On August 27th, 2017, I set out to see both the wonders and hardships in Brazil. My position as a white American provided me with ethical concerns about my decision. However, the continuation of my studies on non-governmental organizations in Brazil were, and continue to be, in pursuit of giving back. Living with a local family, visiting numerous non-profit organizations, learning and speaking Portuguese, and constantly experiencing something new everyday was a transformative quest to finding out who I was - a concept I was not anticipating to study. It may sound like a cliche, but there is a real possibility that studying abroad can be life-changing. The challenges presented during my time in Brazil suggested intellectual and personal growth unlike anything you can achieve inside a classroom. Another wonderful author David Foster Wallace wrote this in The Pale King : "How odd I can have all this inside me and to you it's just words." There is not much more I
1 - Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro . You will find yourself gliding through the clouds over one of the most beautiful places in the world. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely. 2 - Visit the Amazon Rainforest . Surround yourself with the tremendous beauty of the Amazon Rainforest and all it has to offer. 3 - Practice Capoeira . This Afro-Brazilian martial art offers a glimpse of Brazilian culture as well as an incredible workout - a must!