The Swedish sociologist, Emelie, has wanted to experience Brazil for a long time. Last week she arrived 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.

She told us a little bit about her first impressions of Brazil and her expectations:

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

Because I wanted to learn about a new country. The cultural and social differences between Brazil and Sweden. I’m also interested about the class-differences.

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

The reason is that I want to see the world. Experience different things.

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.

My goals are to get another perspective of the world as I see it now.

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

I feel grateful and thankful that I got this opportunity. Just in three days, I’ve seen a lot.