Looking behind the façade in Brazil - AIESEC in The Netherlands -

Looking behind the façade in Brazil

Even though I could only spend six weeks in Brazil, I am sure I made a difference in their lives. And they made a difference in mine.

I came to Brazil after my first year of university and a lot of enthusiasm to leave my marks in another country far away from Europe. When I finally found the AIESEC SMART project, I was happy to volunteer while practicing the skills I learned at university.

On the 2nd of July 2018, I came to Brazil and my host-family was waiting for me at the airport. The first day was already a perfect dive into Brazilian culture. Starting off with the day of the Brazilian football match. The joy of the people is really inspiring and motivated me for the upcoming weeks of the project.

Exploring the countryside of Brazil with other volunteers

The SMART project is about the 17th of the Sustainable Development Goals: Partnership for the Goals. Me and my co-worker Monika from Poland who is also studying business came to the NGO Instituto Vida which was one hour away from my host-family’s place in Vitória, Brazil.

The NGO seemed to be in a very good condition since the children could go to school and also do other activities as surfing or judo. Furthermore, they provided many funds of toys and clothing. After the first week, I felt like the NGO was working very smoothly apart from some structural issues and also with the other volunteers. I did not realize the bigger issues of this country.

Frankly, this view changed after my first week. I really appreciated the happiness of all workers at the NGO and their interest in my culture. Many times though, I was confronted with shocking stories when for instance the director of the NGO told me that she did not know how to write or when another worker told me that she had difficulties in mathematics. A really sad incidence at my NGO led me to think about my project even more.

Since I was working at an orphanage, I started to compare myself with the children that were living there. How could I make their lives a little bit better? There are a lot of issues in this country, but after some time, I realized that the biggest issue is the lack of good education and perspectives. This is why my coworker and I started to raise money in order to empower girls at the orphanage. We created a fundraise campaign and tried to market this campaign on various channels.

Even though I could only spend six weeks in this country, I believe that I made my impact. And they made a difference in mine.

“After the project, I realized that I have become a much more conscious and positive human being.”

Especially the fundraising required a lot of stamina and hard work. On the other hand, the project also offered me the best friend group I could have ever asked for. I leave this experience and feel so motivated for my next AIESEC experience!

Exchange Participant Pia in Brazil

This post was written by Pia Schindera. Pia went on a Global Volunteer project powered by AIESEC in the Netherlands. We offer international volunteering projects and professional internships with the aim of developing leadership in youth. 

Read more
6 Ways to Improve Your Productivity

6 Ways to Improve Your Productivity

Ugh, Corona, right? I mean, it has been going through our conversations all year. And this small thing has kept us home for such a long time. OH MY GOD! I felt like my brain had lost its will to work for the longest time. However, this blog will hopefully help you to...

6 Simple Tips to Contribute to a More Sustainable World

6 Simple Tips to Contribute to a More Sustainable World

We only have one planet. If we continue to behave like we have in the last years, this planet as we know it will not exist for our off-spring. If this misuse of the resources continues in the future, chances are that our planet might become like the other seven...

Una experiencia para nunca olvidar

Una experiencia para nunca olvidar

Starting my journey in Colombia At the start of July 2019, my sister and I took the big leap to pack our bags and visit our family in Colombia. During this time I was still deciding on doing a volunteering job for AIESEC. It was my luck to have my sister as my AIESEC...

The Importance of Self-Awareness for a Leader

The Importance of Self-Awareness for a Leader

We often try to identify our existence with our position in society, friends, and family, the desires of our bodies, and the emotional and intellectual expressions of our minds. For instance, we might introduce ourselves as ‘I am a business administration student, and...

3 Tips to Stay Motivated During Lockdown

3 Tips to Stay Motivated During Lockdown

Normally it can be difficult to stay motivated when working or studying. Now, the pandemic forces the most of us to work and study at home, staying motivated can become an even bigger issue. Some important things to keep track of during the pandemic to stay motivated...

Exchange in Sri Lanka

Exchange in Sri Lanka

My time in Sri Lanka The most incredible and heart-warming experience I had this summer, was working at a school in Sri Lanka. The school specializes in teaching children with autism and down syndrome. An exceptional aspect to mention about the school, is that the...

6 tips for Effective Communication

6 tips for Effective Communication

Have you ever wondered how effective your communication is? No matter if you believe that you are an expert or an amateur of communication, improving your ability to communicate is an endless process. In this blog, you will find 6 fundamental ways that will help you...

Leadership in times of crisis

Leadership in times of crisis

Hi! I’m Sonida, 21 years old and currently studying International Studies at Leiden University. This year, I decided I wanted to challenge myself further by applying for AIESEC Leiden. I’m now the online marketing manager and I’m really liking it thus far. Being able...

6 tips for better time management

6 tips for better time management

6 tips for better time-management How often do you find yourself overwhelmed by all the deadlines, responsibilities and to-do’s as a student? Trying to balance our studies with part-time jobs, volunteering, sports or just maintaining a social life is one of the...

When Can I Go on Exchange Again?

When Can I Go on Exchange Again?

Traveling alone or going on exchange to another country might be one of the things you want to do during your student time or before you get a serious job. Exploring new places and meeting new people are certainly a fun experience and contribute to your personal...

Sustainable Development Goals in times of COVID-19

Sustainable Development Goals in times of COVID-19

2015 the United Nations General Assembly set The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or The Global Goals. These goals aim to tackle and find solutions to various issues, such as poverty, climate change, etc., and should be achieved by 2030. However, on the journey to...

Why Should You Volunteer?

Why Should You Volunteer?

Volunteering seems a waste of time and effort without gaining anything in return to some people, are you one of them? It’s okay if you are, because in this blog we will explain to you why you should consider doing volunteer work and how it will be beneficial to you...

Interested?

Take the first step.

Book a free consultation call in one of our cities to explore your opportunities!