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Brazil Diary Accounts of Howard Students Researching in Sao Paulo and Bahia, Brazil and Brazilian students researching at Howard.

Camila V. Pereira Exchange Student August / December 2005 – Universidade de São Paulo
For more information on this program please click here

• Diary of Camila V. Pereria (below)
• Diary of Edvan P. de Brito

Starting with this first installment by Camila Pereria, the Brazil Diary will allow us to learn about the students' research and personal experiences in Brazil and the US.   Howard graduate students interested in applying for this program can contact Ms. Angela Odom at 202-806-4674 or aodom@howard.edu . The Call for Applications for the 2006  U.S. Brazil Exchange program are currently being accepted.

The Exchange Program – “Race, Development and Social Inequalities” gives students the opportunity to do a study abroad for a semester. This program consists of a partnership among American and Brazilian Universities . When I chose Howard University I knew it would be a very unique experience—one that involved intense “living and learning” in a black University. That was something that I had never had in Brazil , since its first black University was only founded in the beginning of the 21 st century.

My major is Education and my main focus is Public Policy. While at Howard, I developed a comparative research project between Brazil and the U.S. This research aimed at getting to know and perceive the different levels of educational governance. It presented the roles of Federal, state, local powers and agencies in education. Regarding educational policy, it presented the last major educational reform effort for both countries.

Howard University's legacy, its scholars and students contributed not just to my research, but to my education and life experience. Their different perception on education, especially in my field of study, was a way to broaden my horizons, a great opportunity to grow exponentially and establish new standards.

I found in D.C a place full of history, knowledge, and different cultures. Not only is the city diverse, Howard is also a mix of everything. I had the opportunity to meet students from many different cultural backgrounds and places that I had never thought about before. I heard so many accents that I was not uncomfortable with mine at all. The way the University welcomes international students was the first thing that caught my attention when I arrived on the campus. The support given to undergraduate as well as graduate students makes one feel much more comfortable in adapting to this new environment.

My semester has already finished... I'm starting to miss school, friends, everything... but it's time to go home! I want to thank everyone from Howard who supported me. I'm thankful for the wonderful time I spent at the “Real HU”, Howard University!