Infinite Possibilities: My Exchange Experience at the University of São Paulo
My name is Ianira Vieira, and I am a master's student in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges. As a person who has lived in different countries, I have always had an interest in exploring different cultures and understanding complex global issues from diverse perspectives.
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Throughout my academic journey, I have pursued opportunities that combine rigorous intellectual challenges with meaningful real-world experiences, which led me to the University of São Paulo (USP).
This exchange programme not only expanded my academic horizons but also allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant culture and dynamic social environment of São Paulo, Brazil.
For me, the experience of being at the University of São Paulo has been a transformative intellectual and cultural venture, marked by the academic quality of the curriculum and the captivating vibrancy of São Paulo's city environment.
The University of São Paulo selection for my mobility semester was an obvious option, given its excellent reputation and the variety of experiences it offered, including an internship and courses in different academic fields. In addition, my preference for USP was facilitated by the support I received not only from the Department of Government but also from the Centre on Law & Social Transformation (LawTransform), which provided valuable assistance in navigating the bureaucratic hurdles of visas, residence and other formalities, in addition to financial support, allowing me to immerse myself in the opportunities available. Another factor in my decision to choose USP was the connection with some Brazilian people I had met in Bergen LawTransform. This connection made it easier for me to adapt to a new environment and gave me a sense of continuity.
The courses I registered for were varied. I divided my time between classes, usually 3-4 hours long, and an internship near the law school. The three courses I attended - Political Institutions and Inequality, Constitutional Theory and Climate Justice - provided unique perspectives and challenges. The Constitutional Theory course, taught by Professor Conrado Hübner Mendes, one of the partners of Autocratization Dynamics project (Intpart), was a pleasant surprise. Although I had previously considered constitutional law to be "boring", this course completely changed my perception. The focus on judicial ethics, discussed with humour and intellect, made it an absorbing course. The Climate Justice course, taught by Professor Danielle Hanna Rached, a partner in the Autocratization Dynamics project (Intpart), distinguished itself by its collaborative, interactive and circular format. This, combined with its practical relevance, was one of the most surprising and memorable aspects of the course - a space for genuine exchange where different perspectives contributed to the debate and expanded my vision of justice in the context of the climate crisis. I have also had the privilege of meeting new people, especially fellow students, whom I have the audacity to call friends. These relationships have contributed immensely to my experience and added a new dimension to my academic and personal development.
The internship at IDDD- Instituto de Defesa do Direito de Defesa, an organisation dedicated to the transformation of the Brazilian justice system, provided me with a practical and dynamic understanding of human rights advocacy in a context often defined by inequality and punitive bias. This experience was an excellent complement to the theoretical knowledge I acquired in the first year of my Master's programme in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges, allowing me to apply these academic insights to concrete real-world scenarios. It also brought a tangible dimension to discussions on justice and human rights and has increased my perspective on the complexity of Brazil's legal and social structures. Overall, this was an invaluable experience that challenged and inspired me and will undoubtedly have a profound impact on both my professional and personal journey.
My stay coincided with a defining political moment in Brazil: the 2024 municipal elections. In São Paulo, these elections were particularly significant, reflecting the national discourse on issues such as public security, housing, urban mobility and social inequality. The size and complexity of the city made the campaigns intense and diverse. It was fascinating to watch how candidates mobilised different segments of the population and how political communication used local issues to engage voters. The high point - or low point, depending on your point of view - was the controversial 'cadeirada' during a televised election debate on TV Cultura. This absurd but unforgettable episode became a symbol of the tensions that characterised the elections. Even as an observer, participating in these conversations gave me a deeper insight into the political and social dynamics of the city, while also informing the discussions in my classes.
Beyond my academic commitments, São Paulo proved to be a culturally vibrant city with endless opportunities for exploration. Living near a theatre, I had the privilege of attending operas, ballets, symphony concerts and other captivating performances. I often visited the various branches of the SESC, a prestigious non-profit institution celebrated for its cultural activities, where I attended sessions with renowned authors such as Mia Couto and Agualuza, as well as joyous concerts of Brazilian popular music. The rehearsals of the Afro-Brazilian group Ilú Obá offered unique and rewarding experiences that allowed me to connect deeply with Afro-Brazilian culture. The samba circles in the bars were another highlight, providing an authentic and lively experience for anyone who appreciates music and dance. The city's incredible museums and concerts by artists I had never thought I would see added to the experience. In fact, it is this extraordinary accessibility to such a rich cultural tapestry that I will miss the most.
The gastronomic delights were also a chapter in themselves. From traditional dishes such as feijoada, moqueca and pão de queijo to the abundance of tropical fruits, exploring the local cuisine was a constant source of pleasure. São Paulo's renowned culinary diversity did not disappoint, as I enjoyed everything from exceptional sushi to meals at local markets, where I tried delicacies such as pamonha and acarajé. These gastronomic moments, shared with friends and colleagues, were as meaningful as the experiences in the classroom or at cultural events.
I would strongly recommend that you do an exchange at the University of São Paulo. Although the prospect may seem intimidating at first, especially considering the imposing size and fast-paced atmosphere of São Paulo, I can assure you that a world of infinite possibilities is waiting for you. From USP's extraordinary range of academic options to São Paulo's artistic dynamism, both the city and the university offer endless academic and cultural opportunities.