Service
Want to make a difference?
Students at UVU’s Study Abroad to Brazil may choose to volunteer and earn Service-Learning credit by engaging in conversational language exchanges with UFSC students, where they help each other improve their respective linguistic skills.
How it helps UVU students: Going abroad is a huge investment on a student’s life. By increasing interaction with natives, UVU students truly allow themselves to immerse in the culture. Above all, they put their linguistic abilities to the test, and learn intercultural negotiation skills. More than anything, they’ll learn appreciation for diversity and seeing the world from a different perspective.
How it helps UFSC students: Given the position of the US in the world, English proficiency is in high demand everywhere. Helping improve UFSC students’ English skills may open doors for them, as it may represent access to a better job, as well as better chances of success in graduate school. Some of those UFSC students are preparing to become English as a second-language teachers, and will greatly benefit from the practice, especially if they haven’t had a chance to go abroad. Interacting with Americans will allow them a glimpse at how Americans live, behave, and see the world.
Both parties are a little like ambassadors of their countries and cultures.
Conversational language exchange activities involves reflection (through mediation sessions, journals), and foster mutual respect and understanding. We’ll follow the Volunteer & Service-Learning Center policy and require, respectively:
10 hours of service for a 1 credit class;
20 hours of service for a 3 credit class;
25-35 hours of service for a 5 credit class.
Students who take classes with a Service-Learning attribute are eligible to apply for the Service-Learning Distinction Program
Photo courtesy: Daniel Guilhamet
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Program
We’ll offer Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Portuguese classes, in cooperation with the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, in Florianopolis. We STRONGLY encourage students to take at least one semester of class before going on this StudyAbroad, simply because you benefit so much more by being able to understand some of the language and the way the people behave.
Classes at or above PORT2010 can be used for a Minor in Foreign Languages at UVU. PORT2020 fulfills General Education Requirements.
Transfer credit is possible, since UVU courses and credits are usually accepted towards degrees at most colleges and universities. Nevertheless, consult with your home institution if you plan to join UVU’s Study Abroad to Brazil.
Classes will be taught by very qualified faculty from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Through a combination of formal classroom practice, conversational exchange with their host families and native students, films, and excursions, students will have a chance to immerse in the culture and expand their linguistic abilities while being exposed to a higher education environment.
For Advanced Speakers, we’re planning to offer a Brazilian History class. This can be used as a PORT or a HIST credit at UVU. Some Intermediate students may be eligible to take this class as a split-level course.
A few students with special projects may consult with the Study Abroad Director to see how they can accommodate their interests. These will be considered on a case-by-case scenario, and kept at a minimum.
Dr. Debora Ferreira, PhD, is the Director for this program.
Photo courtesy: Daniel Guilhamet
