Pedro Schreiber Ribeiro- BSc Environmental Science
Degree and name of home University:
Environmental Sciences - Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO)
Why did you choose Bangor?
I chose Bangor for two main reasons, firstly I had accessed a document classifying Bangor as the best university in Environment Science inside the Sciences Without Borders programme. Secondly the opportunity to live in a small city attracted me because I am from a big city in Brazil with nine million people.
What’s been the best part of your stay in Bangor?
It is so difficult to say the best part because I had so many good things. I think the friends that I made here, it was such a strong friendship that I know if I come back to Bangor again they will remember me.
What do you think of Wales and the UK?
I like them both, but I really got inside the Welsh culture, I really liked the dance and the friendly people. I say to my friends: " Don麓t tell anybody but I prefer the welsh people than the rest of UK." This is probably because I lived here the whole year.
How do you think you’ll benefit from participating in the SwB programme?
I think the benefits that I had are uncountable. I had the opportunity to see environmental issues here with different points of view, so my professional improvement was amazing. But at the same time when you live in another country you get know yourself better. I think today I know more about who I am and this mature process is priceless.
Where have you gone on placement and what did you do/are you doing there?
I did my placement in the MON Community First in Holyhead. As a student of Environmental Sciences, the opportunity to do a placement in the association of MON Community First (MON CF) was excellent for my professional career. Working inside a community regeneration organization gave me an understanding that I have never had before. During these eight weeks of placement, the MON CF allowed me to introduce my own ideas to its diverse projects. The Association, in response to a demand from the people of Holyhead, organizes a Fun Day to the Holyhead people. Trying to share the culture of Brazil and engaging the Wales culture, with the great support of the MON CF staff, we organized a big Fun Day with a Brazil theme. I am really pleased with the opportunity given to me by Bangor University and the MON Community First. I will bring all the knowledge acquired to future projects in Brazil.
What will you remember the most about your time in Bangor?
The most thing that I will remember is ‘tea time’. 聽It is a real culture thing to stop for a cup of tea and have a quick good warm conversation.