Published: September 26, 2023

The Brazilian Student Union Welcomes All Students

The Brazilian Student Union (BRASA) is open to all students, regardless of nationality. 

Last semester, BRASA partnered with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a showing of the World Cup at the Benson Alex Risemen Aquatic Center on campus,

Brazilians rely on community, said Gabrielle Assad '25, of the club that was founded last year.

She and a group of friends noticed how many other Brazilian students were on campus, and that there was no organized way to connect with each other.

The organization aims to promote well-being and strengthen Brazilian culture and integrate Brazilians and anyone interested in learning about Brazil, according to their group mission statement. 

There are about 30-35 members of the club, who try to meet weekly, said Sophia Sampaio Amaral.

Because the club was so new last year, the leadership didn’t yet know about how to work with Student Government to receive funding, so they relied on partnerships with other clubs.

Last semester, they partnered with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for a showing of the World Cup at the Benson Alex Risemen Aquatic Center on campus, they partnered with Student Government to host diversity trivia and joined the African Students Association to make arts and crafts.

This year, Assad said the group is trying to add more of an academic element to the club, like lectures on how to get particular jobs and have Brazilian professors from the University come and speak to the students.

“It is really hard to arrive at the US as an international student, especially coming from a culture with so many peculiarities and being part of such a warming and welcoming people,” said Sampaio Amaral.

“BRASA's greatest aspiration is to establish a Brazilian community where we can experience a sense of belonging and rejoice in cherished memories with friends,” she added. 

You can keep up with the club on Instagram at instagram.com/brasa_at_ut/.