How Your Cultural Immersion in Brazil Will Change You

Brazilian city skyline aerial view

Brazil is the largest country in South America and the sixth most populous in the world. It’s also one of the most ethnically diverse nations, which will make your cultural immersion a rich and interesting experience.

The country’s five regions reflect the nation’s ethnic diversity; Brazilians of European, Japanese, indigenous and African ancestry have created a true melting pot, which you can experience at many unique festivals like the Boi Bumba in Parintins, Amazonas. The three-day folklore festival features dancing, singing, and parades that will help to expand your cultural learning and awareness.

Learning to love farofa

With respect to food, you’ll learn to love farofa, a fried cassava flour that Brazilians serve alongside the main meal, mix with eggs, or use as stuffing for poultry. It’s also likely you’ll try to develop a taste for feijoada, Brazil’s national dish made with beans and either pork or beef. And your breakfast may no longer consist of eggs or cereal; pão de queijo, literally “cheese bread,” is a popular snack and breakfast food that’s found in supermarkets and bakeries.

Embracing a work-life balance

If you’re someone who’s used to spending late hours at the office, you might find yourself embracing Brazilian’s more balanced approach to life. While Brazilians strive to do good work, at the end of the workday they leave their work behind to spend time doing something that brings them joy. And there’s no shortage of activities, from going to the beach to drinking passion fruit juice from the corner juice bar.

Communicating across cultures, even with strangers

Brazilians are very warm and friendly. You’ll find they engage you in conversation at the store or as you go about your day-to-day activities. Even if you’re shy, you’ll find yourself chatting with strangers much more often.

Letting go of punctuality 

If you’re the type of person who’s always on time, you may find it hard to adjust to Brazilians’ relaxed approach to punctuality. Don’t expect a social gathering like a barbeque to start at the time you’re given. If you arrive at that time, you may be the only one there, and the host may not have even started any preparations!

Becoming more patient

Things like getting a visa or buying property involve what seems to be endless amounts of paperwork. Dealing with the bureaucracy will prove frustrating, but it’s a real part of life in Brazil, and you’ll have to be patient.

Expressing how you feel is ok

Are you used to responding “OK” every time someone asks how you’re doing?  Brazilians are very open and will easily share their feelings. So, whether they’re angry or frustrated, you’ll know. This candid approach is one you might not be used to, but it will bring a new dimension to your social interactions.