Presentations and generosity

In the past several days I have had so many opportunities to meet wonderful teachers and students in Taguatinga.  I have been in classrooms listening to student presentations on Brazil as well as holidays celebrated in the United States. I have also presented to groups of students on California culture and history, as well as tips for students who are planning on attending a university.  The students and staff at CIL Taguatinga have been incredible generous and helpful.  I received cards from students I had not even met welcoming to the school! Students have given me a CD of Brazilian music, DVD of their Brazilian culture presentation, and even made me brigadeiro, a common dessert here, which is made from chocolate and condensed milk.  It is very good, but incredible sweet.  Brazilians love their sweets!

The students who I have been in contact with are currently taking English as a foreign language.  Just like our students they are shy at first, but then begin talking and asking lots of questions about the United States.     

Students who presented about the Brazilian culture.  They brought in food & sweets that are common to Brazil.

Isabel's classroom decorated for the presentation.  Each teacher has a laptop, and then has the television to use as the projector.

The vice principal, Francisco presenting me with a mug from their club that invites native speakers from the foreign languages (English, Spanish, French and Japanese) they teach.  It was an honor to speak to them about California and interact with the students.

One of the groups of students. 

Students who wanted a picture with me.  The students almost make you feel like a celebrity.  

The teacher lounge/work area.  

Amazingly all of these students came out to hear a presentation about tips for attending a university at 7:30 at night.

This student was the only one who was on time, so gave him a TJMS shirt.  He proudly held it up!

Students are holding up the UC Berkley wristbands and California postcards.  Students seemed to enjoy the almonds and Jelly Belly's as well.  All of the students would not fit in the picture.  They had so many questions about attending universities and the United States in general, it was a pleasure meeting them.