My name is Juliana, I'm 30 years-old and I'm Brazilian, from Brasilia (capital). Well, I did Master WOP-P from 2008 to 2010 and I studied at the University of Coimbra (Home University) and at the University of Barcelona (Host). I started WOP-P just after my graduate studies at the University of Brasilia. So, after studying for seven years without stop, I came back to Brasilia in 2010 aiming to work. I worked in a HR consultancy in a private company, I did some freelancers as well with different groups, and learnt a lot there! However, after 4 years, I realised that I do love to make research, this is what I really want to invest on for the long journey, so I applied for the Doctoral program. This is where I'm now: starting my second year as a PhD student here in Brasilia I do want to do part of it abroad (maybe Australia or US) and as soon as I finish the courses, I'll try the grant for it. Moreover, I did not forget the Clinical Psychology and I'm finishing my studies in Psychodrama, I would like to work as a therapist and as an organisational consultant after my studies, let's see if I can manage both...
I have great memories as a WOPPer! Oh my, so hard to summarise them... In my opinion, interacting with diversity was one of the best parts! Having professors, classmates and living with people from another country is very enriching. I'd recommend to live with people that it's not from your country so you can practise another language and learn more about another culture. We also learn more about our own culture by being with them. The way each University works is very different as well, so it's important to respect, not compare them and do the best you can! Not exactly being a nerd, but do your part. Respect the money you receive if you've a grant or the money you're investing on it. It's possible to have fun, travel a bit, make great and close friends, live love stories and be an excellent student, don't panic! Moreover, try to choose a thesis topic that you like to work with, that you believe it's important. Then, afterwards, you can keep it. Probably you won't, but besides me I know different people who kept working with the same topic. Ahhh, I had two unforgettable love stories: with a Norwegian guy in Portugal and a Colombian in Spain. So, enjoy, be open! Nowadays, one is single and the other is married but we're friends, we respect and talk to each other, this is great. And I also know woppers from 2008-210 who got married and have children now!!! So, keep your eyed open. hehehe The friends we make as a WOPPer are probably forever as well because emotions are very intense living abroad (for the good and the bad moments..). So, do not close yourself, share your difficulties, be humble and kind with the others' difficulties as well. Ask for help if you need and help your colleagues. I already visited lots of them (specially Brazilians and Colombians) after the Master's over. In November, I'll be the Godmother of a WOPPer from Salvador, who is getting married and I'm so happy to be able to be there! Well, I'll write a book if I keep going, so: have fun, work hard, respect yourself (qualities and limits). Be a WOPPer changes your life forever - for the best, believe me!
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