Tell us what brought you to Indiana University.

I have family living in Bloomington, so I had visited town before. Coming to IU was a natural choice.

How did you choose to major in Apparel Merchandising?

Originally, I knew I wanted to major either in Apparel Merchandising or Criminal Law (two totally different things, I know). I watched some true crime shows on television and realized it wouldn’t be a good fit for me. I visited the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design and talked to some of the faculty and the advisor. A faculty member invited me to a forum held by the Retail Studies Organization (RSO), and it helped me decide.

Are you glad you made the switch to Apparel Merchandising?

It was the best decision, the best decision. I enjoy my classes, and I really like the department and all the opportunities that come with the student organizations like RSO. I’m pretty creative, but also analytical, so this major is a really good fit for me.

The faculty are really supportive of students. The professors have such good connections that they use on behalf of their students, and they really encourage students to make connections of their own – to get out there, introduce yourself to people, and get your foot in the door.

My favorite course has been “Product Development.” I loved this course. You have to design a product, and we designed a denim jacket that changes color with temperature.

How has your experience here shaped you?

Coming here has been the best decision I’ve made in my life. Learning English is so important now, anywhere you go, people communicate in English. Of course, my degree is important and I highly value my education, but the benefit of being able to write professional emails and communicate properly in English is huge.

The American educational system gives you time to decide on what you want to do. You take the first part of your studies in general classes, and that time getting to find out if what you’re studying is what you actually want to do is so helpful. In Brazil, you have to decide before you leave high school, and what if you hate it in the end? I came in with two ideas of what I wanted to study, so that time really helped me.

Why should an international student consider coming to IU?

I really like the culture here: people are open-minded and really want to get to know you. They’re curious and ask questions about what it’s like in your country and why you chose to study here. There’s also the language aspect, which I mentioned earlier. I would also add that my department is great. They focus on career options with the RSO, career fairs, and support for students. I don’t know if that’s something that other universities can provide.

The “IU family” is another factor; you can make friends from all over the world and build these connections. You create a huge network. That’s the best part of IU – getting to meet students from all over. I have friends from so many countries. You get to share your own culture and receive a new culture.

I used to be ready to graduate, but I’m not now. I don’t want to leave; I’m going to miss it here!

Is it possible to sum up your experience here in one sentence?

IU and Bloomington feels like home, a home you know you can always come back to.