Falasja during her internship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Internship

Social work project in a poor neighbourhood.

What did you think of the city?

The city is really amazing. There is so much to do and see here. There are museums, landscapes, beaches, different cultures, parties (a lot of parties), easy public transportation, sweet people and so on. I’ve never felt unsafe. Now, you will sit around 1 or 2 hours in a bus to get somewhere - the distances are not to be compared with the ones in the Netherlands - but you’ll get used to it quickly.

What did you think of the internship?

I’ve met so many special people and it was really an amazing experience. The gratitude and love everyone gives you within the project is really heart-warming. You do need to take initiatives, because otherwise there won’t be much action. You need to be independent and get everything out of the experience. Be flexible, because things can change every minute without notice, they don’t have the Dutch structure over there. Basic knowledge of the language is also something I recommend to have because only a few people speak English. You just need to make the best of it, but one thing is for sure: you’ll be welcomed with open arms. They call it “Cidade Maravilhosa” or Amazing City for a reason!

What is the most special you experienced?

Everything was one big adventure and every day was so amazing. Concerning activities and experiences there are so many things. The most special for me was that I really became part of the Brazilian people. That I could live and work here and although I travelled all by myself to Brazil, I came back home with a brand new family in Brazil. That’s how it really felt!

Do you have tips for students?

Accept everything with open arms, but do take care of all the administration around it. Especially regarding a visa, Brazil is not so easy with this anymore and the request for a special visa takes a long time. Start on time! And also know a bit of the language already as almost no one speaks English. Not only in the poor neighbourhoods but also in the popular areas as Copacabana and Ipanema. Everything is possible in Rio, as long as you know how everything works and if you have connections with people, but you’ll get those very soon.

Also, you need to adjust yourself to the culture. I think the differences are not that extreme compared to the Netherlands, but it’s a completely different country and also a different culture. Be open to their culture and respect it. Mutual respect is really important. As long as you have that, they will also get used to you. Don’t be afraid to take this adventure, you’ll get so much in return.

Social work project in a poor neighbourhood.

What did you think of the city?

The city is really amazing. There is so much to do and see here. There are museums, landscapes, beaches, different cultures, parties (a lot of parties), easy public transportation, sweet people and so on. I’ve never felt unsafe. Now, you will sit around 1 or 2 hours in a bus to get somewhere - the distances are not to be compared with the ones in the Netherlands - but you’ll get used to it quickly.

What did you think of the internship?

I’ve met so many special people and it was really an amazing experience. The gratitude and love everyone gives you within the project is really heart-warming. You do need to take initiatives, because otherwise there won’t be much action. You need to be independent and get everything out of the experience. Be flexible, because things can change every minute without notice, they don’t have the Dutch structure over there. Basic knowledge of the language is also something I recommend to have because only a few people speak English. You just need to make the best of it, but one thing is for sure: you’ll be welcomed with open arms. They call it “Cidade Maravilhosa” or Amazing City for a reason!

What is the most special you experienced?

Everything was one big adventure and every day was so amazing. Concerning activities and experiences there are so many things. The most special for me was that I really became part of the Brazilian people. That I could live and work here and although I travelled all by myself to Brazil, I came back home with a brand new family in Brazil. That’s how it really felt!

Do you have tips for students?

Accept everything with open arms, but do take care of all the administration around it. Especially regarding a visa, Brazil is not so easy with this anymore and the request for a special visa takes a long time. Start on time! And also know a bit of the language already as almost no one speaks English. Not only in the poor neighbourhoods but also in the popular areas as Copacabana and Ipanema. Everything is possible in Rio, as long as you know how everything works and if you have connections with people, but you’ll get those very soon.

Also, you need to adjust yourself to the culture. I think the differences are not that extreme compared to the Netherlands, but it’s a completely different country and also a different culture. Be open to their culture and respect it. Mutual respect is really important. As long as you have that, they will also get used to you. Don’t be afraid to take this adventure, you’ll get so much in return.