At our latest Rotary Halifax Harbour meeting, we enjoyed hearing from Simon, our outbound exchange student, who recently returned from a year-long adventure in Brazil. Simon’s presentation was not just a recount of his experiences but a reflection on the personal growth and cultural immersion he underwent during his exchange.
Simon spent his year in Natal, a vibrant city in northeast Brazil. With a population of 1.5 million and average temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius, it was a significant change from what Simon was used to back home in Nova Scotia. He shared how he quickly adapted to the warm climate, often sporting shorts and t-shirts as he embraced the laid-back coastal lifestyle. Natal’s location by the ocean offered Simon plenty of opportunities to try new activities like surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, which became regular parts of his routine.
Simon lived with two different host families, each giving him a unique perspective on life in Brazil. His first host family didn’t speak English, which was challenging at first but was a blessing in disguise. Simon was fully immersed in the language and culture, quickly picking up Portuguese to communicate with his host family and new friends. By the end of the year, Simon could converse comfortably in Portuguese—a skill he’s very proud of.
Simon’s second host family provided a larger, more communal experience. The host mother became a maternal figure for Simon and other exchange students in the area. Through this family, Simon developed close bonds with other exchange students, forming friendships that he believes will last a lifetime.
But it wasn’t all just fun and games. Simon got involved in several volunteer activities, from beach cleanups to assisting with flood relief efforts in southern Brazil. The local Rotary Club in Natal often organized these projects, and Simon spoke about how these experiences opened his eyes to the socio-economic challenges many Brazilians face. The local Rotary Club’s work to bridge the gap between different social classes left a lasting impression on him.
One of the highlights of Simon’s year was participating in Brazil’s famous Carnival. Although he didn’t make it to Rio for the iconic celebration, he enjoyed the festivities in Natal, where the streets were alive with music, dancing, and parades. Simon described Carnival as an incredible cultural experience where people of all ages come together to celebrate in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else.
As Simon reflected on his year, he emphasized the importance of being open to new experiences and cultures. The exchange taught him to be adaptable and independent, skills that will serve him well as he prepares to start university in the fall. Simon is excited to begin studying drama to become an actor—a dream he feels more prepared to pursue after his year abroad.
Rotary Halifax Harbour is incredibly proud of Simon and how he represented our club during his exchange. His experiences in Brazil are a testament to the value of Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program, which offers young people the chance to grow, learn, and make a difference in communities worldwide.
As Simon looks ahead, he’s eager to stay involved with Rotary, mainly through Rotex, where he can help future exchange students prepare for their adventures. We’re excited to see where Simon’s journey takes him next and are grateful to have been a part of his incredible year in Brazil.
If you want to learn more about our Youth Exchange Program or get involved, please contact us at info@rotaryhalifaxharbour.ca.
