1. Brasil A life-changing experience

2. Why was I there? Location Ethnic backgrounds My experience What I saw?

3. Rotary Exchange Student Left in July/August of 1982

4. Our summer/their winter

5. Santa Catarina (help·info) ("Saint Catherine"; Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɐ̃ta kataˈɾina] [1] ) is a state in southern Brazil with one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. Its capital is Florianópolis, which mostly lies on the Santa Catarina Island. Neighboring states are Rio Grande do Sul to the south and Paraná to the north. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the west it borders the province of Misiones, Argentina. Most of its inhabitants are descendants of Portuguese, German and Italian immigrants. Santa CatarinahelpinfoSaint Catherine[ˈsɐ̃ta kataˈɾina] [1]stateBrazilFlorianópolisSanta Catarina IslandRio Grande do SulParanáAtlantic OceanMisionesArgentina PortugueseGermanItalian The beaches along the coast of 561 kilometers (348 miles) are a great attraction for tourists visiting the smallest State of the South Region. Florianópolis, the capital, is on an island and is one of the Brazilian cities that receives the most foreign tourists. To the south, Garopaba is the preferred destination of surfers looking for good waves. In the mountain region, São Joaquin is the attraction during winter because of its low temperatures. Blumenau, in the interior of Santa Catarina, is the stage for one of the biggest events of the country: the Oktoberfest, a traditional beer party originated from Germany, that happens in October. The heritage of the Italian, German and Portuguese immigrants can be seen in the architecture and the customs of the state. Joinville is Santa Catarina's largest city.beachestouristsFlorianópolistouristsBlumenauOktoberfestGermanyItalianGermanPortugueseimmigrants architecturecustomsJoinville

7. Videira, Santa Catarina

10. My first host family was German My second host family was Italian My closest friends were Italian/German Didn’t look American/Northern Brasilian

12. Only 1 person spoke English Kids go away for high school Went to a Catholic “trade school” Learning to be a teacher Walked to school

14. In July it is still cool; needed jacket December – celebrated Christmas at the Country Club pool and with a barbecue January – spend month near Florianopolis

17. February – spend week celebrating Mardi Gras April/May it starts getting cold (mid 40 degrees) June - Flooding in my town/had to fly out

18. San Paolo Contrast between very poor and wealthy Open markets

19. Porto Allegre – much cooler because it’s south

20. Gaucho

21. Very friendly Iguana while sun-bathing Special tea Mexican novella’s

22. Best time – beach