In June my newborn son and I are moving to Brazil to live with my fiance and I'm from a tiny Island called Nantucket. I have never left the United States. Please someone tell me a little bit what its like... culture shock.. I want to be a little prepared. Im moving to sao jose dos campos, Sao Paulo state.
Packing & Preparation - 5 Answers
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1 :
I am an exchange student living in Brazil now, so maybe I can help. I too had never been out of the states. First thing you will notice is how absolutely great the people are. on my flight down here the Brazilians were cheering and talking to eachother the whole time. they are very warm people and even though some don't have money, they are still happy. I think we can learn a lot from the Brazilian people. I dont know how big your city will be, but sometimes you must be careful. I have never had any problems but I know people who have. It is a 3rd world country, and there is a large gap between middle and upper class in some cities. I hope you have a great life here in Brazil, it is a beautiful country.
2 :
hey, check these journals from Brazil: http://www.goabroad.net/journal.php?countryID=10&btnFilter=Show+Journals
3 :
To minimize the effects of a potential cultural shock, take in advance some Portuguese classes. However, you will notice that language skills are not a barrier to build up a social network of warm, talkative, helpful and trusted people. Sao Jose dos Campos is the base of many large multinational manufacturer companies. There is also a world-class higher education institution called Instituto Tecnologico da Aeronautica (The Technological Institute for Aeronautics). In fact, this city is known as the Brazilian Silicon Valley because it attracts many high-tech companies and is also located in a valley. Back to the topic: in Brazil there are many supermarkets, including world-brands like Wall-Mart and Carrefour, so I believe it will be very convenient for your daily life. Most cars in Brazil have manual transmission. If you're planning to drive there, it is better to get used to it. If you're into teaching, English native speakers are a hot commodity in some private language schools. About some (bad) Brazilian habits: 1) Cutting lines is a common practice; 2) Some Brazilians simply don't know the meaning of arriving in time. Be prepared to wait a long time for that bus/Brazilian friend/important document to arrive... Also bear in mind that Brazilians are much more liberal in their attitudes than Americans. Just to give you an example, that infamous "wardrobe mal-function" incident with Janet Jackson during the Super Bowl would probably cause only some chuckles (and lots of ironic jokes) in most of Brazilians. Have a nice stay there.
4 :
I will add to what some of the others have said. I have lived in Brazil before. Without a doubt, the most shocking aspect of Brazil will be the poverty. I haven't been to the city you are going to, but there are some truly destitute, miserable people in Brazil. That said, the country also has some of the most ostentatious displays of wealth I have ever seen. You will also be surprised at how willing people are to help you and how curious they are about how you ended up there. This is terrific because as your Portuguese improves, you will find it very easy to make new friends. It is a warm place, no need to bring a lot of sweaters. People are very sexually liberated there. Making out in public is okay, and random sexual encounters are de riguer. You will also notice a lot of prostitution, rent by the hour motels on the edge of towns, and porno magazines, which are available and displayed openly at just about every news stand, at least in the bigger cities any way. Brazil is an immigrant country, and just about every kind of food is available from Italian to Sushi to Chinese to Lebanese to German. If you are in need for a dose of Americana, or the closest thing to it, you should go to Sao Paulo (the city) and hang out in the Jardins neighborhood, Morumbi, etc., which are about as close as it comes to being like the States. Brazil is a wonderful place and I want desperately to return to work. For all its problems, the scenery, the people, the weather and the culture are undeniably wonderful. Best of luck!
5 :
Dear Hilary: Brazil is an awesome country with lots of fun things to do, very warm loving people and the culture diversity is unlike any other place in the world. Somethings you should do before going. keep an open mind, things are done differently in different places; Learn basic Portuguese. Like how to ask for water, food, and directions. Say thank you. Never tell a Brazilian that he/she speaks Spanish. That's an insult. We are a proud nation of close to 200 million people. Brazilian Portuguese is our native tongue. Find a job as an English Teacher you will learn Portuguese from your students, you will have something to do. and you make some money for your expenses. Although not too much money. Above all have fun. There are tons of places to visit and to see. Enjoy it. Many people dream of living or visiting Brazil. Be street smart. Like in any major city in the world there are good and bad. If you are street smart. i.e. don't wear jewelry on the streets, don't leave with your wallet packet full with cash, be aware of your surroundings. Always go out in group, etc. you will be in good shape. Have Fun. Brazil is a lovely place and the best asset we have is our hospitality and the friendly nature of the people. Regards, Cesar
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