“Going abroad was important for me so that I can differentiate my business curriculum at Fisher with global perspectives and insights. International business is fundamental to all business done in the United States and Brazil helped me understand how integral South American resources and infrastructure are to the global economy,” reflected Jacob Brodson, a marketing major who participated in the Fisher College of Business Honors Cohort Global Lab in Brazil over winter break.
The program centers around a group case study competition, where students work with business undergraduates from the University of São Paulo (FEAUSP) on a project involving a Brazilian non-profit, Litro de Luz.
“The program built up my confidence and experience in working with people that are in other countries. As firms diversify themselves and expand their presence in more countries abroad, this will be such valuable experience to have throughout my career. Furthermore, I have a lot more confidence when it comes to the potential of working in another country as well. We met with multiple Ohio State alumni who embraced having a full-time position in another country that has now become their home,” said Brodson.
Other trip highlights included a visit to Ohio State's Brazil Gateway, Deloitte in Rio, FactSet in Sāo Paulo and other cultural sites including Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer.
“From this experience I learned that despite language/cultural barriers, creating strong connections with people from other countries is very attainable. All it takes is both people embracing and accepting one another, and a connection/bond can always be created. This was the case with the Brazilian students from FEAUSP that we were so fortunate to work with. They embraced us with open-arms and created a welcoming environment for all of us.”
Some of Brodson’s favorite memories were playing soccer and volleyball with the cohort and other Brazilian students, as well as taking some time for quiet reflection in Brazil’s wildlife.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was the moment of meditation that we took in the bamboo forest at Sinal do Vale, an organization that is working to restore Brazillian natural rainforest. The beauty of the bamboo and the running water of the river next to us was therapeutic and a brand-new type of biodiversity I had never seen before.”