From Minnesota to Brazil

In Brazil, Minnesota students from CEHD and Red Lake Nation also engaged with diverse college students from the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) in Vitória, the capital of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Local student ambassadors from UFES participated in classroom learning and cultural exchange with Minnesota students. All students found that while they all had experiences and challenges specific to their local contexts, many important educational issues spanned across borders and continents.

One UFES student, Brunella Ribeiro (civil engineering) shares, “This experience was highly transformative for me because I had some mistaken image about North American citizens and culture.” Likewise, Kimberly McCormick (family and social science) explains, “I learned so much about how different the systems are in the U.S. vs. Brazil, it made me question my values and beliefs.” Relationship building was central to the abroad experience and student interactions became a powerful space for learning and reflection. CEHD student Jenave Mendoza (elementary education) adds, “My favorite part of the trip was the connection with UFES students. They showed us around Vitória, we went on a little hike, rode on the water boat, saw the lighthouse, and watched the sunset at the secret beach. I miss everyone and everything in Vitória, Brazil.”

The course content was developed by former Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) Associate Professor Tania D. Mitchell, an expert in social justice education, and had support from OLPD comparative and international development education (CIDE) doctoral student and teaching assistant Washington Galvão. Galvão grew up in Brazil and brought a deep understanding of cultural identities and the learning needs of students in Brazilian society. Students in the program learned about the social movements that have shaped access to higher education in Brazil. They remarked how they were able to compare this history with their own understanding and experiences in the United States.

Nyanak Gatpan (fourth year, health and wellbeing sciences) notes, “We examined cultural differences and exchanges, as well as government involvement in access to higher education. My time in Vitória resulted in an introspective and transformative outlook on the pathway to college for students worldwide, and the role identities have contributed in the journey.” Through course content and generative discussion, students examined social inequities and educational access within Brazil from the perspectives of marginalized communities including Afro-Brazilian and diverse Indigenous groups. For example, students learned about how Indigenous issues are treated in Brazil during a visit to the community Pau Brasil (Tupinikim people). Community leaders Wellington Îybatãtupã de Lima Ferreira and Jessica Marcos Coelho hosted a cultural night for dialogue among the students, community elders, and young leaders. The experience was an opportunity to gain a global perspective on relationship building and solidarity. For the nine students who were selected to participate, this program represented more than just an academic experience.