It is hard to put into words just how impactful my experience studying abroad with CET in Brazil was. As an American, being fully immersed in a different culture for four months was both eye-opening and deeply transformative. Aside from experiencing the vibrant and beautiful beaches of Rio we were able to travel to Bahia to learn about the origins of Carnival as well as learn about Afro-Brazilian history, culture, spirituality and food. We were privileged enough to spend the night in an “aldeia” with the Guaraní people of Brazil and learn about their daily life, food and their continuous struggle with getting their land back and maintaining their culture in a rapidly changing world. I will never forget their hospitality, kindness and the delicious food they made for us.
Academically, I had the chance to take a video journalism class at PUC-SP, where my classmates and I created three mini documentaries which was very fun for me and a great way for me to practice my Portuguese in everyday life. I could talk endlessly about the program and all the information I was able to learn in four months, but my greatest takeaway was the friends I made. My roommates and friends became my family, and I will always appreciate that semester with them and the kindness they showed me.
Fiona Mutabazi