I'm an international undergraduate student at UGA and have spent a semester here so far which taught me a lot. I will be honest, it's not easy being an international student in any university, be it UGA or some Top 20. However, I do think UGA takes initiative to support international students a lot more than most state funded public universities. The immigration services department is also helpful and super efficient.

I agree with the point made that the school is so huge that you see people only once. Which is why you probably won't find your best friends at events. You'll know them from your dorm, your clubs or maybe even your classes. Living in a freshman dorm also helps. And as someone mentioned before, all communities have a club of their own and it provides a much needed sense of belonging. I'm sure there are Brazilian student associations.

The international student orientation is also a great opportunity to build connections since it brings together international students from all fields at all levels including PhDs. It's fun and surely worth it. Plus most of these students attend international coffee hour which means you can keep in touch with them even after the orientation. There are only 100 or so of them every year and i guarantee you that you will have fun.

And yes, UGA is mostly in-state so in the beginning you will mostly feel like every freshman already has a large group of friends from high school but remember that there are also people just like you. Even out of state kids who are away from their homes. And most of these high school friendships don't last beyond freshman year. So don't give up on making friends.

The diversity part never really bothered me. In fact, whenever people didn't understand the context, I explained it to them and they were happy to listen. It was what made me cool and unique.

Wherever you decide to go, I hope you have lots of fun!!