It’s spring semester, which means a huge wave of students have or are about to set off around the world for exciting semesters abroad. Here at The Hatchet we like to keep in touch with our staff members who go abroad, and throughout the semester, they will be sending updates to our Passports blog as well as some pieces in print.

Anne Wernikoff
Junior | American studies major
São Paulo, Brazil | CIEE São Paulo, Liberal Arts

Ever since I can remember, Brazil has been the one place I have wanted to travel to and never could. I cannot wait to immerse myself in a totally new culture and lifestyle: samba music, capoeira classes, the beach, the Amazon, and Carnival, of course. To be honest, the idea of going to a completely new place, staying with a family I have never met, going to school in a language I do not know and learning how to navigate a city of 19 million people is somewhat daunting. In fact, I am a bit terrified. But no matter what, I hope to learn enough Portuguese to be fluent, make lasting friendships, see the rainforest, and, most important, take some awesome photos!