With the sun beaming down on us, we made our way up the hill toward the Federal University of Bahia. Professor Eduardo Mota greeted us with a bright smile and presented us with refreshments and mugs as our welcome gifts. Professor Jolida Nery graced us with her informative lecture about the integrated programs at the Federal University of Bahia Institute of Collective Health. We also learned about the Brazilian education system and the challenges a student may face when they have ambitions to go to university. 

In addition, Professor Eduardo Mota shed light on the differences between collective health and public health. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and how an individual’s health extends beyond clinical settings, but their quality of life and access to adequate necessities play a role as well. Even though the Brazilian constitution guarantees health as a right, it is hard to ignore the health inequities that are evident in a large population of people. It was insightful learning and comparing the U.S.’s public health ideology and Brazil’s concept of collective health because the latter focuses on methods of how to prevent illnesses in the first place and their escalation. 

After our morning class, we went on a panoramic tour of the city of Salvador with Fred and Ricardo as our tour guides. We were able to learn about the history of the locations and why they mean so much to the Brazilian people. There were so many places and they were all so beautiful!! My favorite would have to be the iconic Barra Lighthouse, also known as the Santo Antônio Lighthouse.

We eventually ended the night with a delicious dinner at Boi Preto. The servers were attentive and they made sure that we left the restaurant with a full stomach. As someone who is a big food lover, it was a great immersive experience into Brazilian cuisine.