International exchange is the dream of many students, not to mention that it is a period of cultural exchange and language knowledge in another country and knowing this, the state government has offered this experience to many students from Maranhão, through the ‘Cidadão do Mundo’, which is in its 7th edition.

This year, the program has 100 vacancies and registration, open from 8:00 p.m. on October 18, continues until 11:59 p.m. on December 2. To participate, you must be between 18 and 24 years old, have studied in a public high school and be a student in higher education.

“The Citizen of the World program is the only public exchange program for university students in operation in the country. With its 7th edition, the Maranhão government exceeds the mark of 500 people from Maranhão benefiting from the program, confirming the understanding that the opportunities must be for everyone,” stressed the Undersecretary for Science, Technology and Higher Education of the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti), Pedro Igor Nascimento.

Registration for the selection process is carried out through the email address of the Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, secti.ma.gov.br, by completing the electronic form. There, the person will also have access to more detailed information contained in the call for applications.

At the time of registration, with their data, the candidate must indicate the language intended to study abroad, among the options are English, French or Spanish; and proceed with the insertion of documents proving compliance with the requirements of being a student in a higher education network.

Live in another country

Living in another country is an unforgettable experience. There are countless memories, acquired knowledge, learnings. Living abroad undoubtedly allows you to increase your cultural baggage.

English teacher Isabella Araújo, 25, was one of the beneficiaries of the 1st edition of the program and lived for three months in Toronto, Canada. There, she lived an experience of immersion in Canadian culture.

“The experience was very complete, a total immersion in the Canadian language and customs. We had the opportunity to stay with a family, which allowed more contact with people’s daily lives, and the school where people from all over the world attended classes,” she said.

Isabella is studying the 8th period of the Literature/English course at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA). Although she has not yet completed the course, she has secured a job in the field mainly through her experience abroad.

“Another positive point was the question of employment. As soon as I returned, I was able to work in the field of English courses, mainly thanks to the certificate I received in the course I took in Canada. I also started to create content on the Internet, based on the activities carried out during the course and today it is also a form of work,” Isabella said.