The Finnish Johanna Myllyniemi is a Master Student of Environmental Science and Technology. Here in Brazil she will do an internship at ELO Apoio Social e Ambiental, an institution that creates opportunities to change teenagers’ lives through their preparation and placement for the workplace in the future.

We met Johanna to know more about her first impressions about Brazil. Here you can check our interview with her:

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

To improve Portuguese language skills, to get to know Brazilian culture, including working culture, and to see and experience the country in general, in all its diversity.

Be: What is the main reason you choose to go on exchange?

I wanted to get more international working experience and to strengthener my intercultural communication skills as well as language skills. Also there is an obligatory international internship included in my degree.

Be: What are your goals with this experience? If we met at the end of your stay, which achievements would you like to tell your friends you had.

That I have become fluent in Portuguese language, gotten new friends and built connections and networks in professional sense. I have developed professionally and academically, but also broadened my personal horizons and experiences. I traveled to many beautiful places in Brazil and had an amazing time.

Be: How do you feel today that you are starting this experience? Can you describe your feelings?

I’m excited about the internship and the experience of living in Brazil in general.  I have already seen that Curitiba is an amazing city and the people are very friendly and welcoming. I’m happy that I choose to come here.