Hello, my name is Flavia, and I am from Brazil. I participated in the English Language Programs (ELP) to learn English in an immersive environment, which I accomplished in July 2024.
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
“I didn’t expect to meet so many people from different nationalities, which was a pleasant surprise, and led to a rich cultural exchange.”
This quote, which is displayed in the university bookstore, guided my journey in the ELP. Shifting my mindset to think in English in all situations was a great challenge, but also an incredible experience. It’s fascinating to realize that you can communicate with someone who doesn’t speak your native language and still understand each other perfectly. I wish everyone could experience this.
I really appreciated the teachers, as they made knowledge accessible and provided me with insightful feedback on what I was doing well and what I could improve, which was essential for enhancing my English communication. I also appreciated the entire structure that the University of Pennsylvania, as an Ivy League university, provides.
I had the opportunity to visit beautiful and famous places like Washington, DC (the capital), and Philadelphia, where I spent the most time. Additionally, I was able to immerse myself in American culture by attending my first baseball game.
I didn’t expect to meet so many people from different nationalities, which was a pleasant surprise, and led to a rich cultural exchange. I met people from various parts of the world, such as China, Japan, Chile, Mexico, Poland, and more.
All these experiences made me a better person and opened my mind to the possibilities in life. Now, I feel more confident in communicating in English, giving presentations, and learning other languages with the goal of meeting more people.
I will never forget my first class and my first conversation with someone who didn’t speak Portuguese, as those were the moments when I realized that I was understanding and communicating. This motivated me even more to improve my English. I am very grateful for the opportunity.
