On the day International Volunteer Day is celebrated, this Saturday (5), 20 year old young Lara Franciuli explains how working in an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) opens doors to a computer science course at Stanford University in the United States. Opened up. State.
“Volunteering and participation in social projects are some of the fundamental extra-curricular activities that are taken into account during assessment and approval in foreign universities,” says Lara.
“My parents are the founders of an NGO in the north of So Paulo that works with children and youth from the needy areas of the region and since I was young I was already part of the context”, she says Huh. “I loved being with the kids and helping them in some way and over time I found maturity and more responsibilities within the organization.”
“I always loved to explore opportunities and contacting young people in need made me realize there was a problem: they had difficulty accessing information,” he says. Lara took the initiative to make the project “Together we are one”, and started organizing tourism and cultural activities for the children of the NGO. “I felt it was time for them to occupy the spaces in the city, take that group in information and keep them in touch with lectures, music, theatre, leisure activities and sports”, he explains.
“Everything we do for the world comes back to us in some way or the other. What I did and did is share and multiply what I learned with the next day”, he says. And this volunteer experience counts for admission to Standford, one of the most important universities in the United States.
“During high school, I participated in OBM (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad), won medals at national and international championships and was also able to work in projects for multinationals”, complements the young student.
extra curricular activities
Rafael Bento, manager of Crimson Education Brazil, emphasized that the extra-curricular activities carried out by students are evaluated in foreign institutions. “In the selection processes in the United States, they want to know the student, to know how he or she will take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the university”, he explains.
According to Bento, in the context of assessment criteria by educational institutions, extra-curricular activities, such as volunteering, project development and research, demonstrate how the student pursued interests and passions outside the natural school environment. “Maximizing your potential through your interests and skills is important,” he explains.
He gives 10 tips for those looking for a place at a foreign university:
1. Planning – Think ahead: Analyze where you are and where you want to go and make a plan. Start preparing for the future as soon as possible.
2. Do What You Love There is no use in getting involved in something that does not bring you joy. Identify your areas of interest by social, sporting, musical, artistic, scientific or cultural activities.
3. Leader Show prominence in activity, occupy leadership positions.
4. Create – Create something, think outside the box and demonstrate creativity and entrepreneurial streak.
5. Do Your Best – Look for the best results regardless of your area of expertise. Conquer positions and move to positions and victory.
6. Be Really Engaged – There is no minimum number of hours devoted to extra-curricular activities, but universities value commitment, passion, and genuine interest.
7. Development – Take into account the growth and development of your projects.
8. Don’t forget your studies – Academic knowledge is also extremely important, so value learning and give good grades.
9. Organize Time – Optimize your time between school, activities and leisure. Plan routines and weekends. It can be challenging, but you can do it.
10. Make a difference – The greater the impact achieved in a given environment, neighborhood, city, state or country, the greater the relevance and, consequently, the benefit to society.
*Intern of the R7 Under the supervision of Carla Dunder
