abroad as a PIANI scholarship holder. Therefore, I got interested in participating in this project as well.
DL: What did you do to get more information?
Deborah: I looked at the AAI (Assessoria de Assuntos Internacionais), and there I found out some requirements in order to apply for the exchange program.
DL: What kinds of requirements were these?
Deborah: One has to have a 7,0 as minimal CRE average; to have covered at least 40% of the course; to take a proficiency test at DLEM, and probably, depending on the foreign university requirements, the TOEFL or the IELT. As for myself, I took the proficiency test at DLEM and the IELT in Recife in 2007. The candidate also has to make a study plan, an academic record; after being selected it is necessary to fill out a form that is available on-line at the university website, and to translate the academic record and the study plan into English; to get two recommendation letters from people who are involved in your academic life.
DL: Describe briefly how the university and people were.
Deborah: I was accepted by the University of Leeds, and I arrived in London on September 11th. Before going to Leeds I enjoyed myself on a three-day trip to Birmingham. When I got to the Leeds bus station, some people from the university came and took me to the campus. They offered campus and city tours. We had lots of meetings before the classes began. We had a campus map, cooking lessons for those in self-catered accommodation. I used to be well informed and always knew where to go. The university is huge, has lots of libraries, and very modern staff. A “paradise” for any student. They also offer English classes, teaching packs about academic writing, oral presentations, among other useful tools. The university even offers medical and psychological assistance. They offer a place for Muslims to pray, and special menus according to religion creeds and diets, such as Jewish,Muslim and vegetarian.
DL: What kind of advice could you give to those who intend to study abroad?
Deborah: Learn as much as possible about the place you want to go. Save much money because studying abroad is not cheap. One has to pay for airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, among others expenses. One has to have good writing skills, since teachers demand many essays. Finally, always check on the AAI website to get news updates. Enjoy your experience abroad as much as you can.
1 http://www.ufpb.br/aai/editavel/alunos_brasileiros/programas_de_intercambio/piani.html
The Universidade Federal da Paraíba has partnerships with many foreign universities, so that Brazilian students can study abroad during a semester or two. These partnerships are part of a project called “PIANI” (Programa de Intercâmbio Internacional) . I had the opportunity to interview Deborah Menezes, a Letters English student who went to Leeds University (2008-2009).
DL: Deborah, why did you decide to enroll in the PIANI project?
Deborah: Studying abroad was already a dream of mine. I always dreamed about studying in England.
DL: How did you get to know about the PIANI PROJECT?
Deborah: My mother told me about a biology student who had experience abroad as a PIANI scholarship holder. Therefore, I got interested in participating in this project as well.
DL: What did you do to get more information?
Deborah: I looked at the AAI (Assessoria de Assuntos Internacionais), and there I found out some requirements in order to apply for the exchange program.
DL: What kinds of requirements were these?
Deborah: One has to have a 7,0 as minimal CRE average; to have covered at least 40% of the course; to take a proficiency test at DLEM, and probably, depending on the foreign university requirements, the TOEFL or the IELT. As for myself, I took the proficiency test at DLEM and the IELT in Recife in 2007. The candidate also has to make a study plan, an academic record; after being selected it is necessary to fill out a form that is available on-line at the university website, and to translate the academic record and the study plan into English; to get two recommendation letters from people who are involved in your academic life.
DL: Describe briefly how the university and people were.
Deborah: I was accepted by the University of Leeds, and I arrived in London on September 11th. Before going to Leeds I enjoyed myself on a three-day trip to Birmingham. When I got to the Leeds bus station, some people from the university came and took me to the campus. They offered campus and city tours. We had lots of meetings before the classes began. We had a campus map, cooking lessons for those in self-catered accommodation. I used to be well informed and always knew where to go. The university is huge, has lots of libraries, and very modern staff. A “paradise” for any student. They also offer English classes, teaching packs about academic writing, oral presentations, among other useful tools. The university even offers medical and psychological assistance. They offer a place for Muslims to pray, and special menus according to religion creeds and diets, such as Jewish,Muslim and vegetarian.
DL: What kind of advice could you give to those who intend to study abroad?
Deborah: Learn as much as possible about the place you want to go. Save much money because studying abroad is not cheap. One has to pay for airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, among others expenses. One has to have good writing skills, since teachers demand many essays. Finally, always check on the AAI website to get news updates. Enjoy your experience abroad as much as you can.
1 http://www.ufpb.br/aai/editavel/alunos_brasileiros/programas_de_intercambio/piani.html
Nice article, congratulations to the authors.
ResponderExcluirIt is nice to know it. Thank you.
ResponderExcluirDaniel and Deborah... Really good article. I'm really glad to have met you, Deborah. It was really good!! Thank you for the article, thanks for your patience and assistance! =D
ResponderExcluir