An Interview with Vitor Olivier

Vitor is in his sophomore year of undergraduate studies here at Duke. He is from São Paulo, Brazil, and is majoring in Economics.

Why did you decide to come study in the States?

I always wanted to expand my horizons and not limit myself to one specific thing, so coming to the States would make my diploma relevant and good enough to go anywhere in the world, so that’s why I came here. 

 

What did your parents think about this decision?

They were a little afraid at first, but after we talked about it and got to know more about studying in the States and all the programs and how good it was, then it was fine. My stepdad used to do research at universities in the United States and Canada, so he knew a lot about that, and that helped a lot. In the end, they’re fine with it and they love it, and they think it’s a great step. 

And you went to an American high school in Brazil, right?

Yeah, the American high school helped a lot. 

So when a Brazilian student wants to go to college, does he usually stay in the country or go abroad?

Normally, most people just stay in Brazil. It’s very rare when people choose to study abroad. And those are only a small portion of the people who go to international schools. People who go to regular schools usually just stay in Brazil. 

 

When you first came to America, what were some of the bigger cultural adjustments you had to make?

I think the adjustments were more personal instead of cultural. I had to become a little more organized, and be more on top of things. But in terms of culture, I guess the social life here at Duke is way different, and that’s something I had to adapt to. 

 

And what are some of the organizations you're involved in on campus?

I'm part of Club Soccer and Club Tennis. Oh, and Brownstone!

 

Do you think you've changed any as a person during the past year?

Definitely. Especially as a student. In high school, I would just go to lecture and then study for one hourand do my homework, and that would be it. Now, I need to go beyond the textbook and the lectures and all that, spending a lot more time. Now I’ve become aware that I need to really know my stuff to become a good professional. 

 

What do you miss most about Brazil?

Family and friends. That's very trite, but it's true! And I guess the food, too. Eating in the United States can be quite painful.

 

What were some of your favorite things to do growing up in Brazil?

Playing soccer. There’s this whole culture in Brazil where you watch soccer every Sunday, and it’s a big thing. You talk about it all the time – first thing in the morning, you’re talking about the teams and everything. Here no one cares! I can’t even watch soccer - it’s very frustrating. But yeah, that’s one thing.

 

What are you looking forward to most in the next three years?

I really want to get a good internship here in the States, and I hope Duke will help with that. Basically just getting ready to go out into the market and get a job. 

 

Do you have any idea what you want to do after you graduate?

Right after Duke, I want to stay in the States and get a job here. And then once I get something on my resume, just go back to Brazil, because that’s ultimately where I want to go.