The friendliness and warm hospitality of Brazilians were undoubtedly important factors in the decision of the young French student Achile Domens to choose the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) to pursue his studies in Nuclear Engineering. He was one of more than 70 students present at Welcome Day, an event organized by the International Relations Office (SGRI) that takes place every year before the beginning of the academic term to welcome new students arriving at the University from different parts of the world. The reception took place on the morning of Friday, March 6, at the Center for Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CCMN).
Germany, Argentina, Benin, Canada, Colombia, France, Spain, Finland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Suriname, and many other countries had representatives at Welcome Day. According to Achile Domens, who came from Bordeaux in southwestern France, contact with Brazilian friends who studied in his home country and encouragement from his Brazilian girlfriend were important factors. However, Brazil’s scientific development was crucial in his decision to choose the country to advance his career as an engineer.
The excellence of Brazilian education also motivated students from neighboring and more distant countries. Medical student Jill Stephanie Morsen is the first representative from Suriname to enroll at UFRJ. “I came because of the education. Being in Brazil is a challenge for me, since I have neither relatives nor friends here, but I hope to make many soon,” she said with a smile. From Benin, also to study Medicine, came Romulus Kedote, who has already been in Brazil for a year and likewise praises the country’s educational training in the health field.
For the Superintendent of International Relations, Andrea Belfort Duarte, this is an enriching moment both for UFRJ and for the students who are here, whether for a short or long period, due to the exchange of knowledge from different cultures and countries. “They arrive from universities that are also highly regarded, but the interaction goes beyond the exchange of scientific knowledge, as it also involves cultural and linguistic exchange. This contact with people inside and outside the University in everyday life means that everyone benefits. It is a way for UFRJ to go beyond not only its scientific mission but also its social mission through this mix of peoples, promoting mutual understanding and peace in our world,” she said.
Rector Roberto Medronho attended the opening of the event alongside Vice-Rector Cássia Turci. He emphasized the importance of unity among peoples and of a welcoming outlook toward peace among nations, showing sympathy and knowledge when speaking about each of the students’ countries. “How diverse is this beautiful world we live in, and how wonderful that is for all of us. We have distinct cultures and histories from countries that now meet at UFRJ. Take advantage of this exchange and do not miss the opportunity to get to know one another better. Not only share your adaptations to Brazilian culture, but also experience lessons in religious and sexual tolerance and in different ways of seeing the world. Personal growth comes from being tolerant and being willing to listen to others,” he said.
Vice-Rector Cássia Turci highlighted that students will have the opportunity to engage with many fields of knowledge, as UFRJ offers 176 undergraduate programs across different campuses. “This academic experience is very important, and living alongside different cultures is crucial for personal growth. UFRJ students are not only from Rio de Janeiro, but also from other states in Brazil. This should be taken full advantage of, because it is very enriching,” she said.
Students were welcomed by representatives from several academic units (Fine Arts, Accounting, Economics, Architecture, Mathematics, Polytechnic, Physics, History, and Social Sciences), UFRJ deanships, and student organizations, such as Interpoli, which is always present at reception events for international students. In short, in speeches alternating between Portuguese and English, everyone conveyed the message that members of the academic community were willing to contribute in some way to make their stay in Rio de Janeiro and at UFRJ a remarkable experience.
