Then we dipped and rode on some motocicletas, which was AMAZING. We spent most of the afternoon at a newly built school, where the term "APRENDIZAGEM COOPERATIVA" (Cooperative Learning) is very present. Here students study for the Vestibular together in small groups, for the test is extremely extensive, including numerous aspects of study and thus notoriously difficult. That day they were studying history (some Greek history, specifically) and we bounced amongst different study groups, introducing ourselves, where we are from, and our majors. We talked about the differences in teaching structure between the U.S. and Brazil (lectures vs. collective learning), as well as the process to enter the universities (holistic application process vs. one major exam). It was interesting to hear that they thought our college application process was more intense, while we totally thought the opposite. We also talked about race relations in Brazil, particularly in the context of a college scene. Almost everyone thought that Daniel looked like Barack Obama, including the "mayor!"
So then we dipped again, on motocicletas again to a churrascaria, where we (Jorge, Carol and us) had some bomb ass food: feijão (rice and beans), lots of beef, chicken and pork, some noodles, beer and coke. After totally stuffing ourselves, we dipped to the Forró spot, where we attempted (after many cervejas, of course) to dance to traditional Forró music, consisting of three cute old men playing a banjo, guitar, accordian, and a triangle for some songs. It was LEGIT.
After holding up the bus for 10 minutes, we grabbed our bags from the EPC Ombreira and took a midnight express to the casa da avó (Carol's grandmother's house). We awoke the next morning and had a bomb ass breakfast, thanks to the avó. Carol took us to the first school of PRECE, where we met young students taking an English class. We all sat down and talked about U.S. pop culture, different kinds of movies, music, and artists. Alicia got uncomfortably hit on, really hard, and Badal attempted to imitate Michael Jackson's "Beat It"—both in front of the entire class. For closing, the students all sang "Bring Back My Bonnie To Me," which for whatever reason ends with Bonnie being dead....awkward. Definitely do not remember that part when we were younger!
After leaving the school, we went to see their computer lab across the big, dirt road, which is also open to the community. It consists of 11 computers, pretty good internet connection, and a wonderful forró remix of Beyonce's "Halo!" (Didn't see that one coming, huh?) All but one computer, which was donated by the government, were obtained from other sources. After talking a bit in the computer lab, Carol took us to the library (in the same building) where Daniel was reunited with his sixth grade class book, "A More Perfect Union," say WHHHAAATT?! So random. Thank you, Brazil.
We talked to Carol for a while about the school system here: children only do half days (although some are petitioning to change this to full days), homeschooling is illegal, as well as skipping grades! In terms of the university system, we learned that even if you pass the entrance exam, the prices of books for some majors is so expensive, some students cannot choose these majors. In addition, the university does not offer students scholarships or any type of grants before the students arrive there. So, unlike in the U.S. where you know (for the most part) how much you will be expected to contribute, here, it does not work that way. You can petition for scholarships when you arrive at the university but even then, it is not guaranteed that you will receive them. On a final and positive note, PRECE has outstanding statistics of 25% of their students passing the entrance exam to attend the federal universities!
Yea, PRECE is doOOPPE.
Tchau!!
Daniel Badal e Alicia Facada.
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