I am originally from São Paulo, Brazil, but I have lived in China (Shanghai) as well. This has given me an opportunity to travel to places I only saw in maps as a kid. It has also let me meet people from countries I didn't know existed. I have made lasting friendships from these trips, and have often gone back to visit people in their home countries. I love to travel - especially by bus or train. And I firmly believe that though hostels are sometimes dirty, they are the best type of accommodation if you really want to see and meet people!

I received an MA. in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech and I am currently a PhD student in Instructional Technology at the University of Georgia. My interests surround the intersection between information and communication technologies, literacy, democratic education, and educational policy. I believe that intercultural exchange can provide the cognitive tools a willing student needs to make sense of globalization. [at the left, me and my grandmother]