My time in Brazil came to an end in the blink of an eye. Once again I understood the importance of living every single moment to the fullest because it all goes by before you know it. After about two years talking about study abroad and over a year trying to pick a country, I jumped from my first decision, Brazil, to many other programs. I finally ended up where I had started and couldn’t be more thankful for the unforgettable and amazing experience that I lived in Brazil for three and a half months! My biggest and most sincere recommendation to anyone thinking about study abroad is to go wherever it is you truly desire, even if that means going by yourself. You’ll meet wonderful people along the way and you’ll be the happiest in the place YOU really wish to visit!
I went to Brazil after years of wishing to go there and with an idea in my head made up of what I’d heard for many years about it. Truth is, in many ways it was what I was expecting and in many other ways it was totally different, yet all still wonderful! So go where you wish to go! Go to the country that has the culture you wish to learn about and experience, even if it’s very different or similar to yours. Go to the country that has the language you wish to learn, even if not particularly relevant to your studies, but just because you like it! Brazil reminded me of the value of human relationships, friendship, family, culture, and most importantly, life! I’m grateful for every second of it!