Brazilian Exchange Students Find New Opportunities in Arkansas

Laura Fickett

Leticia Vaz

Over the past few years, the Brazilian federal government has sent students in science, technology and engineering and math, or STEM, fields, to the United States through the Brazilian Scientific Mobility Program, sponsored by the International Institute of Education and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel. Through this program, Brazilian students have the opportunity to work on their English and experience another culture. The program includes two semesters of study and an internship during the summer following the school year.

"It's great to have these students on campus," said Bryan Hill, assistant dean in the College of Engineering. Hill coordinates the academics for the Brazilian scholars taking engineering classes. "Diversity takes on all forms and we are excited to have the visiting scholars in our engineering classes. The engineering faculty also hope to recruit some of the students back to UA for graduate studies."

Two of these students, Leticia Vaz and Dioser Santos, are taking advantage of the opportunity to experience life as a student at the University of Arkansas.

Leticia Vaz, a junior exchange student from Campo Grande, Brazil, has been at the University of Arkansas since June taking classes in the College of Engineering. After deciding to study in the U.S. to pursue better research opportunities, Vaz has spent a semester exploring the culture of the United States and the world of bioenergy.

Vaz, only 19, has one more semester to go for her undergraduate degree in chemistry. She plans on pursuing her master's degree before entering the career market. Until then, she is delving into the world of biofuel and organic chemistry and enjoying the diversity of research at the University of Arkansas.

"The most incredible part of chemistry here is the research," said Vaz. Amazed by the number of labs, with several professors studying a variety of different subjects, she has enjoyed the freedom to research in many different fields.

Many students in Brazil seek research and graduate school opportunities in the U.S. due to the availability of resources, said Vaz. Similarly, she has sought further education and a start to her research here, but plans to return to Brazil to begin her career. In the future, she intends to come back to work in the U.S focusing on bioenergy and quality control.

Vaz has been enjoying her time here whether that was "almost crying like a baby" at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, eating the most American things – breakfast pastries and fried food – and connecting with her professors.

Despite challenges and missing her family, Vaz has stayed determined to thrive. "You have to be physically and mentally prepared for all new experiences, because you can't come here with a closed mind," said Vaz. "It's only one year so you have to make the most of it."

Cameron Caja, coordinator of the Visiting Student Program, said the University of Arkansas began accepting students from the Brazilian Scientific Mobility Program in 2012. While the program began with 5 students, it reached a peak of 131 Brazilian students for the Spring 2015 semester. The 34 Brazilian exchange students here for the Spring 2016 semester have the opportunity to participate in a Brazilian student organization, summer research projects, and potentially, joint research projects between the University of Arkansas and other universities that host BSMP students.