Lucca Paes Barreto grew up in the heart of the Amazon Forest in Brazil where it is quite humid and warmer than Springfield. Lucca prioritized his educational experience over his professional experience, which started in an American telecommunication company in Brazil, and decided to pursue his B.S. degree in General Business.

Taking every opportunity that knocks your door!

Lucca decided to come to Missouri State University after he was invited through the partnering universities program, as his university is well recognized as an international partner institution for MSU. Lucca asserts that making the decision to come to the U.S. was not easy, but it was an opportunity he could not ignore. He prioritized his passion to come and live in the U.S. over working in Brazil. “I am indeed here to make the best out of this rare opportunity” Lucca says.

Changing Plans for a Better Opportunity!

Although Lucca was admitted as an academic exchange student at MSU, he decided to come 2 months before the beginning of the fall semester to practice the English language. He also wanted to get used to the American culture and to get to know Springfield community. Lucca decided to come and start in the English Language Institute’s Special Programs, which provide a good English learning with many activities inside and outside campus. His program also includes a general business course where his academic experience begins.

“MSU is really different from anything I have experienced before, it is another world to me”

It has been about 20 days since Lucca’s arrival to Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) where he was received with a hearty welcome by the ELI Special Programs staff. Lucca asserts that he loves his experience thus far and has no doubt that he will be much more involved as soon as the fall semester starts. Only after 20 days of his arrival, he succeeded making an international family of about 30 Korean students and 10 Chilean students, in addition to MSU staff. Lucca was fascinated by how different they are coming from different parts of the globe. Yet, what shocked him the most is how similar they are, too. He loves how everybody is learning from each other, which is giving him a glorious experience here in MSU.

Future Advice from the heart of the Amazon Forest to all International students!

Lucca considers himself lucky to experience a lot in 20 days and he is quite excited for more shortly. Lucca states that everybody gets nervous before making a big decision to come to the U.S., but he cannot recommend the experience he is having better. “I am here to gain more knowledge and experience, as well as to enjoy my time. This is a great and huge university and I advise everyone to pay it a visit, they will like it and become part of our family”, Lucca states.