Fabiola Inés Velenzuela Isla is the first participant of the program
Photo: Mariana Haupenthal
In an attempt to bring together practicum work and an international experience, Chilean student Fabiola Inés Velenzuela Isla came to PUCRS in Mar 2018 as an intern under the program for Internships and research for international students. The program’s goal is to open the university’s doors to students from partner universities for an internship or research in any of the departments of the institution.
Fabiola, a Commercial Engineering major at Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, is the first student to take part in the program and is now working at the Laboratory for Evaluation and Research in Physical Activity (Lapafi), of the School of Health Sciences. “My peers and professors have helped me out and I feel part of the team. They provide me support in areas I still don’t understand very well and help me with Portuguese”, says she.
For Professor Dr Rafael Reimann Baptista, her internship advisor, international students bring several benefits to the University. “This is such a relevant program since it promotes internationalization, academic mobility and interdisciplinary work”, comments he.
Professional experiences
During her internship she had the chance to bring theory and practice together. In her everyday life, she looks at the workplace routine in order to spot a problem or opportunity and find a solution for them. “Here at PUCRS, I oversee my peers, I evaluate their performance and promote events and other actions of interest to the laboratory”, comments.
An international experience allows me to come in contact with other cultures, ideas and modes of thinking. “All of that has been helpful for my adaptation. Also, having an international experience in my curriculum gives me more visibility. Working abroad will help me create a large network of contacts, as I will have the chance to meet a number of people who might be able to help me in my future, both personally and professionally”, adds Fabíola.
Adaptation in Brazil
Isla claims that this experience has been very helpful for her personal development. “Adaptation is very easy, there are many students on mobility wishing to learn more about the city and its surroundings and the Brazilian colleagues are willing to help if we have any questions”, says she.
One of the recommendations she makes for those wishing to come to Brazil to work is to look at things from a different perspective. “Traditions, working routines, mentality, everything is different and you have to know how to adapt. I also suggest that applicants learn some Portuguese to make things easier”, complements she.
The Academic Mobility team will be available for further information about Internships and research for international students at PUCRS on [email protected]. Successful applicants must be enrolled in a partner institution. They must be at least 18 years of age, present a valid passport and meet the requirements of the selected project. Click here to see the list of opportunities.
