Written by Reign Williams, (Syracuse University), Student Correspondent for CET Brazil, (Social Justice), Fall 2025
Brazil has always been a dream vacation for me. From watching the movie Rio to taking a Brazilian Portuguese Language elective in high school, they have all led up to the imaginations I had for Brazil and all the memories it could bring for me. Now that I have been studying in São Paulo, Brazil for about a month, I can firmly say that this country has exceeded my expectations! Studying abroad can be scary, especially if you are like me and are leaving the country for the first time. However, this blog is to highlight all the amazing experiences I have had in just my first month here that hopefully will give you the courage to submit your application to study abroad next!
Reason #1: Education Meets Action
Although I am fond of the CET Brazil program for many reasons, the biggest reason is the academic track. At my home university, Syracuse University, I study Political Science and Sociology. I think both topics are very interesting and relevant in today’s society. When I saw CET’s option of a Social Justice academic track, I knew not only was it something I would be interested in but something I needed to explore.
As I wrap up my first month of studying here, I can say the courses did not disappoint. In addition to my Portuguese language class, I take a Racial Democracy, Politics and Society, Public and Armed Forces, and the core Social Justice class. These classes are all centered around Brazil and its history and politics which makes the class all the more interesting. Not only are classes engaging but I can clearly identify things present in Brazilian society that I have learned through these courses. My professors do a great job of giving us background information on Brazil while also pointing out the similarities of this country and the U.S. My professors have successfully connected knowledge I’ve learned previously to things I am currently learning in classes now.
The most exciting part of the whole curriculum and the reason I said sim (yes) is because of the excursions we take throughout our academic track. CET incorporates trips and other activities that coordinate with lessons being taught in the classroom. In my opinion, this not only helps me grasp the courses but it gives us a chance to experience what we are learning. Because of CET, I have upcoming trips to an Indigenous Village to see the Guarani People, visit Bahia, and Paraty. The way the track is designed, who could say no!
Reason #2: Living the Language
The second reason for saying sim to CET Brazil is because of the opportunity for full cultural and language immersion! The first thing that caught my attention when exploring the program was all the Portuguese language options for the students. Even though I am in the beginner Portuguese class, there are language classes for all levels of Portuguese. I think it is incredibly helpful to not only be able to rely on Brazilian locals for language tips but also other students in my cohort!
Between living in Brazil and taking my language classes, there is no way I won’t come back to the states speaking Portuguese fluently. CET Brazil has no official language pledge, yet we are encouraged to put our all into learning the language. As someone who only speaks English, this is an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new. Brazil is the perfect place to learn Portuguese because all of the locals are kind and understanding; even if I am not saying something perfectly, they are appreciative of my efforts and correct any mistakes I may have made.
Similar to getting help from locals, CET’s roommate situation is very interesting and makes the program stand out from other abroad programs. Here in São Paulo, I have two Brazilian roommates living with me amongst my two roommates also from the states. This one of a kind way of living not only helped me adapt quicker to Brazilian culture and the new area around me, but also provided me with my first two Brazilian friends! My roommates, Davi and Julia, attend PUC-SP, the host university, as well and are nothing but kind, welcoming, and supportive. They taught us how to use the utilities in the apartment that are different from the U.S., taught us cool slang in Portuguese, and local adventures to see all the city has to offer.
This unique experience of both speaking the language and living in the culture is something I could not turn down. I get a chance to learn a new language, while being fully immersed in the language and learning about the deeper meaning of the language through culture–who could pass that up?
Reason #3: Making São Paulo Home
CET Brazil’s study abroad program is a lot different than other programs I have seen before. My last biggest reason for choosing this program is the possibility of meeting other college students my age from different universities all who have relatively similar interests. In my cohort, the majority of us are following the same Social Justice academic track while two students are in FGV and even one person who directly enrolled at USP–another big university in São Paulo. Despite our different academic tracks, we all make an effort to see each other and plan excursions with the whole cohort.
The opportunity to meet so many students with diverse backgrounds and perspectives is both exciting and fulfilling. In addition, because of the vast academic tracks CET offers, I have met so many people with different majors and areas of focus in their universities. This has made for intriguing conversations about different college perspectives and inquiring about different areas of study from university students all over the United States. No matter how different me and these other students are, we all share something huge in common: studying abroad in Brazil! With about 20 people in my cohort, we all bonded over our similar mindsets and outlooks on the world.
The CET Brazil program allows me to also make connections with peers from my home country with similar ideas and goals for their lives to the ones I have. Whereas most study abroad programs are made up of classmates from the same university, CET is different. In fact, I was the only student this semester from Syracuse University. It was a little discouraging at first but it gave me a chance to network and create meaningful friendships with so many other students! CET Brazil even includes other activities on the weekends to help us not only bond but explore the city together. In just the one month I have been here, it truly is starting to transform into my home away from home.
With the curriculum allowing for hands-on experience, living and exploring in Brazil, and memories you’ll keep for a lifetime, the only thing I could do was say yes! Studying abroad is intimidating but not impossible! If you’re reading this, it might be your sign to attend an informational or submit an application. The inevitable fear of leaving what you know will always be there, but eventually it will transform into excitement and exploration. The fear you once had will be forgotten when you arrive and realize it really is more scary in your head. CET Brazil has given me a wonderful opportunity to continue my education in a meaningful way while meeting new people and having stories to tell for a lifetime. I said sim to CET Brazil and maybe you will too!