Classes have really gotten underway now, so I think I’ll give you a little taste of what I’m doing down here:
In this first module I am taking four courses:
Negotiations – This is my favorite course. Although it is very practical and involves a lot of common sense, it is fun to practice negotiating with different case studies every day. (At the end of the first module, this was my least favorite course…funny how first impressions can be totally wrong)
*FGV teachers love Harvard Case studies…I am so lucky because I get to read four of them per week. Yay!
BRICs – For those of you who do not know what BRICs is, it is the study of the four largest and fastest growing economies in the world; Brazil, India, Russia, and China. While this class is very interesting, the teacher is quite condescending which makes everybody scared to speak up. Also, I have only five weeks to prepare an hour and a half presentation and a thirty-page research paper. Ugh. So much for studying abroad being an easy GPA booster.
Brazilian Economy – My teacher always seems stoned. But she is very nice.
Government and Civil Society in the Local Setting – I love this class as well because it is literally a group discussion about different social issues. It is extremely interesting to listen to all of the opinions of the exchange students from around the world. It really helps me to think of things in different ways.
*There are students from Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Switzerland.
Aside from classes, I have decided to join the FGV club volleyball team, which is so much fun for me because as most of you know, volleyball is my favorite sport. Also, I am part of the exchange student soccer team, and we will be competing against other Brasilian students from FGV. We are gonna get our asses handed to us. Excuse my French.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
2/28/2010 - I'm Italian (sans German)
It is extremely hot here. In fact, it is unbearably hot here. I wake up and I am sweating, so I take a cold shower. Five minutes after my shower I am sweating again. I change clothes about three times a day, and when I am not at school, I am sitting in my underwear on my bed in front of a fan. I knew that it would be warm here, and I partly chose Brasil because of the climate, but little did I know that this is the hottest summer in Sao Paulo within the last 100 years. Ick.
Tonight we went to a Churrascaria which is essentially an all you can eat barbeque. To start out with you can get a little salad from the salad bar, but after that, the waiters constantly bombard you with huge slabs of delicious meat. They are relentless in their efforts to give you more and more, and only when you switch the sign to “Não Obrigado” (No Thank You) will they stop pressuring you. At the Churrascaria I met a couple of legit Italian guys, and it only reinforced my decision to only tell people that I am Italian when they inquire about my nationality (I leave out the German part…)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
2/26/2010 - Cervejada
Cervejada = party of beer. We arrived at midnight and returned home at 7:00am. Peace.Oh yes, and I am also great at meeting girls: As I go to kiss a girl on the cheek I spill my drink on her. Because I can think of nothing else to say in my drunk stupor, I say "Hey, did you know that both Jon and I play the piano? Cool huh?" I bet you can guess what happened next...she promptly walked away.
2/18/2010 – 2/24/2010 - I attend a school where they encourage beer drinking...
Classes have finally started at Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV). FGV is one of the premier business schools in South America, and some have even compared it to Harvard in the United States. Looks like I may have my work cut out for me this semester. My program is an International Program in Management, and it is divided into two modules. Each module lasts seven weeks and consists of four courses (plus a Portuguese class on the side), so we will be cramming a lot of material into a very short period of time. For the first module I will be taking:
Government and Civil Society in the Local Setting
BRICs
Brazilian Economy
and Negotiation (so far this is my favorite course)
Aside from classes, FGV also has a great international network program, and the Brazilian students in charge of this program have been putting on a reception week for all of the exchange students and Bixos (freshmen). Welcoming events are a little different here, as most every night there is a new bar or party for us to go to. And even more shocking than that is that hazing of freshmen is encouraged.
The first day of classes, all the freshmen and exchange students participated in some community service projects (I planted trees around the streets of Sao Paulo), and afterwards FGV sponsored a party during which upperclassmen threw paint, eggs, olive olive, and beer at all of the Bixos. Oh and did I mention the school purchased hundreds of cases of beer that were given away for free. What a welcome!
Some other highlights of the first week of classes have been:
Capoeira – We watched and participated in this form of Brasilian dancing. It actually looks like a form of martial arts, but the participants never make contact.
Voleibol – I joined the men’s volleyball team at FGV. So far it has been a great time, and the team is not fantastic, which means I fit in pretty well, thanks to all my practice with Lou Mae in the garage.
Rua Augusta – This is the hipster street where you can find all types of people. It is a great place to hang out for a night and meet Brasilians
Things have been going very well for me so far. There are a lot of really nice and fun exchange student from all over the world, and we have all clicked very well. Unfortunately, almost everyone in FGV speaks English fairly well, so I haven’t been able to learn Portuguese as well as I would have liked so far, but the pursuit of understanding the locals continues, and I’d like to hope I’m getting better at it. Also, believe it or not, I have been losing weight. I was shocked when I had to move from the fourth belt loop to the fifth. I guess it’s a combination of walking about a mile and a half to class (partly up hill) and the fact that I am eating healthier than ever, thanks to my host mother. Oh well, I guess I shouldn’t complain about it.
Government and Civil Society in the Local Setting
BRICs
Brazilian Economy
and Negotiation (so far this is my favorite course)
Aside from classes, FGV also has a great international network program, and the Brazilian students in charge of this program have been putting on a reception week for all of the exchange students and Bixos (freshmen). Welcoming events are a little different here, as most every night there is a new bar or party for us to go to. And even more shocking than that is that hazing of freshmen is encouraged.
The first day of classes, all the freshmen and exchange students participated in some community service projects (I planted trees around the streets of Sao Paulo), and afterwards FGV sponsored a party during which upperclassmen threw paint, eggs, olive olive, and beer at all of the Bixos. Oh and did I mention the school purchased hundreds of cases of beer that were given away for free. What a welcome!
Some other highlights of the first week of classes have been:
Capoeira – We watched and participated in this form of Brasilian dancing. It actually looks like a form of martial arts, but the participants never make contact.
Voleibol – I joined the men’s volleyball team at FGV. So far it has been a great time, and the team is not fantastic, which means I fit in pretty well, thanks to all my practice with Lou Mae in the garage.
Rua Augusta – This is the hipster street where you can find all types of people. It is a great place to hang out for a night and meet Brasilians
Things have been going very well for me so far. There are a lot of really nice and fun exchange student from all over the world, and we have all clicked very well. Unfortunately, almost everyone in FGV speaks English fairly well, so I haven’t been able to learn Portuguese as well as I would have liked so far, but the pursuit of understanding the locals continues, and I’d like to hope I’m getting better at it. Also, believe it or not, I have been losing weight. I was shocked when I had to move from the fourth belt loop to the fifth. I guess it’s a combination of walking about a mile and a half to class (partly up hill) and the fact that I am eating healthier than ever, thanks to my host mother. Oh well, I guess I shouldn’t complain about it.
2/11/2010 – 2/16/2010 - Carnaval
We left for Florianopolis tonight in order to spend Carnaval on the beach. Th
e bus ride to this southern island was about 15 hours long, but unlike Megabus, the buses in South America are very comfortable and spacious, with seats that recline almost the entire way. Upon arriving in Floripa, we caught another bus to the Floriparadise Hostel which is a very colorful place with lots of beautiful graffiti and an assortment of instruments for guests to mess around with.
The owners of the hostel were two Brazilian women, and unfortunately for me they were lovers. I say unfortunately because Fernanda (Fe) is one of the most beautiful and free-spirited people that I have ever met. Do you believe in love at first sight? I think I might. Here is a picture of me, Fe (on the left) and Angelina. It is kind of an awkward picture because they are trying to hide the hickies and bruises from a romantic/passionate night.
Basically our Carnaval consisted of burning at the beach, napping, drinking, and partying. It was a great few days of relaxation, despite the lack of sleep we got. On the second day we went to a street party in the c
enter of the island where the theme was for men to dress up as women. It was quite a sight to see, and unfortunately we never got the memo about the dress code. Maybe we’ll dress up next year. In the six hours that we were there, we danced, painted our faces, got all you can eat Mexican food, found an Irish pub, and played with a dog named Michael Bonjo. Good times.
The next couple of days were spent laying out at pristine beaches that were completely packed with people. My favorite was Praia Brava (Angry beach), which is shown in so
me of my pictures. One thing that I love about Brazil is how comfortable people are with their bodies. Although some of the swimsuits may not necessarily be flattering, it is quite refreshing to be in culture where people do not conform to a specific physical image. I consequently decided to buy myself a sunga (speedo). When in Rome…Although I still do not feel comfortable in it, I am proud of the fact that I bought and wore it. Also, it is a nice souvenir as well because it is apparently a designer brand, which I paid R$132.00 reals for. “Go big or go home” (Laura Schneider).
One of my favorite parts of Carnaval was when the owners of the hostel took us to Club Jivago, where they both are DJs. It was so much fun, and they even got us into the VIP lounge. I felt pretty cool flashing my VIP bracelet to the bouncers. Aside from the electronic music, and sweaty dancing, there was also a lot of kissing. Brazilians are very forward, and I confess that I have now kissed multiple Brazilians. I think they may like the fact that I’m a foreigner. The only downside to the night was the fact that we did not get to the club until midnight, and proceeded to stay at the club until 6:00 am. Needless to say, I was exhausted and a little ornery when we finally got back to the hostel at 7:30am, just as the sun was rising.
I am currently writing this post as we are on our way back to Sao Paulo. I have been in South America for over a month now, and I am extremely happy about how things have been going so far. I am learning a lot about myself, and it has been so much fun meeting new friends. I almost chickened out of studying abroad, and I thank everyone who pushed
me to do it. When we get back to Sao Paulo, classes at FGV will finally start, and it will definitely be strange to get back into school and develop a daily routine. Oh well, I guess the main reason I’m here is to study, so I probably shouldn’t complain too much about having homework again and not being able to go out every night.
e bus ride to this southern island was about 15 hours long, but unlike Megabus, the buses in South America are very comfortable and spacious, with seats that recline almost the entire way. Upon arriving in Floripa, we caught another bus to the Floriparadise Hostel which is a very colorful place with lots of beautiful graffiti and an assortment of instruments for guests to mess around with.The owners of the hostel were two Brazilian women, and unfortunately for me they were lovers. I say unfortunately because Fernanda (Fe) is one of the most beautiful and free-spirited people that I have ever met. Do you believe in love at first sight? I think I might. Here is a picture of me, Fe (on the left) and Angelina. It is kind of an awkward picture because they are trying to hide the hickies and bruises from a romantic/passionate night.
Basically our Carnaval consisted of burning at the beach, napping, drinking, and partying. It was a great few days of relaxation, despite the lack of sleep we got. On the second day we went to a street party in the c
enter of the island where the theme was for men to dress up as women. It was quite a sight to see, and unfortunately we never got the memo about the dress code. Maybe we’ll dress up next year. In the six hours that we were there, we danced, painted our faces, got all you can eat Mexican food, found an Irish pub, and played with a dog named Michael Bonjo. Good times.The next couple of days were spent laying out at pristine beaches that were completely packed with people. My favorite was Praia Brava (Angry beach), which is shown in so
me of my pictures. One thing that I love about Brazil is how comfortable people are with their bodies. Although some of the swimsuits may not necessarily be flattering, it is quite refreshing to be in culture where people do not conform to a specific physical image. I consequently decided to buy myself a sunga (speedo). When in Rome…Although I still do not feel comfortable in it, I am proud of the fact that I bought and wore it. Also, it is a nice souvenir as well because it is apparently a designer brand, which I paid R$132.00 reals for. “Go big or go home” (Laura Schneider).
One of my favorite parts of Carnaval was when the owners of the hostel took us to Club Jivago, where they both are DJs. It was so much fun, and they even got us into the VIP lounge. I felt pretty cool flashing my VIP bracelet to the bouncers. Aside from the electronic music, and sweaty dancing, there was also a lot of kissing. Brazilians are very forward, and I confess that I have now kissed multiple Brazilians. I think they may like the fact that I’m a foreigner. The only downside to the night was the fact that we did not get to the club until midnight, and proceeded to stay at the club until 6:00 am. Needless to say, I was exhausted and a little ornery when we finally got back to the hostel at 7:30am, just as the sun was rising.
I am currently writing this post as we are on our way back to Sao Paulo. I have been in South America for over a month now, and I am extremely happy about how things have been going so far. I am learning a lot about myself, and it has been so much fun meeting new friends. I almost chickened out of studying abroad, and I thank everyone who pushed
me to do it. When we get back to Sao Paulo, classes at FGV will finally start, and it will definitely be strange to get back into school and develop a daily routine. Oh well, I guess the main reason I’m here is to study, so I probably shouldn’t complain too much about having homework again and not being able to go out every night.
Friday, April 9, 2010
2/7/2010 - Com Camisinha Sua Festa Está Garantida
Translation: "With a condom, your party is guaranteed" - Advertisements like this are all over the place during Carnaval
The warm weather is nice and all, but living in Sao Paulo makes me really appreciate Minnesota. I sweat while I sleep, so I take a cold shower when I get up. Then I walk to the bus stop and I’m already in need of another shower. Gross. In Minnesota, the middle part of the day in summer has the potential to be scorching hot, but in Sao Paulo, the entire 24 hours are scorching hot, with the afternoon just being more unbearable. Oh well, at least I’m tan.
We went to a Samba School last night. Despite the name, it really isn’t much of a dancing lesson. Instead, there
are many schools throughout the whole city, and each school participates in a parade during Carnaval. This school was named Mocidade Alegre, and last night was their final rehearsal before Carnaval. Each school has a set time limit, and during that time, one song plays while twenty-four different variations of samba are presented, each with its own costume style. It was a ton of fun, and we actually got to parade around the school with the thousands of people who showed up to practice. Samba is quite difficult, but you can look halfway decent if you just take quick small steps to the beat.
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