Brazilian student internship in Silicon Valley

Juliano Silva, from UNIFEI, Minas Gerais, is interning at WV Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy, assisting the department in various energy efficiency projects.

On the left, Juliano uses a segway to visit different buildings in the college
On the right, Juliano with David Esmaili, Director, WV ATTE

"The opportunity to do an academic training through ATTE was highly important for my personal growth because I was able to challenge myself into this new set of responsibilities and improve skills that were not taught in college. My position required project engineering, economic analysis, product research and be involved with all the energy efficiency projects at West Valley College, such as a wide campus Lighting retrofit and a fuel cell for the swimming pool. I also had contact with environmental clubs of the District to discuss some ideas of how the colleges could go green, by improving student commute and doing workshops to present some of the hot topics regarding renewable energy sources. Now, we are finishing the editing of webcasts for the development of a green curriculum and I am preparing myself to leave California and fill my suitcase up with all the knowledge I acquired here. I hope to keep in touch with all the people involved with this amazing program and I am super thankful for all the support I had during the best year of my life."

Life in Brazil

Our exchange students are fully engaged in their classes, internships and life in Brazil.

"Itajubá is a wonderful city to live in. I am learning many new things and meeting a lot of people at school, and work. Life here is very relaxing and different from any place I have ever been too! Everyone here is very friendly and helpful." Sabina Diaz, SJSU student

"My schedule is busy but doable. I have 5 classes which include, Philosophy, Statistics, Entrepreneurship, Portuguese, and one online class that I'm taking at West Valley College. The classes are really difficult due to the language, but it is getting easier to understand everyday. Whenever I have any question or challenges, the students and teachers are very helpful. I feel really lucky with my internship. I was chosen to work at a video game startup called KeePlay, that makes educational games for children. So far they have had me doing translations and research. I am only working 12 hours a week but I enjoy working there." Matt Garcia, WVC student

Matt, on the right, at KeePlay with colleagues Ariel and Paula.

WVC student Brian Ornelas is attending classes at FUCAPI, in Manaus, Amazonas. He's been visiting local companies and participating in special activities such as a presentation about the exchange program and the study abroad experience. He was joined by FUCAPI staff along with Silvia Moreira dos Santos, who attended WVC last year.

From left, FUCAPI professor Euler Guimaraes, students Silvia M. dos Santos and Brian Ornelas and Ivna Braga, FUCAPI exchange program coordinator.

Brian visited a jewelry manufacture in Manaus that uses sustainable materials such as seeds, fish skin and natural fiber. Brian was hosted by manager Elizeu Souza and Rita Prossi, designer and owner (on the left).

On the photo on the right, Brian is at the laptop manufacture Positivo, where he was accompanied by professor Euler Guimaraes, Maria Leula Nogueira, Quality Control manager and Ivna Braga, FUCAPI coordinator.

Internship program

Our exchange students are participating in internships in parallel to their academic activities.
Greg Hedling, from West Valley College, is interning at MITS, Medical Information Technology Solutions, in Itajuba, Minas Gerais. He works with MITS general manager, Guilherme Fonseca, in the picture.
"Though I have no experience with the development of software or hardware I am doing my part and helping as best as I can. I help with translations on their website and I will also be trained on the devices and equipment they manufacture. My work here is not only a benefit to MITS, but a benefit to myself as well".

Students visit Brazilian enterprises

WV students Greg Hedling, Matt Garcia and SJSU student Sabina Diaz visit INCIT, the High Tech Business Incubator of Itajuba, Minas Gerais. They were accompanied by INCIT manager Mauricio Bittencourt and UNIFEI professor Paulo Waki.

Spring 2010 Placement

Greg Hedling, Matt Garcia and Sabina Diaz: UNIFEI, Itajuba', Minas Gerais
Brian Ornelas: FUCAPI, Manaus, Amazonas
Rashel Alexin: INATEL, Santa Rita do Sapucai, Minas Gerais

Spring 2010 Exchange Students

Congratulations Spring 2010 exchange students!

"I consider myself lucky and fortunate for having been chosen to participate in this program. I am eager to be in Brazil and ready to immerse myself in the culture. I believe this opportunity will help me with my Portuguese skills and in the future. As a Global Studies Major, understanding of other cultures is necessary. This program is an experience I had hoped for, and look forward to gaining much insight on the Brazilian Culture" Sabina de los Diaz, SJSU
"I look forward to the opportunity to be an ambassador for West Valley, and I hope to have a chance to make the college proud of my accomplishments", Greg Hedling, WVC

"My hope is to take all that I can from this experience so that it may serve some purpose throughout my life. Although the process to participate in this program has not been the easiest, I feel that by venturing outside of what I'm used to will help me mature and broaden my education". Brian Ornelas, WVC. " I'm very happy he is pursuing what he wants", Maricruz Ornelas, Brian's mother

"I can't wait to get started! This semester studying in Brazil is going to be a great opportunity to have new experiences. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning as much as I can." Matt Garcia, WVC

"This experience will add so much to my life. I'm very excited to be part of this program and study at Inatel". Rashel Alexin, WVC

Exchange students received a warm welcome from West Valley College and San Jose State University administrators and faculty.
The program committee has selected five students who will travel to Brazil on February 2010 to attend the Fall semester at partner universities in Minas Gerais and Amazonas.
West Valley College president, Dr. Lori Gaskin, congratulated the Spring 2010 exchange students, along with college's staff and faculty.
From right: WV student Matt Garcia; Lance Shoemaker, Business Instructor and Academic Senate President; Dr, Lori Gaskin, WVC President; Bernie Weiss, Director, SV-CITD; student Rashel Alexim; Fred Prochaska, Dean, Career Programs and Workforce Development; student Brian Ornelas and Margarise Correa, Program Manager
Brazilian students Igor Campos and Juliano F. da Silva with SJSU professor Michael Conniff, Director, Global Studies, and Margarise Correa, Program Manager