Details

• Brazil
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Before going on exchange to **FGV Fundação Getulio Vargas in **São Paulo, it is important to prepare several administrative and personal matters in advance. First, students should complete the application process at their home university, such as the **WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, and make sure that all required documents for the host university are submitted on time. It is also necessary to select courses early and prepare the learning agreement to ensure that the credits can be transferred after the exchange. In addition, students should check visa requirements well in advance and apply for the appropriate student visa if necessary. It is also important to make sure that the passport is valid for the entire stay. Recommended vaccinations should be checked and completed before departure, and comprehensive international health insurance should be arranged. Furthermore, it is advisable to organize accommodation early, book flights in advance, and plan finances for the semester abroad.

2. Accommodation

For accommodation, I stayed at ULiving Paulista, which was recommended by FGV. The application process was very easy and well organized. After registering online and submitting the required documents, the booking was confirmed without any complications. The residence is located in the Paulista area, which is a very convenient and relatively safe neighborhood with many restaurants, supermarkets, and public transport options nearby. It is also close to the university, which makes commuting simple. At ULiving, students usually have their own private apartment or studio, which offers a lot of comfort and privacy while still allowing you to meet many other international students living in the building. One important tip is to apply early, as the residence is quite popular among exchange students and rooms can fill up quickly.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at FGV in São Paulo was very positive overall. The new campus building is modern and well equipped, providing great facilities for studying and group work. The atmosphere on campus was very international, and it was easy to connect with both local and exchange students. The teaching style was quite similar to what I experienced at the WU, with a mix of lectures, discussions, and group projects. In some courses, the academic level felt slightly less demanding, but the classes were still engaging and practical. My favorite course was Agile Project Management, which was very interactive and focused on real-world applications. I would definitely recommend this course to future exchange students. Overall, the academic experience at FGV was very enjoyable and well organized.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in São Paulo was very exciting and offered many things to see and do. The city is extremely large with many restaurants, cultural events, and nightlife options. Public transport works relatively well, but many students also use uber to get around the city. Regarding safety, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic precautions, especially at night. However, by being careful and staying in safer areas, it is possible to enjoy the city without major problems. There were also many opportunities for social and leisure activities. The university offered sports activities, and volleyball was especially popular among students. Overall, there was always something happening, and it was easy to stay active and meet new people.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in São Paulo was an amazing experience. I met many great people from all over the world and created friendships that made the semester very special. We also traveled a lot and explored different parts of Brazil, which made the experience even more memorable. Overall, it was an unforgettable time full of new experiences and adventures.