The LACS Brazil Initiative awards Scholarships for Portuguese Language Studies to fourteen undergraduate students
The Brazil Initiative at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies offers annual scholarships of $500 - $1,000 for Portuguese language study at U-M. The scholarships are open to all U-M undergraduate students in any program. Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Awardees.
Nicolas Pereira, Senior, Spanish & Microbiology:
Being born in Brazil and hearing from my parents about our time in Brazil are the main factors for why I have wanted to learn Portuguese. Unfortunately, we did not stay long enough for me to learn and retain any of the language, so through taking Portuguese at Michigan, I hope to change that!
Morgan Cobb, Sophomore, Chemical Engineering:
I am learning Portuguese because it is a beautiful language and I enjoy learning about new cultures.
Brendan Doyle, Junior, Economics (Minors: Portuguese & Environmental Science):
I learned Portuguese because I had always been interested in Brazil’s culture and current events. I am very interested in the different environmental impacts of climate change in the Amazon and the Sertão.
Monica De Silva Reguera, Senior, Chemical Engineering:
Growing up in a bilingual environment has always encouraged me to pursue fluency in other languages. I became interested in learning Portuguese because of its similarity to Spanish, because it makes me feel more connected to my Portuguese-speaking friends, and because I wanted to expand my language abilities.
Sara Gleason, Sophomore, International Studies & Romance Languages(Spanish & Portuguese):
I want to learn Portuguese to further my research of Brazil's economic policies, to better communicate with a variety of people in my future law career, and to hopefully study abroad in Brazil if possible!
George Bloom, Junior, Biology Health & Society (Pre--Dental):
I hope to become a dentist, and as a future healthcare professional I believe the ability to listen to and communicate with patients will be extremely valuable. Because the US has a fairly large Portuguese speaking population, I believe learning the language will help me to become the best dentist possible.
Emmanuel Orozco Castellanos, Junior, International Studies (International Security, Norms & Cooperation):
I have developed a deep interest in the history and culture of Latin America, and expanding my knowledge of Brazil is imperative. That's why I decided to study Portuguese: it will help me be a better scholar, translator, and global citizen.
Vidya Srinivasan, Freshman, Undecided:
I've always been very interested in Romance Languages and language as a whole. I'm learning Portuguese because I've always wanted to and I love seeing the similarities/differences between it and Spanish.
Jordan Halpern, Sophomore, International Studies, History:
I want to study Portuguese because I have become increasingly interested in studying Latin American politics. When working in the region, having knowledge of Portuguese, in addition to Spanish and English, seems crucial.
Zane Jone, Junior, International Studies; Minor, Computer Science, Energy Science & Policy:
I want to learn Portuguese because I have always been passionate about language and want to learn as many languages as I can. There is also fantastic potential for renewable energy in both Brazil and Portugal, I hope to work in the renewable energy industry when I graduate and it would be amazing to work in either of those countries.
Emily Nelson, Freshman, Undecided (Pre-Med):
I want to learn Portuguese because I do not think there are enough people in the medical field who speak the language. I hope to reach fluency and use my skills to make stressful situations more comfortable for Portuguese-speaking individuals.
Emir Erben, Sophomore, Computer Science Engineering & Data Science:
I am really dedicated and am looking forward to improving my skills in Portuguese in the long term and challenging myself with social and professional experiences in Brazil and Portugal.
Ian Lonergan, Sophomore, Undecided:
Studying Portuguese at the University of Michigan will undoubtedly be of aid as I endeavor to improve communities and ecosystems across the globe. Whether it be working to protect the vastness of the Amazon or initiating poverty relief on the shores of Mozambique, being equipped with language skills and awareness of distinct customs will be highly beneficial.
Valerie Reeves, Junior, international Studies:
I want to learn Portuguese because I feel it is vital in my quest to help save the Amazon Rainforest. By speaking to the Brazilian people in their native language, I will not only acquire respect, but will be much more successful at convincing the people and the government of just how important the Rainforest is.
For more information on the scholarship for the 2021-2022 Academic Year, visit the funding page or contact lacs.office@umich.edu with questions.
