The Spring 2025 semester took students and faculty on a new international experience, all the way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This inaugural course captured the hearts and minds of the cohort. Janna Fouly, BSW ’24 and current MSW student, shares how the trip impacted her social work journey.

What were some of the most meaningful moments you experienced during this course to Brazil?

Throughout the course, we worked on group projects in collaboration with a service organization in Brazil called Instituto LAR, which supports unhoused individuals. During our visit, I experienced one of the most meaningful moments of the trip, which was volunteering and connecting with many of the individuals who benefit from their services. I had the opportunity to speak with regular volunteers and learn more about their experiences, interact with community members, serve refreshments and other needed items, help package food, share our photovoice projects, play games, dance, and simply enjoy each other’s presence.

Another meaningful experience was visiting a Native village in Brazil, Instituto Nhandereko. During our visit, we had the opportunity to hear the perspectives of the Guarani people and listen to their stories of both hardship and resilience. Learning about their ongoing fight to reclaim their land, while also experiencing their art, music, homes, and food, was truly moving and powerful. It has inspired me to learn more about Native life and culture, not only in Brazil, but also in the United States and beyond.

Truly, my whole experience and time spent in Brazil, whether it was visiting different social services to learning more about Brazil and its history, has been very meaningful.

How did experiencing social work in Brazil reshape your understanding of the profession compared to your experiences in the U.S.?

Social work is a broad field with many different paths, and it was valuable to see how it is practiced in Brazil. This experience gave us not only a global perspective but also the chance to compare and contrast social work in Brazil with what we know from other contexts in the US. I learned about Brazil’s policies on specific areas such as immigration and migration, after visiting an organization called PARES Caritas RJ which is a refugee and asylum seeker assistance program, and how those processes look within their system.

This experience added valuable tools to both my professional social work toolkit and my personal perspective. As the trip came to an end, what helped me the most was remembering that this is just the beginning. There’s so much more to learn and explore, and I feel even more motivated to connect social work with broader global challenges and opportunities.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced preparing for, and participating in, this course, and how did you adapt?

One of the biggest challenges was navigating the language barrier. While I picked up a few helpful phrases, especially for greeting people at Instituto LAR, it was still difficult not being able to fully understand what many of the organization leaders were sharing. We were fortunate to have interpreters, and their support was greatly appreciated. At the same time, it sometimes felt challenging to rely on them so heavily. Despite that, they were always patient, willing to answer our questions, translate what we didn’t understand, and help us learn more about Brazil.

What did you learn from collaborating with your Brazilian colleagues, and how did those relationships shape your time in Brazil?

There was so much to learn from our Brazilian colleagues as they shared their lives, stories, and experiences with us. Through deep discussions, we were able to explore not only the differences between Brazil and the U.S., but also the many similarities when visiting each site together and getting to know each other. Working together on our projects with Instituto LAR and the photovoice activity helped us reflect on our own privileges and deepen our understanding of unhoused populations. We bonded through food, music, media, education, and more. Our Brazilian peers helped us see their country through their eyes, offering insight through their personal perspectives and stories. We exchanged photos, memories, and experiences, and in the process, built meaningful connections. Many of us made lifelong friends with people we truly hope to meet again one day.

What words of advice do you have for fellow students who may take an international course?

My advice is to always go for it! Studying abroad gives you lifelong memories and invaluable experiences. It’s more than just visiting Brazil; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. You won’t regret it. This experience not only helps you learn what’s needed for the class, but also allows you to grow personally. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. And the best part is it’s all unique to you. What you take away from it will be shaped by your own journey, connections, and reflections.

Janna’s unforgettable experience in Brazil was made possible thanks to generous donors to the School of Social Work. In 2025, the Social Work Study Abroad Fund helped turn her opportunity into reality.

If you would like to learn more about supporting study abroad opportunities at the School of Social Work, please contact Nathan Goebel.