Film maker Alex Meade has both accompanied and strengthened our work since we began the US-Brazil Partnership for Skills.
For a quick look, see Alex’s five minute video.
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Watch the full 30-minute documentary.
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As our fifth class of US-Brazil Connect Fellows prepares for travel to Brazil in late June, I am thinking about their return to the U.S. and how this experience can create ripples of change that last for years.
In 1976, I returned from a year as a Rotary exchange student in Brazil to a mood of fear in the United States. The country was focused on soaring energy prices, repercussions from our withdrawal from Vietnam, regime shifts in the Middle East, and a U.S. manufacturing sector in distress.
The rules seemed to be changing and it was unclear who or what was in charge. I watched a family friend lose his flower-growing business in the face of foreign competition and my own father search for a new career after budget cuts at the university eliminated his job. For me, the signs were mixed: unemployment was high, yet I also saw doors cracking open for young women that I knew had been sealed shut to the generations before me. It was a confused and uncertain time.
Today, as forty years ago, seismic shifts across the globe are shaking our foundations: terrorism strikes innocent people on nearly a daily basis, the price of oil has plummeted, China’s economy is slowing, and the largest refugee migration since World War II pressures the European Union.
In response to the shift, we hear the call for walls to protect the United States. I reflect on my experience forty years ago. In the face of seismic change, I have learned that walls are appealing, but they don’t bring protection. Sadly, they collapse and bury those who huddle on the inside.
As foundations shift, we need clarity about what really matters and the capacity to connect with the energy of change- not walls to resist it. We need the freedom to rise to new places and see the shifts from a variety of perspectives. Connecting with change is only possible when we let go of what feels certain.
I realize today that my time as a young person in Brazil gave me this gift. It took me away from what I knew and changed how I view and experience turbulence. Returning home, I didn’t just see challenges from the perspective of Littleton, Colorado; I entered college seeing the world also from the perspective of having lived in Brazil under its dictatorship in the 1970s and in an economy with an enormous gap between the rich and poor. I also had experienced new rhythms and responses to challenges: I had deep friendships with Brazilian teenagers and saw them in conditions more challenging than anything I knew in the United States.
Today, as forty years ago, the problems we face are too serious for Americans to hide behind walls and insisting that the shaking stop.
I founded US-Brazil Connect because I wanted young people to have the opportunity I had so many years ago: to step away from what feels certain and see the world with new eyes, feel the rumblings, and to gain a new understanding of the power to create in the midst of change. It is my hope that the US-Brazil Connect Fellows of 2016 not only see Brazil, but that they see a new place for themselves in a world that needs them as leaders who bring a fresh vision for connection, creativity, respect… and ultimately for peace on our planet.
By Mary Gershwin
US-Brazil Connect, Red Rocks Community College, the Denver Center for International Education, and other partners hosted a leadership exchange of ten outstanding high school students from Salvador, Brazil in October. The ten scholarship winners were selected from 200 students who participated in World Connect/US-Brazil Partnership for Skills in June 2012 in Salvador. They were hosted by families of the Denver Center for International Studies.
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US-Brazil Connect is developing a Leadership Team to support the preparation of US Fellows, and to oversee, support and strengthen service delivery to our Brazilian partners. Two complementary roles will comprise the team: Team Coordinators and Team Leaders. Each of the seven groups in Brazil will have a minimum of one Team Coordinator and one Team Leader.
Approx. 5-10 hrs.week Feb-June), then shifts to full-time for one month in Brazil (June or July travel dates).
SEND Cover letter and resume to Meg Barritt by Monday, Feb 11th [email protected]
The Team Coordinator and Team Leaders share these leadership responsibilities:
In addition, the Team Coordinator provides essential communication, coordination and logistical support:
The Team Leader provides essential support through coaching, team development and direct work with Brazilians:
Team Coordinator Job Description
Organizational Summary: US-Brazil Connect (www.us-brazil.org) links US college students (Fellows) and Brazilian technology high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. The U.S. Fellows prepare for and serve in a month-long coaching and facilitation role, designed to create a fun English immersion environment for Brazilian high school students.
Position Summary: The Team Coordinators serve as key members of the Leadership Team responsible for preparing and overseeing the on-site work of teams of 5-15 US Fellows during the month-long program in Brazil. The Team Coordinators report to the US-Brazil Connect Program Manager.
Key Responsibilities – Preparation Phase
Key Responsibilities – Implementation Phase
Qualifications
Team Leader Job Description
Organizational Summary: US-Brazil Connect (www.us-brazil.org) links US college students (Fellows) and Brazilian technology high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. The U.S. Fellows prepare for and serve in a month-long coaching and facilitation role, designed to create a fun English immersion environment for Brazilian high school students.
Position Summary: The Team Leaders serve as key members of the Leadership Team responsible for preparing and overseeing the on-site work of teams of 5-15 US Fellows during the month-long program in Brazil. The Team Leaders report to the US-Brazil Connect Program Manager.
Key Responsibilities – Preparation Phase
Work with US Fellows
Work with Brazilian high school students
Key Responsibilities – Implementation Phase
Work with US Fellows
Work with Brazilian high school students
Qualifications
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A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE TRANSFORMATIONAL NATURE OF SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCES AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Lisa M Dohm
Central Michigan University
February 2016
Ms. Dohm worked with Fellows from the 2015 Northwestern Michigan team to complete her PhD research. Fellows completed interviews, questionnaires, kept journals and shared details on their experiences in the program. Participants in the study confirmed they experienced a transformation and felt like they gained an expanded worldviews. Ms Dohm’s research findings help to validate the effectiveness of our leadership model and impact of our Fellowship on participants. A summary of her research follows:
The findings of this study indicate that short-term study abroad experiences are highly individualized with all participants experiencing a transformation. The most transformational experiences include those that recognized the importance of existing relationships, but also included the development of new relationships. Increased self-confidence was also transformational according to the participants. All participants identified intercultural awareness and development specifically related to the ability to overcome challenges and a self-awareness regarding the expansion of worldviews and global mindedness. Finally, the findings illuminate the emotional dimension of sojourners as they experiences disruptive positive and negative experiences.
Here is the translation of Tayná’s letter reflecting on her experience learning English with EBEP/US-Brazil Connect in Salvador, June 5- July 3, 2012. Special thank you to Chloe Hill for the translation.
FEELINGS– a language used by the heart, a set of emotions and physical sensations. In these last weeks, it was possible to experience such diverse situations which brought us to these intense and varied sentiments.
On the sixth of June, upon the Americans’ arrival, we were taken by anticipation and curiosity… What will my coach be like in person? Will they be cool? Will it be fun? Will it be too tiring? Will it be worth it?
It was in the middle of so many questions and expectations that we began a journey, a journey in the direction of success, in the direction of achievement. It wasn’t easy having a “double shift:” attending yet another class while overcome by exhaustion, using our creativity to prepare videos, filming, writing, dancing, singing– all of this in a language that wasn’t ours. For this reason, the experience was even more difficult! But that which comes easily isn’t worth as much, so it was by virtue of these difficulties that we made a discovery: we WERE capable, capable of taking on the challenge and even surprising ourselves along the way.
And on this journey we had the support of our coaches, who with their own unique and exotic fashions grew closer to their groups, winning them over one by one, eliciting laughter, teaching, and above all, LEARNING.
It was on this journey that we came to understand how to respect differences, to appreciate each moment for its uniqueness…
It was on this journey that we made new friends– and what would we be without friends in this isolating world? Without being able to share emotions, confidences? Without a kiss, or a simple embrace that can mean so much?
It was on this journey that we weren’t only students, but teachers as well. It was an exchange of understanding far beyond the words of any particular language.
These have been thrilling experiences, which have brought me to reflect on how great it is to discover and learn something new, to not accommodate the banalities of the world, and to always be searching for more… Our lives should be nourished by the constant quest for knowledge, not only didactic knowledge, but first and foremost, the knowledge of how to live, to love, to respect and to help each other; the knowledge of how to be happy, each in his own way. What’s important is to live and to learn, to enjoy today and to hope for tomorrow!
And this journey hasn’t yet come to a close, because everything that’s been shared during these few short weeks will last a lifetime. At the moment, we are all overwhelmed by a very strong feeling, which in Brazil is called saudade. In the English language, this word doesn’t exist, but they say that saudade may be similar to the phrase: I miss you. Saudade is a suffocating and anguished emotion, although it shouldn’t be a reason for sadness, but rather happiness, because missing someone shows how much the moment was worth.
So, let’s celebrate and say to our dear coaches that we will miss them, or better yet, that we will feel SAUDADES. However, we say this with a smile on our faces, accompanied by a ‘see you soon!’ – a sincere way of thanking all of the patience and dedication you had with us.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this project!
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Our work in Brazil this year confirmed that access to life-changing opportunities in Brazil should not just be an option for students in universities and elite colleges. Over 45% of all students enrolled in higher education in the United States are in community colleges. In 2012, we organized high-quality paid internships in Brazil for fifteen outstanding community college students from Houston, Jackson, and Red Rocks Community Colleges. We will expand in 2013 and need your support.
US-Brazil Connect and our community college partners charge no program fees to students. Our Brazilian partners cover the costs of lodging, food and transportation expenses in Brazil. Even with this support, costs are a barrier for deserving students. The international travel costs are nearly $2500 (airfare, insurance, visas). We are asking donors to help subsidize international travel costs so outstanding students from lower income families can participate.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 for our Student Travel Fund that will subsidize transportation expenses to Brazil. Contributions are matched by Colorado Gives.
Some comments from participants in 2012:
Read More from the voices of our community college fellows.
About Colorado Gives Day
Colorado Gives Day is fundraising initiative that encourages online giving to Colorado-based nonprofits. During a 24-hour period at 12:00 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 100% of donations raised will go directly to the charities thanks to Community First Foundation, FirstBank and sponsors who will be covering credit card and processing fees. Additionally, FirstBank has created a $300,000 Incentive Fund that will be distributed equally across all donations received.
How To Donate
It’s easy to make a contribution to US-Brazil Connect’s Student Travel Fund on Colorado Gives Day. Simply 1) go online to US-Brazil Connect at Giving First (2 ) click the “DONATE NOW” button.
(You can also pre-schedule your donation. Start by beginning donation and click “Schedule a donation for Colorado Gives Day”.)
For more information about the Incentive Fund visit www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday/prizes.
For more information about Colorado Gives Day visit https://www.givingfirst.org/cogivesday.
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Traveling across the world to foreign lands requires courage, and so does opening your home to strangers. But courage has its rewards. This February we witnessed courage from our 88 Brazilian students who traveled to Colorado and our 80 Colorado host families who opened their homes and hearts. US-Brazil Connect welcomed these students from 32 sites across Brazil as the final stage of the Conexão Mundo program. US-Brazil Connect partnered with schools, universities and companies with a focus in STEM to engage students in English immersion, educational visits and a fun cultural experience.
During their stay, students stayed with host families across the Denver and Boulder area. Participating families opened their home and their hearts and the impact that resulted for both the students and the families was truly heartwarming and inspirational. A few host families share their experience here:
By Hannah Margalit Lamboy-Lavi
Being in love with culture and travel, having an exchange student come to live with our family was one of the most immersive and wonderful experiences of our lives. We learned many things from our amazing guest, Thayna. She told us about her family, about Brazil and where she lived, about the foods she ate and prepared, and about her life. It was incredible to see how similar Thayna and I are, even though we live hundreds of miles away from each other. One night, we spent our time sitting together listening to some of our favorite music, both in English and Portuguese, while making each other laugh and talking about cute boys. The biggest thing I learned from this experience is that everyone on earth is somehow connected. Before my family and I picked up Thayna from the airport, I couldn’t help but think about how different we were going to be. I was shocked and ecstatic to find out that we weren’t very different at all. This experience strengthened my family’s and my own feelings of love toward travel and people, as well as made us believe in the world a little bit more. Now, the world doesn’t seem quite as large as it did before we welcomed Thayna into our home.
By Elena Saenz
When I volunteered to be one of the homestay families I didn’t realize what an impact saying “yes” would have on my life. Denis and Bob (his nickname) were assigned to me by Tracy Simpson. She matched the two most amazing boys in the world. They were very distinct and unique from each other. Denis loves to talk and Bob is shyer, Bob is athletic and Denis is a musician. They were both willing to try anything we proposed. They ate everything we made for them, even though our food was not very American, as my sister and I are Mexican American and eat quite a bit of Mexican food. They were the most polite teenagers I have met. They offered and helped with everything, including plowing my driveway on our snow day (whew that was a workout for them).
Everywhere we went I got to see my world through their eyes of wander and awe: the Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, my church, restaurants, a movie theater or even leaving my school in the evenings. They were so appreciative of what I take for granted every day. These two amazing young men allowed me to remember to take the time to notice the wonder and beauty around me. I am grateful to have two sons now who have made my life richer just by meeting them. Thanks US-Brazil Connect for this life changing opportunity.
By Debbie Blanco
We have hosted a student through US Brazil for 2 years now, and have had the most amazing experiences with our students, one from Joinville, and one from Aracaju. With 3 teens in the house, we were hesitant to host due to the perceived chaos of having another student to fit into our crazy schedule. But it was one of the best decisions we made. Our kids have learned so much about another culture….through the eyes of other teenagers. And the groups of kids that are chosen for this program….they are amazing kids. Polite, curious, kind, calm….and so interested in seeing everything here….but also interested in sharing with us about their culture and their country.
I see a trip to Brazil at some point in our future. And I would have never said that before hosting these students through this program. It has really opened our eyes in a positive way to not only Brazil, but to other opportunities as well. Maybe hosting other students from other programs, or having our own kids participating in an exchange program. The Brazil kids in particular, are so nice….and we’ve loved sharing our home with them, and including them as part of our family. We would be thrilled at any point in the future to have Yana or Ricardo visit again….or to see them in Brazil. I believe we’ll stay connected to them for a lifetime. We couldn’t have asked for better experiences!!!
With 24 hours of traveling from one point to the next, time soon became irrelevant and insanity became somewhat saner. With bags weighing between 33 to 48lbs, nothing sounded more welcoming than a hot shower or anything that did not resemble a chair to sleep in. However, as soon as we landed, we received the ultimate gift as cheers, smiles, and hugs filled the airport and a group of Brazilian students stood at the threshold of security and the outside world. Chanting our names and bouncing up and down, the weight of our backpacks and sleepless night seemed to disappear and be replaced with energy! Without a second to waste, we sprinted like energizer bunnies to meet our new friends; leaving our comfort zone and entering into their world with a universal connection: hugs, laughter and cheers.
As cliché as it may sound, there is not a single English word that I can fathom to describe the feelings that June 24, 2016 had bestowed upon myself and my fellow coaches/friends and leaders. I cannot speak for Katy, Oliva, Jacqueline, Terry and Bri, so I asked them as individuals:
“First, I saw the students from the window and I began to understand everything was becoming real. Before that, everything seemed to go from real to unreal, because the google hangouts during Phase I were hard to create a somewhat realistic connection. Yet, as soon as I got off the plane and saw them, I knew everything leading up to this point was real. As I hugged my first student and the confetti popper went off, my heart started to beat faster and faster. I also saw Olivia was crying, which made me cry. One of the hard parts was leaving my students for a second to go back into the airport to get my bags, because all I wanted to do was talk to them and be with them. All in all, it was beyond my expectations” – Katy Min
“Mainly I just felt super overwhelmed with excitement and emotion. Just completely overcome with happiness and so amazed that it’s actually real
It feels like one of those things that I’ve been counting down to for so long that I can’t believe it’s actually happening!”-Olivia Fleet
“I felt like a fricken movie star! It was much more impactful than I anticipated. The love was just incredible. It all made me extremely eager to begin teaching and get to know all of my students as individuals”
-Jacqueline Ewing
“Seeing my students made my heart beat so fast that I thought it was going to pop out of my chest. Just hearing their voices and hugging them for the first time made everything about US-Brazil Connect fall into place without force. Without a doubt, US-Brazil Connect is the best decision I have made in a long time.” –Stephanie Fiebing
“I felt honored to be with the NMC team as they were greeted by their students. Even with the intense humidity and heat, I had chills. It was truly a heartwarming welcome. Another thing that really touched me was what some of the students’ welcome signs said, “we already love you!” For me, that is one of the most beautiful things about working with the students of Conexão Mundo; they have so much love to share with their coaches and the other students on their team. They truly embody the spirit of this program. It’s about boundless friendships, cultural exchange, and opportunities”-Bri Erger
“At first I knew we arrived at the correct location. I was not expecting any students since Friday was a school day. So, it was great when I saw them lining the fence. But then, the cheering inside/outside the airport entry-way was fantastic and assured me that we are going to have 3 great weeks in Cacoal. I was very happy to see the greetings between the coaches and your students. The smiles and tears were great and demonstrated the bonds that have been forming during Phase I. And to know that it will only get better is amazing” –Terry Cox
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