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World Politics Student Reflects on Studying Abroad in Brazil

July 26, 2016

World Politics Student Reflects on Studying Abroad in Brazil

Helina Solomon

Helina Solomon, a third year World Politics major, recently spent May 2016 studying abroad in Brazil through the Global May program. Here she describes the program and reflects on her experience. 

Oi! My name is Helina Solomon and I am an entering junior at The Ohio State University, studying World Politics, and minoring in Spanish language. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and currently live in Reynoldsburg, about 20 minutes outside of Columbus. I traveled to Brazil on the Global May trip in May 2016. The trip visited three cities - Rio Preto, Salvador, and Sao Paulo - so we were able to see the many economic, geographic, and racial differences within this large country. 

I was attracted to the Brazil Global May program because I have always wanted to visit Brazil, and after learning more about its history in my African Arts and Music class during spring semester, I did some research and found this program. It is special in that it does not require one to be a Portuguese minor or a specific major, drawing in students with different types of interests. Everyone in our group was able to connect with some aspect of the things we learned, from politics and racial problems (me), to agricultural biodiversity, to business and the language of Portuguese.

Photo of Sao Paolo

 

My trip to Brazil was an overwhelming and beautifully rich experience. The most important thing I learned while here is that a lot of things in life are universal- the sound of a mother yelling her daughter's name to get up in the morning, the sadness of inequalities in life, no matter how small or big, the learning that can happen when two different ideas meet, the warm excitement of a child, humor, love, affection.  I was able to talk to Brazilian university students, oftentimes discussing issues that affect both Brazilians and Americans - police brutality, racism, and corruption in the politics of the government. I actually met a few graduated Buckeyes while out and about in Sao Paulo who were in Brazil for post-grad opportunities such as Fulbright. They have kept in touch with me and are helping me reach out to governmental and non-profit organizations to intern/research/volunteer with in the upcoming year break. I wrote my final paper for the class we took on Race and Class in Brazil, and had so much fun researching and writing it, and specifically have the dream to use it for a research project in Brazil's favelas, which interested me so much while I was there. I have made use of the years of studying Spanish I have under my belt - while also learning Portuguese and being inspired to continue learning; I plan to take a class or two in the upcoming school year. This inspiring month in Brazil has made me a more connected and open person, and I genuinely can't wait to visit again!