My name is Brianna McDowell, I’m near ending my fourth year at Northeastern University with a major in Communications and a minor in Portuguese. I decided to study abroad in Portugal this upcoming fall semester in order to better become proficient in my Portuguese language skills. By living and study in a new country I will broaden my view of the world and experience different cultures first handedly.
After college I would like to either move to Portugal or Brazil for a year and teach English. After that I hope to find a job that allows me to travel around the world. I’ve been to Brazil twice, both as a student on a Dialogue and as a TA for a Dialogue to Brazil. This however, will be my first time to Europe! I’m beyond excited to see all that Europe has to offer, travel to different countries and experience different cultures. By immersing myself in the Portuguese culture I believe I will be able to achieve my goals more quickly. Even though I have been studying Portuguese for a couple of years now, I still fear that I will experience culture shock. I’ve only ever practiced my Portuguese when in Brazil, however I have never had to speak completely in Portuguese for long periods of time. Although, with persistency and practice I believe I will overcome my fear.
