Author Archives: Lara Japiassu

During my experience here in Brazil, I am staying in my hometown, Niteroi, while working with a research group at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ) in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Usually, I leave my neighborhood of Piratininga here in Niteroi, and either take about an hour-long car ride over the Rio-NiteroiContinue reading “Mapping my Experience in Brazil”

As a nation with a long and complex history of indigenous heritage, colonization, immigration, and cultural syncretism, Brazil has a rich and diverse cultural environment. While this environment can vary significantly depending on the region of the country, one characteristic that fundamentally defines Brazil’s culture is the mixture of heritages and traditions from all aroundContinue reading “Community, Connection, and Identity”

From my first encounter with the Geocorpo group at UERJ, I immediately noticed the solidarity among students and professors, and the essential role it plays in the dynamics of the research group and its members’ contributions. Students here are always willing to help one another, whether through the exchange of academic resources and thoughtful contributionsContinue reading “Solidarity at UERJ”

My routine here in Brazil has been pretty busy, but I really like it!  Since the research group I am participating in is at the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), a lot of the work is done on campus, in the Maracanã neighborhood of Rio. This means that I often have to travel toContinue reading “My Routine in Brazil”

Hello again! This is the second week of my Global Scholars experience in Brazil, and I have been really enjoying getting to explore Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful scenery again. One central characteristic of Rio’s landscape that is immediately noticeable is the presence of informal housing developments, known as comunidades or favelas, throughout theContinue reading “Rio’s Urban Landscape and Economic Disparity”

Hi again!  I have been in Brazil for a little bit now, and I have been loving it so far. While I originally planned to start my experience volunteering at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology here, most of the federal universities and institutes here in Brazil have now been on strike seekingContinue reading “First week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!”

Hi! My name is Lara and I am a sophomore studying Political Science and International Affairs. I am from Niterói, Brazil, and this summer I will be going back to my hometown to volunteer as an assistant at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro. I will also be volunteeringContinue reading “Hi, I’m Lara!”