Why did you choose UBC for your Science Without Borders experience?
After I talked to my professor from Brazil (who did his PhD at UBC), I was convinced that choosing UBC as my first option was the right choice. It was a good surprise to find out that the university and the city are even more amazing than I expected.
How does university in Canada differ from university in Brazil?
The pace at UBC is much different than the one at my home university as does the way we are assessed. Here, we have assignments every week, so we are always busy. But once you adapt, everything goes fine. Also, my home university is smaller than UBC and doesn’t have residences on campus.
What opportunities are available to you at UBC that are not in Brazil?
At UBC I have the opportunity to live on campus, an experience I never thought I’d have. I am surrounded all the time by opportunities to learn. Also, I have the chance to meet people from all over the world. It’s incredible how many different nationalities are found at UBC!
What knowledge and experience will you bring back to Brazil?
I will be taking priceless experiences and knowledge back to Brazil. The greatest part about this exchange is that there is opportunity to grow as a human being, not only as a student. The best experiences I am having here are related to the environment. The Science Without Borders students here are amazed at how much Canadians care about environmental issues. I hope I can use everything I learned here in my home country and therefore contribute to Brazil’s development.
How will your UBC experience help you in your future studies and career?
I want to apply the ideas that function efficiently here in my future projects. I’ve seen so many initiatives here that I’ve never thought about and that I think it might work in my university or even in my future career as an engineer.
What’s your favourite thing to do on campus? In Vancouver?
When it is sunny, I like to go to the beach, parks, or any other places in the outdoors to take pictures and get to know the city. I also like going to restaurants and cafes. On campus, I like spending time with my friends on places like The Gallery.
