Working as an EP for AIESEC Mizzou in Brazil was without a doubt the most life-changing experience of my college career. If you’re looking for an adventure that will give you confidence in a global setting, an international network of ambitious, like-minded young people, and professional working experience abroad for an affordable price, AIESEC is the perfect fit.
What was I thinking!?! After studying Portuguese at Mizzou for two years, I wanted to put my skills to the test and spend a summer completely immersed in the language and culture. AIESEC offered an unbelievable deal: internship matching, accommodations, and membership in the largest network of globally minded students in the world for only $500—how could I refuse? I hopped on a plane two days after finals in May 2013, and my entire world changed.
Advice on planning your trip:
- Stay as long as possible, especially if you are trying to learn a language. It usually takes at least 4 weeks for your listening and speaking skills to synch up with your new environment.
- Don’t be afraid to ask any questions. AIESEC Mizzou will be with you every step of the planning process. They are an unbelievably caring, proactive group of people who will do whatever they can to ensure your success during your internship.
- You will need to pay for your flight and any activities outside of your internship. Save, save, save! There’s no better way to spend your money than travel.
The City: Fortaleza, Brazil
Fortaleza’s best beach, Praia do Futuro
Admittedly, I chose to spend the summer in Brazil’s 5th biggest city for one main reason: the beaches. Fortaleza is located on the Northeastern coast, just below the equator, where the locals enjoy perpetual summer. I spent my weekends with new friends drinking coconut water and watching gorgeous surfers on white sandy beaches while listening to Brazilian reggae. It was paradise…sometimes.
I realized shortly after I arrived that Fortaleza is one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil. I had to constantly be on my guard, and I rarely traveled alone. I don’t regret my decision for a second, but I wish I had done my research beforehand so I could’ve taken more safety precautions.
Advice on choosing a city:
- Narrow your decision down to a few places based on the internships.
- Choose a city from the list that fits your criteria (lifestyle, cultural offerings, safety, etc.).
- Educate yourself. Download an app for a local newspaper (Fortaleza- “O Povo”) or set up Google Alerts for English articles about the city. This will acquaint you with the social, political, and economic climate of your new home. The payoff: you’ll be able to have intelligent conversations with locals, and you’ll have a better sense of security from knowing what to expect.
Downtown Fortaleza
The Job
After spending two years in the J-school, I needed a break from journalism and a fresh perspective. I chose to teach English at a nonprofit for children. It ended up being the hardest thing I’ve ever voluntarily done, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.
My NGO, Projeto Alegria da Criança, was located in a favela 40 minutes outside the city. Upon arrival I found out I was the first English teacher in almost two years, and none of my coworkers spoke English. I taught more than 100 students aged 8 to 22, Mondays through Fridays. Most days were frustrating. I lost my voice frequently, and I was discouraged by poor attendance, the language barrier and bad behavior. Despite all of the challenges, my students and I developed a very special bond, and I keep in touch with many of them to this day. Although they aren’t fluent, they developed an understanding of how many opportunities come from learning English. That alone was reason for me to spend my summer learning with them.
Advice on selecting an internship:
- Choose something you’re passionate about, but don’t be afraid to go beyond your major. You can use this experience to qualify yourself in something you don’t study, and this will make you a well-rounded leader.
- If you’re considering teaching language courses, try to have at least basic knowledge of the native language. It will make your job so much easier, especially if you are working with children. Also, download a few teaching guides and activities before you leave. Most nonprofits will have you create the lesson plans independently.
Some of my wonderful students at Projeto Alegria da Criança
AIESEC Culture Abroad
“Host an intern. The world in your home.”
AIESEC members know how to throw a party. Every week the Fortaleza chapter organized special events for interns like pool parties and nights out. They also hosted monthly gatherings so interns had a chance to meet each other in a supportive, collaborative setting. I met people from so many different corners of the world that I feel like I have a friend in just about every country. I plan on taking take full advantage of my international network when I travel in the future.
Advice for being an EP abroad:
Attend as many AIESEC events as you can. It’s one of the best ways to meet people and work out any problems you’re having. Also, bring an American flag and some small gifts to give away at the end of your internship. They’ll come in handy.
From the UK, to the States, to Brazil
My Second Family
I was extremely lucky to be placed with a loving host family that called me their “American sister/daughter” almost immediately. The generosity of my Brazilian mom and sisters has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. They helped me learn Portuguese, took me to parties and family gatherings, and always kept me safe. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Advice for living with a host family:
- Be very clear with AIESEC Mizzou about your living expectations and preferences in the interview process.
- Let AIESEC Mizzou know if your living arrangement isn’t working out as soon as possible. One of my intern friends had a host who didn’t provide any food, so AIESEC they gave her a monthly stipend. Something can always be worked out.
- If you’re trying to learn a language, don’t speak English at home! Your host will be absolutely crucial to developing your fluency and confidence.
- Research the country’s home customs before you leave. Your relationship with your host family can make or break your experience. Always be respectful of their rules.
My beautiful Brazilian mom and sisters
After AIESEC
Reunited with my best Brazilian girlfriend for the opening World Cup game, Brazil v. Croatia (June 2014)
I definitely experienced reverse culture shock when I returned to the US. I was disheartened by the all of the excess in American culture after living so simply for a summer and constantly being humbled by my students. Eventually I learned how to maintain my global perspective while still enjoying college life, but it took some work.
Since returning from my summer with AIESEC…
- I visited a fellow intern in her home in Temuco, Chile.
- I returned to Fortaleza for a second summer where I experienced the World Cup and reunited with my friends, family and students.
- I found a job after graduation with a travel company in San Francisco. They valued the skills and insights I developed from my AIESEC experience above most things on my resumé.
Advice on transitioning back from your time abroad:
- Never think of your return as going back to “real life.” This will give undermine your experience by giving it a dreamlike quality. The truth is an AIESEC internship is one of the “realest” experiences you can participate in because you serve other people and develop a sense of purpose in an international environment. What you achieved overseas was very real and will continue to inspire your daily decisions and future plans.
- Keep in touch with your new AIESEC friends! They will be the people who can best relate to you, and you might even have the chance to visit them someday.
- Pay it forward. Be open to volunteering for AIESEC Mizzou and consider hosting an intern in the future.
AIESEC gave me an incredible international network; enjoying the World Cup with my Irish and Canadian friends
This is you’re chance to do something amazing with your semester or summer—don’t let anything stop you! In the words of one of my favorite Brazilian authors, Paulo Coelho:
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
–The Alchemist
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact me: audzigmond@gmail.com
You can also read more about my experiences abroad with AIESEC under the “Blog–> Travel” tab above.
Weekend getaway to a famous nearby beach, Jericoacoara
BOA SORTE, e BOA VIAGEM!
Audrey Zigmond 