Led by Dr. James L. Moore III, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the College of Education and Human Ecology offered the education abroad program during this past spring break. Titled, “Higher Education in Brazil: Access, Equity, and Opportunity,” this education abroad experience took place in the Bahia region of Brazil.

The course aims to expose Ohio State students to educational access and equity challenges in Brazil commonly experienced by low-income and first-generation college students enrolled in American universities and colleges. 

More specifically, this education abroad experience helps student participants gain a better understanding of the role of higher education in Brazil and the educational needs of low-income and first-generation students, particularly Afro-Brazilians. Students also acquire greater understanding of how race, socioeconomic status and gender impact educational and social opportunities for Afro-Brazilian youth. The education abroad experience included discussions with university faculty and visits to elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions, and historical and cultural sites in Brazil.

“One major lesson I picked up from the trip was from our dance instructor, Antonio Cozido,” said Kyle McKinney, undergraduate student at Ohio State. “He taught us that it all starts with your attitude and allowing yourself to be open to new things and loving yourself can really change the scope of your narrative when it comes to moving throughout life.”

The trip was facilitated by the Clara Ramos Institute, an educational and travel provider that has been collaborating with Ohio State in the Bahia region since 2010.

For more information about the program, contact Grace Johnson.