West Valley instructor & Manaus student reunion
Faculty & students from both sides have been in touch and eventually pay a visit to each other!
In the picture, WVC instructor Lance Shoemaker and FUCAPI student Andre Maues and his family share a meal in Manaus. Andre took Mr. Shoemaker's Introduction to Business class back in 2007 when he participated in the exchange program.
"One of the greatest things of being part of an exchange program is the people you know during that experience. More than just acquaintances, you can make great friends along the way. After more than two years since I returned from California, it was with special pleasure that I welcomed professor Lance Shoemaker, from WVC, during his trip to Manaus. It was fantastic to personally interact with him again and gave me the opportunity to show a little of my hometown to an old friend, who was so kind to me during my stay in the US." Andre Maues

Exchange students join the soccer fever in Brazil

Exchange students are cheering for Brazil and U.S.A. teams. They talk about the unique experience of watching the games in the only country that has won the World Cup five times.

Sabina Diaz (second from left) celebrates Brazil's victory with her classmates at UNIFEI last Sunday. Brazil beat Ivory Coast 3-1.

"Watching the world cup in Brazil is exciting. Every time Brazil plays the entire city of Itajuba stops! Everyone is at home watching the game with friends. I especially love seeing the entire city and people with Brazilian flags". Sabina Diaz, SJSU student

"The streets and plazas are filled with people of all ages on the days Brazil plays in the world cup. I have really never seen anything like it before. You can't go outside without seeing a Brazilian flag flying off of a balcony, out a window, or strapped to car. Brazil really does stop for 1 hour and 30 minutes during Brazil's game. If a store IS open, because most are closed, they are watching the game in the store" Greg Hedling, WV student

Students Greg Hedling and Matt Garcia soccer playing-acting during a visit to Rio de Janeiro.

"No sporting event in the U.S. compares to a Brazilian national team soccer match. At first I found myself confused by the amount of emotion and passion Brazilian people have for the world cup, but when the second and third goal came I was jumping and screaming along with everyone else. Best of all was not the game itself, it was the celebration afterwards that lasted for hours. Everyone in the street dancing united to celebrate a victory of the Brazilian national team", Brian Ornelas, WV student