The student that I am paired with is from Brazil and his name is Barbara Oliveira. Barbara is from the largest city in Brazil, São Paulo. He has one younger brother who he does not live with. When I asked him why he wanted to study abroad in the U.S., he said that he has always dreamed about coming to America to study.
Because of the pandemic, he had to go back to Brazil and live at home. He is hoping to return for the spring semester. A couple of years ago, he had a business in Brazil that he had to close because of a bad economic climate. After the store closed, he applied to many schools in the U.S. and waited to see what his options were.
Auburn gave him a large scholarship that was too good to pass up on. He saw it as a sign that this was the right time for him to start this new adventure. He knew the United States would be different from Brazil, but he was excited to meet new people and try new things!
In Brazil, they speak Portuguese. This language is very different from English; the language barrier has been a bit difficult for Barbara. He understands English fluently, but sometimes has a difficult time speaking in English. Going to America for school has been a great opportunity for him to practice his English. This website shows the major differences between the two languages http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/langdiff/portuguese.htm.
Religion in Brazil is very important and much like the U.S., people are mostly Catholic or Christian. Barbara and his family are Protestant, which is a branch within Christianity. A lot of people in Brazil are also Protestant. Because this Christian religion is so popular, one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Brazil is Christmas.
This is a breakdown of the Brazilian population’s religious affiliations.
Christmas in Brazil is celebrated similarly to the U.S., but more people in Brazil attend the late night mass. In the United States a lot of Christmas is focused on the presents, but in Brazil the focus for holidays are mostly the food. Barbara said that every year on Christmas Eve his family gets together and they stay up late to give each other presents. He said that they choose gifts for one another based on interests and personality. They usually do one present to each member of the family from each member.
The biggest holiday in Brazil that is celebrated is Carnival. It is around the same time as Mardi Gras, which is right before Lent. Lent is a time of sacrifice and is the 40 days before Easter. Carnival is a time to let loose before having to mourn and repent for the Lent season. People drink alcohol, dress in crazy costumes and free their inhibitions.
Barbara said Carnival is his favorite holiday.
During Lent, people who practice Christianity or who are Catholic abstain from drinking or eating meat on certain days as a source of sacrifice. It is a time to look at yourself and your short comings. Here is a list of the rules of Lent https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/refresher-on-the-rules-of-fast-and-abstinence-during-lent/21603.
Brazil is like the U.S. in some ways, but has been a huge cultural transition for Barbara. Hopefully, he can return soon and continue his immersion into American culture!
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