What inspired you to go abroad?
I was at a crossroads both in my personal and professional life. I decided to embark on an international adventure as a way to clear my head, challenge myself, develop new language skills, and gain additional cultural experiences, which will all be valuable assets in the next phase of my life/career.
Why did you choose Basica Lingua?
I simply had a strong, positive gut response to Basica Lingua's site. It offered the type of personal language instruction that was best suited for my needs. This school also offered the best value for the money. With minimal overhead expenses, Sheila can afford to offer very competitive prices for her classes.
Elevador Lacerda in Salvador, Brazil
What was your favorite part about Salvador, Brazil?
Living in Salvador (Bahia), Brazil, I experienced three unique cultures: Brazilian, African, and Bahian cultures (which is the blending of both the Brazilian and African cultures). I most enjoyed learning about the lasting African influence on Bahian culture, and on Brazilian culture in general. I've been told that Bahia is a very unique state in Brazil and I'm excited to experience Rio and other parts of Brazil to better understand these unique Bahian characteristics. If I've come away with anything about Brazil, it is that the country LOVES its music and beaches; both are essentials for them.
What made your experience abroad unique?
Developing friendships with locals always enhances any travel experience; I was lucky enough to develop some friendships while in Salvador and they added such a wonderful dimension to my experience. I came to understand the city and my surroundings in a completely different way. It also reinforces that no matter where you are, there's a great deal of commonality among all of us.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Sheila was a great help navigating (literally and figuratively) Salvador and the experiences it offered. I am most grateful for her pressing me to just get out there and test my newly acquired language skills.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I would have pressed myself to explore even more. Although, I still have time. I finished one program here in Salvador and will be starting another new program in Rio in about a month.
Describe a typical day of classes look like for you in Salvador.
I only had class for two hours a day, five days a week. In the very beginning, class would focus exclusively on grammar acquisition. About two weeks in, half of the class was conversation and the other half grammar. The majority of homework assignments were written compositions.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I most enjoyed simply trying to adopt a local lifestyle. The beach was very close by, so I would often walk along the waterfront. For a few weeks I enrolled in an Afro-Brazilian dance class, which was probably one of my most enjoyable experiences.
What surprised you most about Brazil?
I was surprised by the degree to which the beach forms a large part of Brazilian culture. The beach is where Brazilians congregate and share their lives. While in NYC everything is about how close you live to the subway, here in Brazil life is centered around your proximity to the beach.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My homestay was incredible! I had a large room with a window overlooking the city and my own private bathroom. My hosts were very hospitable, and after spending two months with them, I felt like an adopted family member. They also had an adorable cat named Minny.
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Brazil?
Pack sunblock and insect repellant! The mosquitoes loved me here and there were days that I would have at least three or four fresh bites. It's a beach culture, so you'll do fine with just shorts/t-shirts.
What was the hardest part about studying a language abroad?
The complete immersion is probably the hardest aspect of studying a foreign language abroad. You get off the plane and you immediately face the challenge of communicating using other resources besides language. This is simultaneously frightening and incredibly stimulating. You immediately begin to think differently.
How difficult was it to communicate with locals?
Locals will happily interact with you, but I found it very difficult to understand them. Brazil is an informal society and their everyday speech includes a great deal of gírias, or slang. I did study some of their slang in my classes, but there's a lot of it!
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
This program requires a good amount of independence and initiative. Given that it is a very small school, there will never be more than three students in any given class. This allows Sheila to better tailor the pace of the class to her students' abilities.
How has your time abroad impacted your life?
I'm still in Brazil! Just finished one program in Salvador and enjoying my time here in Brazil so much that I've decided to explore another program in Rio.
My time so far in Brazil has allowed me the opportunity to renew myself and gain a greater perspective on life.
Would you recommend Basica Lingua to others? Why?
Yes, of course I recommend Sheila without any reservations! My only advice is to be honest with yourself. If you're the type of person who prefers/needs a more traditional program with a ready made group of fellow travelers, group activities, etc., then Basic Lingua might not be the best fit for your needs.
If you could go abroad again, where would you go?
I would probably study Italian in Italy. I now speak English, Spanish, and some Portuguese, so Italian would be a nice complement.