Beyond Borders: How Studying Abroad in Brazil Reaffirmed My Purpose

Written by Emma Calhoun; Edited by Norma Rodriguez
March 2025

This past January, I had the chance to study abroad in São Paulo, Brazil, through the Master of Arts in Higher Education (MHE) program. What started as a course on international higher education quickly turned into one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of not just grad school, but my life.

During this Winter Term experience, we focused on how political and historical forces shape higher education and student life. From the start, our group showed up with curiosity. We asked big questions, made space for reflection, and stayed open to learning not just from universities, but from community leaders, cultural centers, and the everyday moments around us.

What made the trip stand out was how we approached it. We didn’t just go on campus tours. We listened to activists, visited neighborhoods shaped by resistance, and stood in places that held powerful and painful truths about Brazil’s history. It grounded everything we were learning in real life.

The most impactful part for me was just being there. As a Black woman in a country where so many people look like me but where the legacy of slavery is still very real—it was both emotional and affirming. Seeing inequality firsthand was tough, but hearing from Black students and community leaders who are pushing for change gave me hope and reminded me why I do this work. Equity looks different in every context, but the need for it is universal. Whether in Brazil or the U.S., affirming students and challenging systems is essential.

One of the most valuable lessons our faculty leader, Dra., shared with us was the importance of not comparing everything to the U.S. She encouraged us to stay present and open, to not jump to conclusions about what’s “better” or “worse,” but to really listen and learn. That mindset helped us engage more thoughtfully and respectfully. We weren’t there to judge. We were there to understand.

This trip didn’t just add tools to my higher ed toolkit, it shifted how I see myself and the work I want to do. I came back from Brazil feeling more connected to my identity as part of the African Diaspora. There’s something really powerful about feeling at home in a place you’ve never been before. That sense of connection has stayed with me and deepened my interest in exploring race and equity on a global level.

It’s Not Just for Undergrads

Let’s be honest, when most people think of studying abroad, they think of undergrads. But grad students can gain just as much, if not more. At this stage in life, we bring more perspective, bigger questions, and a stronger ability to reflect. Studying abroad in grad school isn’t just about learning academically. It’s about growing personally and professionally.

Interested in learning about study abroad/away opportunities in Elon graduate programs? Here are some great options to check out:

  • MHE Program: Every second-year student takes part in a fully funded Winter Term study away. Past locations have included Brazil, Italy, Denmark and Sweden, Puerto Rico, and Japan. It’s a chance to explore higher education through a global lens with a strong focus on culture and context.
  • MBA Program: Offers optional trips to places like Italy, Singapore, and Vietnam, where you can learn about international business firsthand.
  • Global Learning Opportunities: Health sciences students can join hands-on programs in other countries and across the states that expand their understanding of global healthcare and community wellness.

If you thought your chance to study abroad ended after undergrad, think again. This experience reminded me how powerful it is to step outside your usual environment, ask real questions, and see both the world and yourself differently. Studying abroad in grad school isn’t just about travel. It’s about transformation.