Brazil: Keileen Weberpal (My “We’re not in Madison anymore” Moment)
Program: CET Brazil: Direct-Enroll at Universidade de São Paulo, Spring
It is hard to believe that I have been in São Paulo, Brazil for almost 3 weeks now. While my program is the Direct-Enroll option, classes do not start until February 23rd due to the Carnival holiday across Brazil. Although I am not in my routine with college classes at the University of São Paulo, I have been taking an intensive Portuguese class to help prepare for my studies at the University of São Paulo, a prestigious college across Latin America. I did not arrive in Brazil with Portuguese fluency, so the transition has been a bit challenging due to the language barrier and several differences from the United States.
Avocados from a local street market in Perdizes
Despite the language barrier, I have found Brazilians to be extremely welcoming. I look forward to being able to engage with more Brazilians with the start of my classes. Despite not having my normal routine yet and knowing Brazil is classified as “developing” country status, I have been living several “We’re not in Madison Anymore” moments. Based upon the infrastructure, foods, Portuguese language, and customs, everything is different from the United States. While it can seem a little bit overwhelming, I am embracing Brazil in all aspects. From having an hour-long lunch to exploring the local street markets filled with exotic fruits and fresh seafood, understanding the significance of soccer across the country, and learning the significance of the expression “saudade.” I already have several life-long memories in my brief period living in Brazil and I cannot wait for the many more across this time.
Visit to Historic Center – foundation of São Paulo
Keileen Weberpal
Program Name: CET Brazil: Direct-Enroll at Universidade de São Paulo
Major: International Studies & Political Sciences
Hometown: Delavan, Wisconsin
Being a recipient of the Global Gateway Fellowship has truly made my pursuit of studying abroad a reality, and for that, I am extremely grateful for having the support to allow myself to take part in a world outside the United States. This Fellowship will serve as more than a personal experience; I hope for this endeavor to be an opportunity to convey across campus to engage in the international world but also inspire others to have similar experiences.
I knew I wanted to go to a country that is culturally dynamic from the United States; Brazil will be a place in which I would be challenged to grow as an individual, while also being a potential pathway for my future career goals of international law and human rights. I know that by being able to study abroad in Brazil, this will provide me an opportunity of a lifetime to learn hands-on about the culture, the political atmosphere, and to be immersed in the Portuguese language. I feel that everything has been leading me to study abroad in Brazil and by immersing myself in it, it will provide invaluable memories and growth in all facets of my life.