1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Ricardo Primon Pereira de Souza from Brazil: Studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida through the Science Without Borders Program

Ricardo Primon Pereira de Souza from Brazil: Studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida through the Science Without Borders Program

November 2nd, 2021

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

Coming to the United States has been a dream of mine since childhood. Fortunately, I found the opportunity in the Science Without Borders Program. I chose the United States not only because it was a dream of mine, but also because of the quality of its universities and the desire to improve my English.

Why did you choose the University of Miami?

I chose the University of Miami (UM) because a friend was studying there. He introduced me to UM and I was immediately enchanted.

What do you like best?

The University of Miami is absolutely a dream! The structure of the school is full of surprises: cafeterias, dormitories, libraries, spaces to play sports and much more. The campus is beautiful, with greenery everywhere. What I liked most here was this variety of options that allow students to balance their time among studies, athletics, community and leisure.

What do you miss most?

My father, mother, siblings and friends have been very influential in my life and this experience has made me realize that even more. I have missed them.

How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?

I think my English has improved greatly. One of the influencers was the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the University of Miami. This program is spectacular! I had the opportunity to study English at IEP and this experience was essential not only to improve my English, but also to prepare and give myself greater confidence before starting the semester at the university. The professors are extremely professional and dedicated.

What was your biggest surprise?

What surprised me the most about life in the U.S. was the way things function. Americans respect deadlines and are punctual, they do not accept excuses. Everything is very organized and there is more respect among people. The patriotism of the Americans is also something that caught my attention. Everyone has an immense pride in their country, this is admirable.

The entire education structure is focused on the student. Students are not just numbers or mere clients of the university and that makes all the difference and motivates you to contribute in return.

... your biggest disappointment?

I’ve learned that many Americans know little about what happens beyond the country's borders.

How have you handled:

... language differences?

I made an agreement with my close Brazilian friends that between us we would only speak English. You have to get out of your comfort zone and practice as much as you can.

... finances?

I always tried to control my expenses and have a reserve in case of an emergency.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

I tried to learn about the American educational system and that made it easier to adapt. Making Americans friends also helped me to better understand the culture.

What are your activities?

In my spare time I like to lift weights and to run. There's also always something going on around campus, too. I also like to go out to enjoy Miami nightlife, which is absolutely awesome.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

It was not very difficult to make friends. Of course, Americans are a little more reserved than Brazilians. The university has students from all over the world, so there is always someone with whom you will identify and build a friendship.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country? 

This experience in the United States was unique and opened my eyes to how much I can progress. Bettering my English is now an indispensable tool for me to achieve even greater goals. I want to contribute to my country and take what I learned to my university in Brazil. After I graduate, I intend to return to the USA. Although I love my country, I believe the best opportunities for me are in more developed places.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

If you want to build a different future, studying in the U.S. is an investment that is worthwhile. Do not follow standards imposed and don't allow yourself to be diminished, do not be afraid to face obstacles, either the language or the difference in culture. Look for the best for you, but without forgetting your origins and if possible, contribute to make them something better.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE

これら学校について詳しく調べる

University of Miami

University of Miami

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Masters English Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact
University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education

University of California, Irvine

$6,000 - $8,000 Quarter

English Programs Online Certificate/Short Term
Contact

Related Stories

Moving to the USA? Tips for Finding an Apartment and How to Settle in Quickly and Easily

Main image for the article titled Moving to the USA? Tips for Finding an Apartment and How to Settle in Quickly and Easily
Understanding the F-1, J-1 and M-1 Visas

Main image for the article titled Understanding the F-1, J-1 and M-1 Visas
STEM OPT: How to work in the USA for three years with an F-1 visa

Main image for the article titled STEM OPT: How to work in the USA for three years with an F-1 visa
How to Study Law in the USA

Main image for the article titled How to Study Law in the USA

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more
Partner service logo for Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good insurance plan.

Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good...

Study-USA HealthCare™ offers medical coverage to international students for as low as $1.12 USD per day. Get your free quote and enroll today!

Read more
Partner service logo for STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Studyusa.com has given me a lot of useful resources that helped me find the best college for me. I learned about the United States' educative system and how I could benefit from going to a community college first then transfer later.

Glodi Kayembe Congo

Study in the USA has a lot of interesting information and helpful resources that we can access! What I loved the most was they provided lots of information about schools, and It helped me to choose my current school!

Sunwoo Kim South Korea

I learned a lot about how to apply, how to make things easier at Study in the USA. That was a plus at the time of my application.

Md Nazmul Islam Bangladesh

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2022 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.