Fredonia Students in Brazil

Six Fredonia students spent two weeks in Brazil during J-Term for the course, "Urbanization, Environment and Development," directed by Ivani Vassoler (political science). The group investigated the city of Curitiba, internationally known for its innovative urban solutions to typical challenges of cities: public transportation, conserving the environment, and sustaining economic development.
 
Currently writing a book on what the experience of Curitiba can teach other cities, Professor Vassoler said she chose this city for her course because it demonstrates that leadership, along with the right kind of government intervention and policy-making "can prevent the degradation of urban spaces that afflicts many other cities in the developing world."
 
In addition to formal classes, the students took guided tours, met city officials and local scholars, and plunged into a different culture. Their visit to the Curitiba Environmental University was a special eye-opener. It is uniquely dedicated to educating people about the importance of conserving natural resources.
 
The students studied and learned, but they also tasted Brazilian cuisine, tried the steps of the energetic samba, and listened to the soft bossa nova. They explored portions of what is almost unavoidable in Brazil, the Atlantic Rain Forest, and enjoyed a sunny day in Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), one of the country's most popular southern beaches. By the time the Fredonia students were ready to leave, they had even begun to understand a bit of Portuguese.
 
In an informal survey, students told Professor Vassoler that the overseas program met all their expectations. They completed the course knowing a great deal more about Brazil, and with more ability to make informed comparisons between socioeconomic conditions in that country and in the United States.
 
The opportunity to study abroad is facilitated at SUNY Fredonia by the Office of International Education, located in LoGrasso Hall and directed by Mary Sasso. "As the world economy shrinks and companies conduct more and more business with other countries, students who graduate with international experiences are more attractive to potential employers," Professor Vassoler said.
 
She is a strong believer in the value of international courses like the one she taught during J-Term. "All students, regardless of their majors, should take an overseas study for their professional and personal enhancement," she said.

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