From Brazil to Bethel: A Student’s Story

McKENZIE — Marco De Oliveira Zorzetto - an international student at Bethel University, arrived in the United States with dreams shaped by the vibrant culture of Brazil and the charm of the American academic and athletic experience. His journey, however, has been a nuanced exploration of cultural differences, athletic realities, and the often unexpected paths to personal growth.

Originally from Mogi Mirim, São Paulo, Brazil, Marco’s journey to America was not his first foray into the country, having lived in Tennessee previously before returning to Brazil and then coming back for his university studies here.

The transition to the American educational system at Bethel presented a mix of positive surprises and significant adjustments. “In a positive way,” Marco notes, “there’s a center for everything, basically everything for your major.” He was also struck by the diversity of sports offered, some of which are uncommon in Brazil, such as shooting, bowling, and fishing.

However, the athletic culture shock was particularly profound. Marco, who had trained rigorously in Brazil for tennis, was accustomed to practices lasting up to six hours a day. The comparatively shorter, 90-minute daily sessions at Bethel initially led to a decline in his motivation. “It was in a negative way because I didn’t have the mentality for it in my first semester,” he admits, a stark contrast to the high-intensity, “for the cause” dedication he experienced from coaches back home. He describes Brazilian coaches as deeply invested, offering personalized attention and always available for discussions about improvement, even outside of scheduled practice. This level of commitment and specialized focus on a single sport, he found, was different in the U.S., where coaches sometimes juggled multiple sports or showed favoritism.

Beyond sports, Marco’s cultural adaptation included navigating the American diet. He found the food here “more processed” and missed the freshness of Brazilian vegetables, often enjoyed at lively street markets. Also, stereotypes about Brazil are a common conversational starting point for Americans, with questions about the heat, soccer prowess, and Carnivals in Rio. But Marco, however, welcomes these discussions, seeing them as an opportunity to offer a different perspective on his home country. The conversations about limited public transportation in the area are also critical for international students, as a car is nearly essential for getting around.

Marco’s athletic journey itself is a testament to his adaptability. Initially a dedicated soccer player from the age of 2, he transitioned to tennis at 11, driven by a desire for a more individualistic sport where he could rely solely on his own efforts.

His academic path led him to pursue Psychology, his mother, a psychologist herself, instilled in him the importance of mental well-being, and he cherishes the therapeutic conversations they share. This has inspired him to pursue a career where he can help others achieve a similar sense of mental clarity.

Looking ahead, a 22-year-old Marco plans to pursue a Master’s degree, ideally in Florida, to continue his studies in Psychology. Marco’s ultimate goal is to return to Brazil, drawn by its relaxed lifestyle, familiar culture, and his native language. His time in the U.S. has fostered significant personal growth, transforming him from a hopeful teenager to a more grounded adult.

“Don’t misunderstand what you’re going to do there,” he advises his 19-year-old self. “You’re not going there for fun. You’re not going there for parties… You need to be there to study and practice and study and practice.” His experience, he concludes, has been a stark lesson in reality, moving beyond youthful expectations of the “American dream” to a more pragmatic understanding of hard work and dedication. Despite these challenges, he finds comfort in his friendships and the supportive community at Bethel, which has indeed become a home away from home.

About the author: Artem Dzun is an international student from Russia and attending Bethel University. The senior plans to return to his home country following the May 9 graduation.