Over the past few months, I have been working with a non-profit called US-Brazil Connect. As the name suggests, it is an organization dedicated to connecting Americans and Brazilians and improving the Brazilian students’ English. My role in the program was to be a coach; I was there not only to be a teacher, but also a friend and a mentor to my students. Although I was only with them for four hours a day, that time made this the best summer of my life.
The program has three phases: Phase 1 and 3 are both completed online through Facebook and Google Hangouts. We posted assignments on Facebook for our students to complete, which focus on improving their English skills, and time management. The Google Hangouts are used so that students can practice their speaking skills and so we can begin establishing our connection. The Google Hangouts were important in Phase 1 because they enabled me to gain an understanding of the students’ English language abilities, and was the first step in connecting with my students. This all led to Phase 2, the key part of the program. During this phase, I traveled to Brazil and stayed there for the entire month of July. This is when I went into their school, Jardim da Penha, and taught for four hours each weekday.
I never imagined myself becoming so connected to so many people in just one month. I went into the program with 11 students and left with more than 30 new members of my family. I have fallen in love with Brazil for this reason; they are the nicest people I have ever met, and they treat you like family before they even know your name. I met many people outside of the program too, and nearly every one of them invited me to their house for a barbecue because their culture teaches them to always be kind and hospitable. Experiencing this culture was so refreshing compared to the more abrupt culture I am used to in Boston, where I grew up.
Seeing the difference in culture was the first step in my personal growth. It reminded me how being patient and courteous can make everyone around you happier. I have also become less shy and have improved my leadership and communication skills. I had to quickly adapt to my surroundings and teach in a way that would help my students learn as well as keep them on track and from speaking Portuguese, which I do not speak. I learned to persevere through my challenges and make a positive out of every situation.
Overall, the program boils down to something very simple—teaching English—but it includes many facets that made this the best experience of my life. It has been so rewarding working with US-Brazil Connect, helping all of my students, and even helping myself.
