Carla Parzianello is a J-1 trainee in Human Resources Management from Brazil. During her time at YMCA of the Rockies in Colorado, Carla has reached out to local Americans to share her culture. She has organized events for adults and spoken to kids in local schools. Check out her tips on how you can do the same!
This summer, Carla and a volunteer at her YMCA host site organized regular cultural events at the Snow Mountain Ranch. Exchange visitors gave 40 minute presentations on their home countries, with emphasis on tourist spots, food and cultural events. The events drew an audience of volunteers, retired people, host families, American staff and other guests. They also hosted a lively international fair with food and dancing! Read the interview to learn how to host fun cultural exchange events.
What is your impression of US culture?
Everybody is really friendly here. Brazilians can be even friendlier. It’s important for me to be more assertive in Anglo-Saxon culture. South Americans tend to be less assertive. In my training, I’ve learned that there is a focus on paperwork compliance. We have that in Brazil as well, especially with larger companies.
People visit here in Colorado from all over the country, so I’ve learned about some of the cultural differences in different regions of the US. People from the South are considered more laid back, people from the East Coast are more work-‐driven. You see those kinds of differences in Brazil as well.Read more...
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