Tiia: I learnt about really different kind working environment and working culture. It made me more adaptable and I learnt how to act in new situations and work with different kinds of people. I also learnt a lot about fundraising in Brazil, which is quite different than in Finland. Also I learnt about Brazilian culture and people and the society. I have never met such friendly and helpful people in anywhere else.

BE: What changes did you notice on yourself?

Tiia: I feel that is easier to adapt myself to different kinds of environments. I can interact better with different kinds of people in a work setting. Facing big and small challenges in everyday made me much stronger and more confident. I feel I can take greater challenges in my future career.
People that I met in Brazil were really helpful and warm so I want to be more open and helpful also.

BE: What has the experience added to your resume? 

Tiia: I think having a working experience from abroad will automatically distinguish my resume. I also gained a lot of experience about fundraising and I can take bigger challenges in my working life.

BE: What did you like most about your project?

Tiia: The people and the working environment. Everybody were really friendly and welcoming from the start. Even though we had a lots of communication problems, because I don’t speak Portuguese everybody were really supportive and patient trying to understand me. I felt that I was really part of the organization and we were like a family. Also I had a great amount of responsibility and my work was independent which I liked.  

BE: Would you come back to Brazil?

Tiia: Definitely yes.  I saw just a scratch of Brazil and there are many places to see.

BE: What motivates you?

Tiia: People that I met in the organization. I’ve never met such strong and warm women and working with them was really inspirational.

BE: What was the highlight of your experience in Brazil?

Tiia: There were so many highlights that I can’t just pick one. Maybe the highlight is just the people that I met and the friendships that I made.

BE: Would you recommend this program?

Tiia: Yes. Everyone should do it. You will learn a lot about other cultures and especially about yourself.

BE: A word or sentence in Portuguese to summarize your experience.

Tiia: Experiência muito legall! (A very cool experience!)