Emelie Hägglöf tell us about her experience in Brazil

The Swedish sociologist, Emelie, was in Rio de Janeiro to work as a volunteer at Solar Meninos de Luz, a NGO that promotes education, culture and sports to children in two communities in Rio, and at Parque Nacional da Tijuca, the largest strech of human jungle in the world and home of Corcovado and Christ statue.

Why did you choose to come to Brazil for an volunteer program?

Because of the country, the various of the cities, people and interesting culture. A country to visit if you want to explore different nature and culture.

What are the main challenges you faced?

The main challenges was the language , from my side not knowing any Portuguese. But learning is the best challenge you can accept.

How is your relationship with your host family/co-workers?

The family that I’ve stayed with is great and was very welcoming from the very beginning. The co-workers as well, Brazilian people are open minded and caring.

How do you evaluate the support provided by Brazilian Experience?
It was very good, I was lucky because my host mother has been working with them for a long time and she kept on supporting me the enduring time.

Can you tell me a little bit about the activities you have done on your project?
My first project with the kids in the favela was to play, sing and do other activities. Help the staff and relieve them. My second project was in the Tijuca Forrest, we did different things here everyday. The main thing was to take care of the forest so we cleaned the trails, the waterfalls and removed plants etc.

What did you learn with this experience? What has the experience added to your resume?
I learned how to get along with people with different backgrounds, both personal and professional backgrounds. How to be on your own in a new country with new people. You have to trust yourself and others, but with carefulness. The greatest experience was to get an input of the Brazilian way of living and the system that are very different from the Swedish. This journey gave me many new perspectives.

Describe the changes you noticed on yourself?
If you work hard enough, anything is possible. I’m more alert and paying more attention to the people I meet. Every first meeting with a new person is inspiring to me.

What did you like most about your project?
That I got the chance to see everyday-life of the Brazilians lives.

Would you come back to Brazil? What motivates you?
I would love to come back, it’s a big country with many beautiful places to discover.

What was the highlight of your experience in Brazil? Tell us about it.
The highlight was my first day at Solar Meninos de Luz. It was a new unique feeling, walking up the favela and then meet all the amazing kids at the school. They gave me so much joy and I saw the future right there.

Would you recommend this program/experience? Which advise would you give for students willing to join the same experience?
I would truly recommend it. My advice is to learn some basic Portuguese before and be brave enough to talk.

A word or a sentence in Portuguese to summarize your experience.
Gente e beleza!