Caio Cavalcante Canuto is one of our many foreign exchange students here at Southern Lee High School. He has come all the way from Brazil and started his first day of Junior year on September 1st. Caio’s first impression of SLHS is that our school is much bigger than schools in Brazil. He thinks that it's very beautiful, and he really likes the cafeteria and the food. So far, the teacher who has made the most impact on his time at SLHS is Mrs. Rubio.
When I interviewed Caio, I asked him about the differences between schools in Brazil and SLHS, as well as the courses we offer. He said most classes are similar and that they cover some of the same topics. His favorite classes by far are Mrs. Guin’s Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Mrs. Rubio’s American History. I also asked him if spending a year abroad would affect his schooling and graduation back home. He said that it will, because he needs to earn good grades here in order to pass and graduate at the school in Brazil.
Since his arrival, Caio has been introduced to a different culture and has had to adapt in many different ways. He believes the biggest misconception about Brazil is that the country does not have advanced technology. In reality, they use most of the same stuff we do. His favorite apps are WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Now that he is in a different country from his family, he uses technology in his everyday life to keep in contact with his friends and family back home.
One item on Caio’s bucket list is that he wants to get a record player, and he hopes to own an apartment one day. He enjoys swimming; it is his favorite sport. When I asked him if he would join the swim team, he said that he would think about it. His favorite song is “Sugar Talking” by Sabrina Carpenter. His favorite food is pasta, boiled meat, and potatoes. The last show he binged-watched was Young Sheldon, and he enjoys spending time with his 2 cats, Luna and Cristal.
In Brazil, some of Caio’s favorite things to do are to go out and explore different places. He enjoys going to the mountains and loves spending time with his family and friends. When I asked him what one thing from his culture he would bring to the United States, he said, “The passion and the love for everything.” Although he is enjoying his time here, he misses his family in Brazil. The best advice he would give to other foreign exchange students is “not to think so much; everything is going to be alright.”
Caio’s mom first came to him with the idea of doing an exchange year. He thought about it for around five months before deciding that he wanted to do it. Even though he can speak both Portuguese and English, he wanted to participate in an exchange year to improve his English. So far, he has enjoyed his experience and is excited about what else he will be able to do while he is here.
Caio shared one last piece of advice before the interview ended. “Take a deep breath and think about the things you love in life.” His experience as an exchange student is giving him the opportunity to learn about a new culture, meet new people, improve his English, and create memories that he will carry with him long after his year at Southern Lee High School is over.
By - Aubrey Hickman