Using GoinGlobal’s resources before your study abroad engagement will help you be better prepared for just about anything. With an average of 500 resources per guide, our country and city guides contain nearly everything you need to know before you go; including, information on cost of living, housing, transportation, cultural advice, daily life, communication and how to act like a local, and more.
Notable in our ‘General Resources’ section, are lists of apps to help with your move, including apps for currency conversion, translation, messaging, housing, transportation, weather – even apps to help you find public toilets!
To access, you’ll find in each of our Country Guides, ‘General Resources’ in the main navigation, followed by drop-down navigation for ‘Apps and Online Resources.’
Excerpt from our Brazil Country Guide:
Mobile and Online Apps
There has been an explosion of mobile and online tools for a variety of activities that are useful when doing a job search or considering a move to another country. Not all apps are created equal and not all have international reach. Below are some we think are particularly useful. When evaluating apps, be sure to thoroughly read reviews and evaluate costs. Always be cautious about sharing personal information.
A recent court decision in Brazil essentially banned X (Twitter), affecting millions of users in the country. Brazilian companies may permanently stop using X if the situation isn’t resolved.
Many apps require a fee for access or for full functionality. Most are available in multiple languages, however, not all of these apps will have information for this country or this language. This is a general list and is a starting point for exploration.
Currency Conversion
- Currency Converter
https://wise.com/gb/currency-converter/
With Currency Converter, you can check exchange rates and compare different providers. Its parent app, Wise, lets you transfer money or pay in other currencies. - GlobeConvert Currency and Units Converter
GlobeConvert easily converts 160+ currencies and 350+ physical units. You can create a favorites list of conversion types and units and then use it on the go. - XE Currency
https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Part of Euronet Worldwide, XE is another currency converter. It also does money transfer. Under ‘Tools’ you’ll find currency charts, historical currency rates, a travel expenses calculator and an IBAN calculator.
Housing
Always be cautious when using housing apps to avoid scammers. Be sure to review important information in our Housing section.
- Rentberry
https://rentberry.com/
This highly rated app is a transparent rental application and price negotiation platform, and has great global coverage. Rentberry automates all the standard rental tasks, such as submitting personal information, making and negotiating offers, eSigning rental agreement and even sending maintenance requests.
Language Learning and Translation
- ChatGPT OpenAI
https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
ChatGPT OpenAI is an artificial intelligence application that allows interaction through text and audio. Since it allows responses from the application, the language tool improves as it uses deep-learning technology to create more natural language exchanges. - DeepL Translator
https://www.deepl.com/translator (many languages)
This free, desktop-based machine translation service is available in nearly 30 languages. Type text or upload documents to the website for translation, or download one of the apps for greater efficiency. DeepL Pro is a multi-level paid subscription service that offers access to an enhanced programming interface. - And more….
Explore GoinGlobal for study abroad pre-departure preparedness
GoinGlobal has reliable and current career and employment resources for the U.S. and over 70 other countries – 120 locations worldwide. Contact the career staff at your college or university for support in preparing for study abroad adventures and for getting the most out of GoinGlobal resources.*
*Access to GoinGlobal’s resource database is provided through subscribing institutions. Contact your college/university’s career center or library for access instructions.
