Home University: Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Brazil
Major: Law
Post-Graduation Plans: Attend graduate school

Why did you choose to study at Temple University? What advantages did Temple offer you over other Study Abroad and Exchange programs?
I chose Temple University for a few different reasons. The first was the partnership established with my university, which made the application process very simple. Since I paid tuition to my home university, the partnership also made the experience financially possible for me. 

Another great reason was the large number of classes offered. The attention the university places on diversity was really attractive to me and made it possible for me to choose great classes that dealt with minority rights.

What is your favorite thing about going to school in Philadelphia and at Temple?
My favorite part of going to Temple was having the college experience in the middle of a big city. Philadelphia offers many different entertainment options. Although it is an extremely modern city, it also has a great historical heritage. Therefore, I was able to enjoy both great festivals and restaurants as well as incredible museums. My favorite pastime was trying traditional foods from different cultures, especially in Chinatown!

How has studying abroad enhanced your university experience?
Studying abroad has made me a whole different student. Classes have a completely different style from my country. I spent much less time in the classroom than I am accustomed to. On the other hand, I had a much greater amount of homework.

The need to survive in a different country also brought me out of my comfort zone. I had to search for new friends and seek help in various situations, which made me a much more outgoing person. All these different experiences certainly made me a more independent and versatile student.

What are your career plans? 
I intend to pursue an academic career. After graduating, I will pursue my master's and doctorate degrees. My goal is to be a law professor, working specifically in the human rights field. It would certainly be great to achieve part of these goals studying abroad again. I'll seek to go to a graduate school outside my country, for example.

How has Temple University made you more competitive in the job market?
The content I learned at Temple helped me to become differentiated in my field of study. The classes I chose were focused on the relationship of minority groups with the law. This content helped me build arguments to avoid following any law blindly. I improved my ability to analyze the law as an instrument that can also cause injustice. It is notable that these classes have made me more competitive in the human rights field.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience so far at Temple University and being a part of Global Programs?
Being an exchange student at Temple was certainly one of the best experiences in my whole life. There was no single moment when I did not feel more than welcome by the Office of International Affairs and the entire university. I had so much fun with all the different events carefully prepared especially for the international students. Although I was not a degree-seeking student here, I'm sure that I'm at least a little bit #TempleMade. Because Temple certainly made a difference in me.