Exchange program attracts more and more Amazonians

Newly arrived from Colombia, 23-year-old architect Anne Sousa tells with excitement how it was to spend a few weeks immersed in a new culture.

Whether to increase the cultural baggage, experience a new job opportunity, learn a new language, make friends around the world or enrich the resume, the exchange has attracted more and more Amazonians.

An example of who opted for this type of experience is the student of the 10th period of Civil Engineering, Naianne Pereira, 24, who at the end of the year had the chance to get to know Peru. "It was the best experience I have ever had in my life. I worked in a social project, which built houses for the needy, and I was camped in a community to help eight families to have a new home at Christmas. This was very rewarding," she says.

Another advantage that the exchange gave her was the chance to meet people from all over the world. "During the week we worked in the project office and on the weekends we stayed in the community. During six weeks I had contact with several professionals and university students from different countries", remembers Naianne.

Recently arrived from Colombia, the architect Anne Sousa, 23 years old, tells with animation how was to spend a few weeks immersed in a new culture. "I stayed with a family, who helped me a lot with the language and with getting around the city," said the professional.

The young woman reveals that the choice of the exchange was motivated by working as a volunteer in an ecological park project in the city of Cúcuta: "My TCC (End of Course Work) was focused on sustainability, so I was very interested in being part of something related to the theme", she explains.

The architect says that going on exchange helped her to be more independent and to plan to achieve what she wants. "With all the experience I had, I learned that the world is too small to live only in one place," says Anne.