Student Spotlight: Adriana Morgan in Brazil
What is the relationship to food that the people in your host country have? When do they eat? What kinds of foods and ingredients do they eat? Are meals usually with a group or alone? Are there any traditions or customs surrounding food that aid digestion?
“In Brazil, food is more than just food it’s like a social experience. Meals are commonly shared with family, coworkers, or classmates, making eating together a key part of daily life. While it’s not unheard of to eat alone, it’s definitely more common to share a meal with others. Compared to the U.S., Brazilians tend to eat earlier. Breakfast and lunch happen relatively early in the day, and dinner is usually finished by 7 PM or so. This contrasts with the U.S., where eating late is common, and many restaurants stay open late to accommodate that habit.
Brazilian cuisine is rich and flavorful, with many dishes centered around ingredients like rice, beans, meats, and fresh vegetables. One of the most common meals is "Prato Feito," a simple but tasty plate that includes rice, beans, salad, and some type of protein, sometimes even with pasta. At first, I found the combination of rice and pasta surprising and weird, as it felt quite heavy, but my professor explained that these high carb meals help people stay full longer.
One dish I love is acarajé, a deep fried black eyed pea fritter stuffed with shrimp and spicy sauces. I enjoy how it layers different flavor because the top has a rich, flavorful sauce with shrimp, while the bottom gets spicier as you eat which I love. I haven’t noticed specific traditions related to digestion in Brazil, but there are plenty of foods known to aid digestion, like certain fruits and teas. However, it doesn’t seem to be a cultural focus like in some other countries.”
What does daily movement look like in your host country? Do people mainly drive cars or use public transportation? Do they walk or bike? Do you see people exercising? Are exercise facilities available and accessible?
“In Brazil especially in the city where I’m staying life moves quickly, and the day starts early. By 5 AM, people are already on the move. From talking to locals, I’ve learned that many Brazilians have long workdays, often starting as early as 6 AM and finishing around 7 or 8 PM, sometimes even later.
To get around, people rely on a mix of transportation options, including cars, buses, taxis, and walking. Public transportation is widely used, and walking is also quite common. I’ve noticed that exercise is a big part of daily life here. There are so many ways for people to stay active, from martial arts classes and rock climbing to traditional gyms, which are easy to find. I also see a lot of people running in parks and outdoor spaces. My school in Brazil provides access to a gym but it’s kind of far from the actual school and from what I’ve seen, other gym facilities are also very accessible.”
Is there a cadence or rest in your host country? Do people generally go home or start their work or school at a certain hour? Do they have periods of rest during the day? Is there urgency or relaxedness in your host culture?
“Although people in Brazil start their days early and often work long hours, I’ve noticed that in the afternoons, many take time to relax. It’s common to see people sitting outside, enjoying a drink, and socializing with friends or coworkers. This is really nice because it creates a nice balance between work and leisure, allowing people to unwind after a long day.”