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

Susana Lopes from Brazil: Studying Marketing at the University of California, Irvine

Susana Lopes from Brazil: Studying Marketing at the University of California, Irvine

Apr 21, 2015

Interview:

An interview with Susana Lopes, from Brazil, who received an ACP (Accelerated) Certificate in Marketing at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).

Why did you decide to enter a U.S. summer program?

I was trying to challenge myself to do something new, and I wanted to gather both experience and knowledge in a very efficient manner. My goal was to get fresh information from the best teachers that I could afford, and every day I go to class reinforces my belief that I am on the right track.

How did you choose your summer program?

The UCI program was within my budget and Irvine is an ideal place for international students. It is a friendly and safe community, that is easy to travel around. Orange County offers a wide variety of activities, from surfing on the beach to biking in the hills. One of the advantages that UCI offers is that it is part of the University of California system but is not located in a major city. The UCI facilities are extremely accessible and the staff is always willing to help you. Also something that caught my attention was the high reputation the university has in different fields.

What did you like best?

The thing I like best about studying in the U.S.A. is being surrounded by people from all over the globe. Everyone brings a unique perspective and we are able to understand our selves and respect each other. The friendships that I have made here will be cherished forever.

What did you miss most?

Family, but sometimes is good to be by yourself and they can always come to visit me. The time zone is more than 4 hours different, therefore is difficult to catch up in current events.

What was your biggest surprise?

My biggest surprises were the convenience, how everything is accessible, and the people were very direct to the point, which made me feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning. The variety of stuff here is so overwhelming that is easy to get lost.

...your biggest disappointment?

Rental car prices were still expensive for me, and public transportation is not a viable option.

How did you handle: ...Language differences?

You can always use mimics and ask them to slow down.

...Finances?

Plan for the worst case scenario, and have a back-up plan. Be gentle with your credit card, you will need it later. Look for deals, especially when dining out, buying clothes and electronics.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

In my opinion, the major difference is the amount of time dedicated to homework.

How did your English improve?

It gave me confidence, where before I was shy, and was unwilling to speak English in public, now, I feel ready for a competitive business environment.

How relevant was your U.S. summer program to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I strongly believe that the program added value to my career path, it allows me to expand my exposure to both domestic and international businesses, along with developing my English skills.

What is your advice to other students?

Prepare in advance for your program. Get used to doing everything online. Don’t hang out with people with the same native language as you. Put yourself in situations that force you to speak, write and read in English. Travel a lot, even alone. Try different foods and know the basic information about your country, some history, social and political efforts, and common problems.

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 Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education

University of California, Irvine

$5,000—$10,000 Quarter

Certificate/Short Term English Programs Summer
Contact
Towson University

Towson University

$45,000—$50,000 Year

English Programs Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

Irvine Valley College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

University of Mississippi

Typical cost per Semester: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

St Joseph's University, New York

Typical cost per Year: $30,000—$35,000

Bachelor Degree Masters
Learn More

Related Stories

Discover a World of Opportunity at Bunker Hill Community College

Main image for the article titled Discover a World of Opportunity at Bunker Hill Community College
Lui Ngachi from Hong Kong: Studies Business at Bunker Hill Community College

Main image for the article titled Lui Ngachi from Hong Kong: Studies Business at Bunker Hill Community College
Indri Putri from Indonesia: Studies Liberal Arts at Bunker Hill Community College

Main image for the article titled Indri Putri from Indonesia: Studies Liberal Arts at Bunker Hill Community College
Veronika Kozina, from Croatia, is majoring in biotechnology at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, Massachusetts

Main image for the article titled Veronika Kozina, from Croatia, is majoring in biotechnology at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, Massachusetts

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 ELSA

ELSA

ELSA - World's Best English Pronunciation App. Speak English like a native speaker. Get instant feedback on your speech from proprietary artificial intelligence technology. Learn more. Get a 10% discount using code: StudyUSA

Read more
Partner service logo for There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming event!

There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming...

Ready to make your MBA dreams a reality? Register now for a virtual or in-person event with The MBA Tour! Don’t miss your chance to speak directly with leading business schools, such as Harvard University, Boston University, Columbia University, UC...

Read more
Partner service logo for Uniplaces

Uniplaces

Uniplaces is an accommodation provider with a large choice of verified rooms, entire flats and residences. The platform offers an easy, fast and safe way of booking a place to live. Check out the thousands of properties in the best cities and book a...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

You are an excellent guide to know the study process and have a successful results. Thanks for everything!

Alberto Luzardo Venezuela

Study in the USA helped me to find the program in San Antonio

Marlon Cruz Colombia

Some of the guides from Study in the USA are helpful for international students who are not aware of the process of applying to universities and tests, such as IELTS.

Tak Sin Chan Hong Kong

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
Ask StudyUSA.com

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

© 2023 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.