Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin–Madison

You are viewing an archived story. The information on this page may be out of date, and images and links may be broken.

Postcards from Brazil: A study abroad in Rio de Janeiro

April 11, 2014

Nelson Institute student Paul Davidson is studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the spring 2014 semester at Pontifical Catholic University (PUC-Rio). He has been documenting his experience on a blog for UW-Madison’s International Academic Programs Office and on the photo-sharing social network Instagram.

Asked what inspired his study abroad, he writes:

I chose to study in Rio for several reasons. I am majoring in economics and environmental studies and I felt like every time I read the news over the past few years, issues regarding Brazil involved these two fields.

Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro specifically, are changing rapidly due to their hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. It is so exciting to be living in a country experiencing such change, but there are also challenges the city is facing with rapid growth. Some of these issues include the environmental impacts.

While in Rio, I am hoping to explore its natural wonders, attend a World Cup match, and travel through other parts of the country.

Since arriving in January, some highlights include simple things such as hanging out at the beach, which is only a five-minute walk from my homestay; learning a lot of Portuguese; visiting farmers’ markets; and hiking Dedo de Deus (God's Finger) in Teresópolis. The view was amazing and along the way I saw a lot of wildlife and plant life that is common in Brazil.  

It has been an incredible adventure so far and I can't wait to keep exploring and learning for the rest of the semester.

Below, enjoy a selection of photos from Davidson's adventures.

Slide show photos and captions courtesy Paul Davidson.