The Swedish Sabrina Nikolov chose Brazil to be her first destination abroad! The 27 years old teacher believes that without education, you cannot go anywhere and that is why she decided to be a volunteer at Obra do Berço Rio, Obra do Berço, a non-profit charity institution offers children in need much-needed shelter, educational activities, food and clothing.

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

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

I choose to come to Brazil to see how the school and how the pedagogic behind the school were. I also wanted to see  the culture in a different way.

What are the main challenges you faced?

At the work it was challenging to not pick up a child that cries.

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

I need to say that I connected pretty fast with the family, they were open minded and I felt like I was one of them.

Can you tell me a little bit about the activities you have done on your project?

The most I did was coming in the morning playing with the kids, observing  them and just being there for them. Then we helped them to eat and after that we put them to sleep. I went to another school and taught dance for older students.

What did you learn with this experience? What has the experience added to your resume?

I learned not to be afraid and to trust myself.

Describe the changes you noticed on yourself?

My changes were that I came like an OCD person and left being more loose.

What did you like most about your project?

The people here.

Would you come back to Brazil? What motivates you?

Yes! I want to meet all my new friends I made down here.

What was the highlight of your experience in Brazil? Tell us about it.

When I came 5 in the morning and saw the coconut trees I haven’t seen those trees anywhere.

Would you recommend this program/experience? Which advice would you give for students willing to join the same experience?

Oh yes! The one who goes, they need to relax and go out more earlier on the trip.

 
A word or a sentence in Portuguese to summarize your experience.

Bora Bora!