It's all over. We have just finished the AUA Study Tour to Brazil!
It's been a great tour, taking in Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro. We've been to six universities and seen the similarities and differences between the various types of university here - Federal, State, public, private, Catholic..... We've also had the opportunity to spend the evenings and the weekend spending some time in the cities we've been to and I think it's fair to say we have all fallen in love with Brazil.
Everywhere we've been we've been extremely warmly received and had some fascinating discussions and learnt a huge amount of information. Now we have the job of bringing all of the information together to produce a report which we very much hope you'll take the time to read when you receive it from the AUA. Three of the Team will be delivering a presentation at the AUA Conference and we'd really encourage you to attend.
As Study Tour Co-ordinator I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all of the rest of the Team for their work. It's been a pleasure working with them.
Ian Jones
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Janice's Reflections of São Paulo
My first impression of São Paulo was that of an enormous, sprawling city of skyscraper buildings, teeming with cars and people. It was raining when first we arrived and although warm, the grey sky did nothing to enhance the towering landscape. São Paulo is the financial heart of Brazil and these skyscrapers are home to the banks and commercial operations that contribute to the economic growth of the country. The residents of São Paulo, or Paulistas as they are known, are an ethnically diverse population with origins from regions such as Europe, Japan, Africa and some Arab countries.
The city is divided by the main through road, the Ave. Paulista, with the poorer working class suburbs of the Centro region to the north and the more affluent leafier areas of the Jardin area to the South. The Ave Paulista and the roads off it are a paradise for shoppers, with a number of malls with designer outlets all calling you to spend money. During our free time over the week-end we took the opportunity to explore both sides of the city, to try to get a feel for the real São Paulo.
On Saturday, we took the Metro to the historical centre that is located in the Centro area of the City. This is where you find the Catedral de Se, Theatro Municipal and the Praca da Republica. On leaving the underground station, we immediately came upon a demonstration that was taking place in the main square. With our lack of Portuguese we were unable to ask what was happening, but by the number of women all wearing purple T shirts with same slogan, we guessed it was some sort of Women’s rights rally. Undeterred by the crowd, we carried on with our walking tour of the area. One of the buildings we were trying to locate was the Municipal Market, but we failed to find it on this visit. However, we did come across many familiar names from back home, such as McDonalds and Subway. We did note that the shopping area in this part of town had none of the designer outlets of the Ave Paulista, but it did have lots of street hawkers selling what looked to be dodgy goods.
On Sunday morning, the weather changed and the sun appeared so we all walked to the Park Do Ibirapuera situated in the Jardin suburb of town. What a contrast to the day previous, not only with the weather but the whole residential area and culture. The streets were wider, cleaner and leafier. The park was filled with joggers, cyclists and families enjoying a stroll around the lake in the sunshine. So different to what we had seen the day yesterday.
On Sunday afternoon, we went back to Centro and did eventually find the municipal market, a belle époque confection of stained glass and a series of vast domes is how it was described in our guide book. It did have those features, but it was located in a very poor neighbourhood and not a place that I would recommend anyone visit after dark, but on a sunny Sunday afternoon it was a great experience to mingle with the locals. On the way back to the hotel even the Ave Paulista looked more inviting in the sunshine.
I found São Paulo to be a city of contrasts, with its high rise modern skyscrapers and small havens of green parks. This was also true of the residents of the city, in that there appeared to be a great divide between those who have money and those that have little income. From our University visits it was apparent that this social divide has a real impact on access to higher education and hence the career prospects for the poorer people of the city, The public University, USP charges no student fees, but the entrance exam is out of the reach of students from the state Schools. Only those students who have access to private tuition can hope to attain the educational standard of the entrance exam. Likewise only students from wealthier families can afford the fees to attend the private University FGV. Widening participation to attract students from the lower social classes is yet to be widely adopted in Brazil.
Janice Stanton 16/03/2011
The city is divided by the main through road, the Ave. Paulista, with the poorer working class suburbs of the Centro region to the north and the more affluent leafier areas of the Jardin area to the South. The Ave Paulista and the roads off it are a paradise for shoppers, with a number of malls with designer outlets all calling you to spend money. During our free time over the week-end we took the opportunity to explore both sides of the city, to try to get a feel for the real São Paulo.
On Saturday, we took the Metro to the historical centre that is located in the Centro area of the City. This is where you find the Catedral de Se, Theatro Municipal and the Praca da Republica. On leaving the underground station, we immediately came upon a demonstration that was taking place in the main square. With our lack of Portuguese we were unable to ask what was happening, but by the number of women all wearing purple T shirts with same slogan, we guessed it was some sort of Women’s rights rally. Undeterred by the crowd, we carried on with our walking tour of the area. One of the buildings we were trying to locate was the Municipal Market, but we failed to find it on this visit. However, we did come across many familiar names from back home, such as McDonalds and Subway. We did note that the shopping area in this part of town had none of the designer outlets of the Ave Paulista, but it did have lots of street hawkers selling what looked to be dodgy goods.
On Sunday morning, the weather changed and the sun appeared so we all walked to the Park Do Ibirapuera situated in the Jardin suburb of town. What a contrast to the day previous, not only with the weather but the whole residential area and culture. The streets were wider, cleaner and leafier. The park was filled with joggers, cyclists and families enjoying a stroll around the lake in the sunshine. So different to what we had seen the day yesterday.
On Sunday afternoon, we went back to Centro and did eventually find the municipal market, a belle époque confection of stained glass and a series of vast domes is how it was described in our guide book. It did have those features, but it was located in a very poor neighbourhood and not a place that I would recommend anyone visit after dark, but on a sunny Sunday afternoon it was a great experience to mingle with the locals. On the way back to the hotel even the Ave Paulista looked more inviting in the sunshine.
I found São Paulo to be a city of contrasts, with its high rise modern skyscrapers and small havens of green parks. This was also true of the residents of the city, in that there appeared to be a great divide between those who have money and those that have little income. From our University visits it was apparent that this social divide has a real impact on access to higher education and hence the career prospects for the poorer people of the city, The public University, USP charges no student fees, but the entrance exam is out of the reach of students from the state Schools. Only those students who have access to private tuition can hope to attain the educational standard of the entrance exam. Likewise only students from wealthier families can afford the fees to attend the private University FGV. Widening participation to attract students from the lower social classes is yet to be widely adopted in Brazil.
Janice Stanton 16/03/2011
Day 6 - Rio de Janeiro
It's Sunday morning, and I am sitting on the roof of our hotel looking out over Copacabana Beach. This was the view last night from the spot I am currently occupying, looking up the beach towards Sugarloaf Mountain:
In the harbour is a military patrol ship, in the air are a number of chinook helicopters watching the motorcade half way down Copacabana Beach where President Barack Obama has just left the Mariott hotel to go to speak this morning at the municipal theatre.
The group is making the most of its R&R time this weekend, enjoying the sights and culture of this city. From my vantage point, I can see the rather peculiar lump of rock which is Sugarloaf at the other end of the beach, and to my left can just see Christ the Redeemer going in and out of the cloud, where Obama will visit in the afternoon. We visited yesterday and I have to admit that it is quite some monument. Helicopter rides around it seem to be quite common but I think I shall save that experience for another time.
Rio de Janeiro is our third (and final) city, and all three have been vastly different. São Paulo was very tightly packed with concrete skyrise buildings, and with the bustle of a world economic powerhouse. Brasília couldn't have been much different, with wide open spaces (including the widest central reservation in the world), lots of greenery (although we are told this is only for the rainy summer season) and a much more relaxed and diplomatic feel. Rio is very cosmopolitan, with historical centres, tourist traps and beaches, where most of the group spent some time yesterday. Here it feels a lot more social, where people seem to spend most of their time on the beach sunbathing, playing sport or in the sea. The last of which is where I am now headed.
In the harbour is a military patrol ship, in the air are a number of chinook helicopters watching the motorcade half way down Copacabana Beach where President Barack Obama has just left the Mariott hotel to go to speak this morning at the municipal theatre.
The group is making the most of its R&R time this weekend, enjoying the sights and culture of this city. From my vantage point, I can see the rather peculiar lump of rock which is Sugarloaf at the other end of the beach, and to my left can just see Christ the Redeemer going in and out of the cloud, where Obama will visit in the afternoon. We visited yesterday and I have to admit that it is quite some monument. Helicopter rides around it seem to be quite common but I think I shall save that experience for another time.
Rio de Janeiro is our third (and final) city, and all three have been vastly different. São Paulo was very tightly packed with concrete skyrise buildings, and with the bustle of a world economic powerhouse. Brasília couldn't have been much different, with wide open spaces (including the widest central reservation in the world), lots of greenery (although we are told this is only for the rainy summer season) and a much more relaxed and diplomatic feel. Rio is very cosmopolitan, with historical centres, tourist traps and beaches, where most of the group spent some time yesterday. Here it feels a lot more social, where people seem to spend most of their time on the beach sunbathing, playing sport or in the sea. The last of which is where I am now headed.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Day 5 - UniCEUB
I think we are all becoming increasingly impressed with the community work (extensão) done by Brazilian Universities, and UniCEUB is no different. Here, at UniCEUB in Brasília, they give away old banners to be made into bags, and then buy them back. Students have an opportunity to do work in the community at a marvellous facility in the city centre, where the general public paid less than the minimum wage (around B$500 or £185 a month) can get emotional and physical support for free. This gives students experience which they can get a certificate for to accompany their degree.
A nutrition class at UniCEUB's extensão centre, where students are designing healthy menus for restaurants in Brasília.
The University funds all of this from fees (comparable to those in the UK) and minimal sponsorship, and the activity is overseen by a separate Dean with involvement from at least one professor in each department. UniCEUB's philanthropic perspective may not be common in Brazil, but they can still deliver what they need to without charging considerable fees. It does limit what they can deliver, but as a predominantly teaching university they have a very small research budget. Their ethos is reflected in a message which appears on every other stair and just inside every door on the floor: "Você é parter do UniCEUB. UniCEUB é parter do você." or "You are a part of UniCEUB. UniCEUB is a part of you."
A nutrition class at UniCEUB's extensão centre, where students are designing healthy menus for restaurants in Brasília.
The University funds all of this from fees (comparable to those in the UK) and minimal sponsorship, and the activity is overseen by a separate Dean with involvement from at least one professor in each department. UniCEUB's philanthropic perspective may not be common in Brazil, but they can still deliver what they need to without charging considerable fees. It does limit what they can deliver, but as a predominantly teaching university they have a very small research budget. Their ethos is reflected in a message which appears on every other stair and just inside every door on the floor: "Você é parter do UniCEUB. UniCEUB é parter do você." or "You are a part of UniCEUB. UniCEUB is a part of you."
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Day 4 - Deborah's Reflections on Brasília
Reflections on Brasília - it's either the most boring ugly city in the world or else it is a visionary, beautiful peek into the future, depending on your point of view; our group has expressed a wide range of views across this spectrum! As someone who had expected to find not much to be pleased about I have fallen for it. The big skies with fantastic cumulus formations soften the angles and sharp points of the architecture and the cathedral is really a must-see.
The Cathedral in Brasília.
We have a late meeting with University of Brasília (UnB) today and had an interesting briefing from the British Council before a reception with the Ambassador last night. The main message was that Brazil's imminent appearance on the world stage as the hosts of the 2014 World cup and the next Olympics in 2016 will offer new opportunities for collaboration and a higher profile for the country in the UK. We also discussed the School system in Brazil, which is seen as a higher priority for development than the already very good public HE sector, the position of graduate women in the labour market - maternity rights are rudimentary, and why UK students in general don't tend to venture out of the English speaking countries too often when choosing interational placement destinations.
The Cathedral in Brasília.
We have a late meeting with University of Brasília (UnB) today and had an interesting briefing from the British Council before a reception with the Ambassador last night. The main message was that Brazil's imminent appearance on the world stage as the hosts of the 2014 World cup and the next Olympics in 2016 will offer new opportunities for collaboration and a higher profile for the country in the UK. We also discussed the School system in Brazil, which is seen as a higher priority for development than the already very good public HE sector, the position of graduate women in the labour market - maternity rights are rudimentary, and why UK students in general don't tend to venture out of the English speaking countries too often when choosing interational placement destinations.
Day 3 - Brasília
We travelled to Brasília yesterday. What a contrast with Sao Paulo. Brasília is much smaller, and has fewer tower blocks. It's very green - coming in on the plane felt a little like arriving in England (although all similarity vanished once we got near enough to see properly) - but we're told the green is due to being at the end of the rainy season and that by August everything will be yellow.
We had an interesting meeting with the British Council and then went to the British Embassy for the Ambassador's reception.
Networking on the terrace at the residence of the British Ambassador to Brazil.
More later - today we will vist the University of Brasília.
We had an interesting meeting with the British Council and then went to the British Embassy for the Ambassador's reception.
Networking on the terrace at the residence of the British Ambassador to Brazil.
More later - today we will vist the University of Brasília.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Pictures
We're trying to sort out a photo feed, but in the meantime, you can see a selection of photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wragge/sets/72157626133498325/
and
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1628652@N20/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wragge/sets/72157626133498325/
and
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1628652@N20/
Today I met Luca
I'll leave it to others to provide the summary of today's activities, but for me the highlight was meeting students at FGV, and especially Luca. We met Luca with a student group, but couldn't understand (to his satisfaction) about the 'student entities' he was involved with. So when he saw us crossing the car park, he rushed over and dragged me away so he could show me what he was doing. Student 'entities' are student enterprises - public policy consultancies and projects, work with NGOs etc - a real life opportunity for the students to put their skills into practice. I was so impressed by Luca's enthusiasm for his 'entity' and it had a fantastic office. Their current project was about providing mammography services in some of the less advantaged areas of Sao Paulo - properly useful stuff.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Day 1 - USP - São Paulo
Today we visited our first university - the publicly funded university USP, in São Paulo. The university has a total of 250 Undergraduate programmes, 224 postgraduate programmes and over 1,000 extra curricular programmes. There are 110,000 registered students at USP (which makes us feel a little small!) and 15,000 staff. The students are spread across 7 campuses throughout the state of São Paulo. USP has 4 museums, 4 hospitals, a velodrome, a 5,000 seater stadium, a rowing track, cinema and theatre (free to students!!). The majority of students travel each day to the campus. In total there are only 3,000-4,000 university beds on campus.
To put the size of this campus into some context, we were given a campus tour - by bus - which took a total of 45 minutes, without stopping! The university staff advised us that it takes over one hour to walk from one side of the campus to the other. One of the students we met today, described the university, as a "city within a city".
During the course of the day, we met a number of professors and academic staff from a range of faculties plus two students. All staff and students made us feel extremely welcome and were generous with their time. We shared information about the situation of higher education in the UK - the potential trebling of tuition fees caused a sharp intake of breath from our audience!!
Arthur and Alexandre - two exemplary ambassador students for USP.
We were hosted to lunch by the university in one of their restaurants on campus, where we were treated to typical Brazilian buffett lunch - and a magic show from the professor of maths and computing, who happened to be a magician!
The Magician
This was a fabulous first day on a lush, tropical campus, with people who met the Brazilian reputation for friendliness. We are looking forward to day two...
To put the size of this campus into some context, we were given a campus tour - by bus - which took a total of 45 minutes, without stopping! The university staff advised us that it takes over one hour to walk from one side of the campus to the other. One of the students we met today, described the university, as a "city within a city".
During the course of the day, we met a number of professors and academic staff from a range of faculties plus two students. All staff and students made us feel extremely welcome and were generous with their time. We shared information about the situation of higher education in the UK - the potential trebling of tuition fees caused a sharp intake of breath from our audience!!
Arthur and Alexandre - two exemplary ambassador students for USP.
We were hosted to lunch by the university in one of their restaurants on campus, where we were treated to typical Brazilian buffett lunch - and a magic show from the professor of maths and computing, who happened to be a magician!
The Magician
This was a fabulous first day on a lush, tropical campus, with people who met the Brazilian reputation for friendliness. We are looking forward to day two...
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Everyone's here
So that's a good start.
We're busy settling in now, and will get together this evening to plan our first day of meetings tomorrow. Weather is humid and hot.
We're busy settling in now, and will get together this evening to plan our first day of meetings tomorrow. Weather is humid and hot.
Friday, 11 March 2011
On the way!
The first two members of our party left for Brazil this morning, and I have more or less finished packing to be the third member to depart. Most of the group have at least a day in Sao Paulo to relax and/or explore before we meet up on Sunday evening. Whilst I dont have an itinerary for this weekend, some colleagues already have leisure activities booked for our middle weekend in Rio!
We're not going to Brazil for a holiday, however. All six of our university visits have now been confirmed and we understand they all have a schedule for us. This will be quite some trip, there are some huge cultural differences between Britain and Brazil and I am intrigued how this affects higher education there. We have had a briefing already from the Brazilian Embassy so we aren't going into our meetings cold, but I expect there to be some significant differences even within Brazil that will defy some of our preconceptions.
Our next update should be from Brazil, so stay tuned!
If you are a twitter user and want to follow my updates there, you can do so from my twitter page: http://twitter.com/reevery. Please note that this is my personal account, so any comments on there are my own and do not represent the views of the University of Birmingham or the AUA.
We're not going to Brazil for a holiday, however. All six of our university visits have now been confirmed and we understand they all have a schedule for us. This will be quite some trip, there are some huge cultural differences between Britain and Brazil and I am intrigued how this affects higher education there. We have had a briefing already from the Brazilian Embassy so we aren't going into our meetings cold, but I expect there to be some significant differences even within Brazil that will defy some of our preconceptions.
Our next update should be from Brazil, so stay tuned!
If you are a twitter user and want to follow my updates there, you can do so from my twitter page: http://twitter.com/reevery. Please note that this is my personal account, so any comments on there are my own and do not represent the views of the University of Birmingham or the AUA.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)