US-Brazil Connect offers the opportunity for Brazilian students and USBC volunteers to develop their leadership skills while having the experience of a lifetime that nourishes personal growth.
I had not a moment of negativity, because my team and I chose to experience every moment to the fullest with upmost positive energetic energy. We supported one another with our strengths and encouraged each other to not hold ourselves back by being true to ourselves at all times.
This was a life changing experience for me that I carry with me every moment of everyday. The love and support I felt from my team of USBC and from my Brazilian students was so nourishing to for the development of my personal growth and as a professional.
I highly recommend everyone to partake in this life changing opportunity. If you can not come up with a legitimate reason to answer "Why not", then you must go.
This was the happiest time of my life.
Review from Guidestar
US-Brazil Connect offers an incredible program. Fellows and leaders are given the opportunity to be immersed in Brazilian culture with groups of high-school age students. US-Brazil Connect is a selective program and thus places much trust in its fellows. The participants then have significant responsibility and leeway to determine the outcome; which usually leads to life-transforming experiences. Expect to see many participants returning and remaining involved over the coming years. Overall, this program has amazing potential to change lives and offers a supportive environment in which to do so.
Review from Guidestar
US-Brazil Connect has been a fantastic organization to work with. I began my experience with USBC as a Global Leaders Fellow and later came on staff as a Team Coordinator.
From both experiences I'd have to say that the central staff and team leadership is above par. From their organizational structure to their overall mission, their foundational values are present in everything they do. They are quick to communicate with staff and fellows and have consistently gone above in beyond in making sure all partners are supported and succeeding in their work.
Their training programs for staff and fellows are thorough and cutting edge. They literally practice what they preach by making their training programs as engaging, dynamic, and educational as their programs on the ground in Brazil.
Coming from a background in citizen diplomacy and international exchanges, I'd have to say that USBC has been extremely innovative in how they leverage various social media platforms and communication technologies to connect people and improve lives. Not only does this increase their long-term impact but it also makes the program more financially sustainable. Through both their virtual and in-person portions of their program, USBC is fostering relationships across the globe in a way that traditional diplomats have never before.
Review from Guidestar
USBC is an incredible program! I love the participatory aspect of the program. There is a lot of accountability required of the students that get to participate, so it really feels like they are earning the experience. Not only do the students grow in leaps and bounds in their english development, but their understand of the world, their presentation, public speaking, teamwork, and communication skills grow as well. Everyone involved is really required to "show up" in a big way, and share a piece of themselves, their worldview, and how they want to make a difference.
I was very thankful to participate in USBC, and everyone I tell about it is amazing that such a great program exists. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Review from Guidestar