A Brief introduction of the internships: 

I went to Juiz de Fora, Brazil, to participate in an AIESEC project called “Embaixadores Globais (Global Ambassador)”. In this project, a group of 8 trainees coming from different countries around the world were responsible for planning and preparing presentations about various world issues to the local university students and showing how things are influenced by local culture.

 

We delivered presentations about 5 topics, including minorities’ right, culture and marketing, politics and economy, youth and social media and youth entrepreneurship. The local university students enjoyed and learnt much from our work. We, trainees, also gained much from the project. As 8 of us were from 8 different countries, we gained more insights about various issues going on in others’ countries during our preparation. We understood more about the situations and cultural backgrounds of the countries of one another.

 

Unforgettable moments during the trip:

In Brazil, everyone speaks Portuguese and seldom English. It was difficult for me at the beginning as I knew nothing about Portuguese and I did not know much about the places or the people there. But Brazilians are very friendly. My Brazilian friends always help me out with Portuguese, teaching me how to say simple Portuguese phases and helping me to communicate with shopkeepers. Even when people do not know English, they will smile at you and try their best to make you feel welcomed. 

 

Changes that I experienced:

I enjoyed my stay in Brazil very much. It was exciting and eye-opening to live in a foreign country, especially in a country that is on the other side of the world with no Chinese around you. It was also a good opportunity for me to practice my oral English and be independent. During my time of staying in Brazil, I know more about the Brazilian culture, learn Portuguese, participate in different cultural events to meet people from around the globe and at the same time explore different places of Brazil.  I have learnt so much and made many good friends around the world. Living in a foreign country with international friends also helps me to develop into a more mature, independent and open-minded person.