Building Global Understanding: Social Work Students in Rio de Janeiro
The Spring 2026 semester saw students and faculty travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of the School’s Global Programs. Amalia Thompson, a BSW student, shares the experiences and impacts of the trip.
What were some of the most meaningful moments you experienced during this course to Brazil?
The most meaningful moments that occurred during the time of this course were the very heartfelt and informative interactions at the various NGOs that we had the chance to visit. Hearing and seeing the ways that social workers and volunteers were working to combat rates of homelessness and poverty in the area was truly inspiring, and initiated a sense of hope and purpose for me personally.
In what ways did observing social work practices in Brazil broaden or challenge your perspective on the field?
This trip not only made me challenge my perspectives toward social work as a whole but also helped me to broaden my view of what social work should/can look like worldwide. One aspect of the trip that helped me see the different approaches to care was witnessing how the homeless shelter Instituto Lar operates in its day-to-day management. The shelter helps to provide comprehensive care to its visitors with programs such as art therapy and community games, and also in covering basic essentials for the people of Rio like food, water, shelter, and hygiene. In seeing the well-rounded and effective services Instituto Lar provided to people in need, it made me wonder: how can we model these conditions in the U.S? I believe that social workers in the U.S could greatly benefit from implementing the methodologies that are used in various countries, and that the helping profession can continue to grow in learning and adapting.
What aspects of the course or travel experience required the most adjustment, and how did you navigate them?
One area that I truly struggled with when arriving in Rio (as wonderful of a city it is) was the change in structure and routine. In the U.S, individuality has become the norm, and to go through your daily life fulfilling tasks and focusing on set goals and objectives can lead to a full Google calendar, but also an unattended life. That said, being able to traverse such a vibrant and warm country such as Brazil that thrives on community was both an intense change and a breath of fresh air. Even inside the small variations of sitting down and designating time to eat dinner with friends, or to have someone help you on the street with directions, when in Rio one truly gets the feeling that the city is there for you if you need it.
What did you learn from collaborating with your Brazilian colleagues, and how did those relationships shape your time in Brazil?
Upon first introduction to the Brazilian students we had been collaborating with on the course, I did not know what to expect. Due to limited course time there were not many opportunities to get to know each student before traveling to the country, however this completely changed when we met face to face. From the first interaction with the Campus B folks, our connections with one another formed right away and came very naturally. After working with these students and faculty members in a professional sense, it was also such a joy to get to know them personally and be able to explore their country with them. The insight and hospitality that was given to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students from our Brazilian colleagues was nothing short of amazing, and I am so pleased to be able to meet such amazing people that make saying goodbye hard.
What words of advice do you have for fellow students who may take an international course?
For students who are potentially considering going abroad, whether it be just a few weeks or a semester long course, I would definitely urge them to take the chance! Not only will the experiences you have on the trip be positively surreal, but you will also have the beneficial chance to find more information out about yourself, the world, and others. Being able to spend time in different environments helps you to see the differences, but also the clear similarities to your own everyday life, and will provide you with a more well-rounded and educated outlook into new customs and cultures.
Amalia’s memorable trip to Brazil was made possible thanks to generous donors to the School of Social Work and the Social Work Study Abroad Fund.
Upon applying for the SOCW 330/561 program, I was quite ambivalent for if I would actually take the trip, or not. However, after receiving the Social Work Study Abroad Fund, this impacted the financial struggles that were holding me back from attending and allowed me to make the decision to commit to the trip, which was one of the best decisions of my life. Without the Social Work Study Abroad Fund, I would not have had the privilege of having such a meaningful and beneficial experience with some of the most comforting people I have had the pleasure of meeting and would have never been able to grow professionally and personally. I am eternally grateful to be able to attend a school that helps individuals experience such life-changing events they never thought would be possible.
Amalia Thompson
If you would like to learn more about supporting study abroad opportunities at the School of Social Work, please contact Nathan Goebel.
