Written by Reign Williams, (Syracuse University), Student Correspondent for CET Brazil, (Social Justice), Fall 2025
It was a bit of a shock for me and the rest of my cohort when we went to our first Brazilian restaurant and were grouped together as gringos. Here in Brazil, regardless of origin, anyone who is not native to Brazil is referred to as a gringo. Instead of taking offense to this term, I have learned to embrace it and make intentional efforts to fully immerse myself in this new country!
Within my two weeks, I have started getting questions like você é Brasileira? meaning “Are you Brazilian?” The more this question was asked to me, the more I realized that I am doing a decent job at immersing myself in all Brazilian culture has to offer; so here is my guide from going from a gringa to a full Brazilian!
Rule #1: Beijos
Here in Brazil, it is very common to share a quick kiss on the cheek. Similar to other Latin cultures, when greeting someone for the first time, it is standard to lean and go cheek-to-cheek with the other person. Although it is not always a kiss that involves your lips touching the other person’s cheek, a light kiss or kissing sound will do! Among men, it is more common that you shake someone’s hand; however, cheek kisses can be shared amongst women and everyone else.
The amount of kisses shared with individuals also varies by region. Here in São Paulo, one kiss is the norm but in places like Rio de Janeiro, two kisses is more common. Something funny I have learned however, is that three kisses is considered lucky and is seen as a sign that you might get married; so if you receive three kisses on your next trip to Brazil, start planning your wedding!
In general, Brazilians are very friendly and welcoming! Often I am greeted by locals like I have known them forever! If you are visiting, do not be shocked by how welcoming the culture is! Make sure you greet the locals with an 0í, tudo bem? before following the phrase with a light cheek kiss.
Rule #2: Feijoada Fridays
The number one question I have been asked since I got here is, “How’s the food?” in which my answer is always the same–delicious! Even some of the foods that Brazil and America share taste different, they are much more fresh and ripe!
My favorite fruit to eat over here so far has been abacaxi (pineapple)! Even more delicious than the fresh fruit are the native Brazilian dishes I have been trying. Currently, my favorite are pastels; these are fried pastries with filling inside such as chicken, beef, or cheese! Some vendors even have sweet pastels like bananas with sugar or chocolate ones.
Coxinhas come in second place for me in terms of my favorite local dishes. These are little doughballs shaped like tear drops that often contain shredded chicken in them. On the block of my apartment is where I get my favorite coxinhas. In addition to selling coxinhas, he sells many other Brazilian dishes and has a special deal every day! This Friday I plan to order feijoada, another popular Brazilian dish that is similar to a beef stew with black beans.
As for dessert, this gringa has got you covered! When I’m not in the mood for anything super sweet, I get açaí from a fruit market around the corner from my house. The fruit is always sweet and it is much better here than in the states! Don’t forget to top it off with leite condensado or condensed milk. If you’re looking for something sweeter, I would recommend brigadeiro. They can come in little balls, similar to a bonbon shape, or in a little cup with the filling on the bottom and the sprinkles on the top. In either form, it is delicious and unlike any other dessert I have had before!
Rule #3: Markets & Museums
Like most big cities, it is important to explore all the parts of the city that Brazil has to offer. For this study abroad program, CET has decided to house us in Perdizes, an area in the city of São Paulo. This city is very pretty and allows us to be in a unique spot to visit other areas and be exposed to Brazilian culture!
For example, on Tuesday’s there is a street market behind the CET Center that sells fresh fruits and vegetables, caldo de cana (sugarcane juice), pastels, and much more! I love that the market is so frequent and it gives me a chance to meet more locals and practice my Portuguese.
On our first Sunday, our Brazilian roommates accompanied us to Avenida Paulista. We took the bus there, which is free to ride on Sundays, and explored the heart of the city. This is a big avenue in São Paulo that is filled with vendors and many locals selling their goods. Not only did they sell things like clothes and bags, but also had many food vendors, people offering massages, and even puppies and kittens who were looking for new homes! The streets were crowded and bustling; it was great to see so much of the city. Coming from New York City, it definitely felt like a piece of home. I definitely loved my experience here and will be returning again very soon!
Another highlight of my recent two weeks was visiting the city, Liberdade. Liberdade is another neighborhood in the city of São Paulo that is filled with Japanese culture and influence. I thought this was very interesting and allowed me to feel as if I had entered a whole new world while still being in the city of São Paulo. The stores in the area offered things like boba, Asian skincare products, and even taiyaki ice cream, one of my favorite desserts at home.
We also visited São Paulo’s financial district, the biggest Catholic Church in São Paulo–the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Paulo, and the statue Glória Imortal dos Fundadores de São Paulo. While walking around this area, we learned about the new architecture there. We also learned about the Indigenous and Black people who were enslaved in the area. They were essentially erased by the new attractions in the area. I was very grateful to have learned about all the history the area holds.
On our way back to Perdizes we took the bus; not only was it practical, but also a fun way to immerse ourselves in the daily life of someone living in São Paulo. You have to enter in the front so that you can pay, usually with a bus card, and then you go through the turnstile. Money can also be used to pay for the bus but be mindful and bring small bills or they will not think of you too fondly! The most interesting thing about the buses I have realized is that both sides have doors in which you can exit. No matter where you choose to go, the bus is a great way to travel on your adventures!
Rule #4: Conversations and Caipirinhas
The last piece of advice I have for anyone hoping to distance themselves from the term gringa is just to have fun! As mentioned before, Brazilians are incredibly kind and patient. Often, small Brazilian phrases brighten their day and lead them to give friendly words of encouragement.
Having key phrases in your repertoire is important for your immersion and just for overall respect for Brazilian culture. Learning these expressions can take you a long way so here are some of my favorites:
- Bom Dia (Good Morning)
- Obrigada/o (Thank You)
- Licença (Excuse Me)
- Como Se Diz? (How Do You Say?).
These few phrases allowed me some communication with locals and allowed me to practice Portuguese, even if it was with a few phrases at a time. Continuously using these expressions allowed me to immerse myself better in the culture and in the country. I’ve received so much praise and support from locals who were happy to help me with pronunciation and other questions I had about anything and everything!
Speaking of locals, do not be afraid to ask them about their opinions on what is good and what is not. Many of the delicious meals I have tried so far have been recommendations by Brazilians I have come across. Many times if I am unsure what to order, I ask! Not only do you get authentic advice that way, but you build relationships and bonds that are meaningful.
The bottom line is do not be afraid to ask for help or advice in a new city. Asking a local for a drink recommendation is how I discovered my current favorite drink, caiprinha de maracuja (passionfruit); maybe the next time you visit a new city, you’ll discover your favorite drink the same way!