Ethan Reik is an American Special Education teacher who decided to participate of our volunteer program here in Brazil. He helped the philanthropic organization Solar Meninos do Rio, a place that promotes integral education, culture, sports, professional training support, basic health care and social assistance to families with social needs.

Now that he finished his experience here in Brazil, we interviewed him to know more about the time he spent here. Check it out:

Be: Why did you choose to come to Brazil for an exchange program?

I chose to come to Brazil for a volunteer program for a couple reasons. When I was pursuing my undergraduate degree in Political Science, I took a couple classes on the topic of Brazilian history/politics. I was fascinated with the various aspects of the culture, and since then, have wanted to visit Brazil. As a teacher, I thought it would be a great opportunity to experience Brazil while also giving back and volunteering. Through this program, I got that opportunity, and seized it.

Be: Could you tell us about your relation with your host family and coworkers here in Brazil?

My relationship with my host family could not have been better. Within the first two weeks, they really started to feel like family. Their home felt like my home. By the end of my experience, I didn’t want to leave. My host family was so accommodating, inquisitive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The experience with them was better than anything I could have imagined, and I will continue to keep in touch with them for many years to come.

My relationship with my coworkers was phenomenal. They were extremely friendly and open to having a visitor enter their room, observe, and participate with their students. I loved learning from the students as well as interacting with the teachers at the schools in which I worked. They gave me great insight as to how the Brazilian school system works. They also provided me ample opportunities to interact with students and share a little about my culture.

 
Be: What is your opinion about our support?

Brazilian Experience provided all the support I needed. Renata Lampert, Brazilian Experience’s local coordinator in Rio, was extremely courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable. She made me feel welcome right away. Whenever I needed something or had a question, Renata was there for me, and made sure I was taken care of.

 
Be: What did you like the most about your volunteer?
What I most enjoyed about the project was that, although I had never been to Brazil (and barely spoke any Portuguese when I first arrived), I was welcomed with open arms in the school, by administration, and by the people I interacted with in general. By the end, I truly felt as if I was a part of Brazil, and that I belonged there.

Be: Did you notice any changes on yourself?

I could talk infinitely about the changes I noticed in myself as a result of this experience. However, among the most prominent were that I was open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. I was able to see what daily life was like in Rio, and how different that could be for different groups of people.

Be: Would you recommend this experience?
Without question, I would recommend this experience to anyone who is open to new ideas and perspectives. It was the best experience of my life; and I am a richer, more holistic person for having gotten the opportunity.

Be: Could you summarize your experience in one word?
A Portuguese word that currently describes my experience as I look back on my time in Rio is “saudade”. There is no English word that adequately translates, but the general feeling is that of longing.