Hello there! I’m Matt, and I’m thrilled to share that this summer I have an exciting adventure ahead of me in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I’ll be immersing myself in a Portuguese language study program, seeking to deepen my proficiency in this beautiful language. It’s the perfect opportunity for me after completing a demanding first year in the Keough School’s Master of Global Affairs program. A busy finals season just wrapped up where I dedicated myself to extensive research and writing. Even though it admittedly meant sacrificing sleep, I also managed to pack up my apartment in South Bend, as I won’t be returning until January 2024.
This language study experience in Brazil serves as a steppingstone for my upcoming Fall 2023 off-campus internship. I’m incredibly fortunate to have secured a position with an international organization that focuses on research and advocacy, specifically aimed at promoting recognition and protection for the LGBTIQ+ community. It’s a cause I am deeply passionate about, and I can’t wait to contribute to their noble mission. However, while my previous professional experiences have focused on this human rights research and advocacy in Latin America, my limited Portuguese has meant I have not been able to delve into work on Brazil.
Brazil boasts a reputation as a melting pot of cultures and its LGBTIQ+ community forms an integral part of this mosaic. By learning Portuguese, my hope is to build bridges of understanding and empathy. I aim to be better equipped to connect with locals, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn firsthand about the experiences, joys, and struggles of the LGBTIQ+ community in the country. It is my fervent belief that cultural exchange and dialogue are catalysts for change. The last time I was in Brazil, I was a child and have since lost my grasp on Portuguese. Coming back after years of living in different parts of the world is definitely going to feel like a full circle, and I am heading into this new experience with an open mind and ready to learn about the Cidade Maravilhosa.
Matt