Student Testimony: How an Experience Abroad Can Change Perspectives
The exchange program experience is a common dream for young university students, after all, cultural exchanges between countries and people enrich each person’s training, growth and personal repertoire. Every semester, PUCPR welcomes exchange students who choose Brazil as their destination. However, what would initially be a temporary period of study could become a choice for the future. That’s what happened with the Portuguese student, Maéva dos Anjos.
A nursing student at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) in Lisbon, Maéva began an internship in public health this year. Her decision to go to Brazil was intentional, allowing her to combine the desire to pursue an exchange experience with her interest in Brazilian culture.
As a future nursing professional, Maéva brought with her an understanding of Portuguese healthcare practices, which differ from those in Brazil. This distinction was significant for her, as she acquired new professional skills that will enhance her resume, particularly in addressing common vulnerabilities and diseases.
During her internship, in collaboration with the PUCPR School of Medicine and Life Sciences, she followed the day-to-day activities of two public health units in Curitiba and shifts at SAMU (Mobile Emergency Care Service) and emergency centers.
However, the exchange program is not just about professional practices or academics. Maéva emphasizes another crucial aspect of her experience: personal development. “It’s a moment of self-discovery, self-reflection, and learning about culture, as well as how we adapt and interact in another country,” she says.
After spending some time in Brazil, she decided this was where she wanted to build her career and life. Her next step is to validate her degree so that she can practice her profession in Brazil next year.
“I think it’s an incredible opportunity that can be revolutionary in our lives because it has been like that for me. I came here and loved it, professionally and personally, because it aligns with my career aspirations in a way that, unfortunately, we don’t have in Portugal. Personally, I fell in love with Brazilian culture and the way Brazilians approach life,” she highlights.
