My name is Dr. Paul Springer, and I am the Interim Associate Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and a faculty member in the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, where I teach in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. I am excited to be leading this tour to Brazil with Dr. Wilson and Dr. Hollist.
Brazil has a special place in my heart. I lived in Salvador and the State of Bahia for nearly two years of my life when I was a young adult. As a result, returning to Salvador will be a homecoming of sorts for me. Because of my time in Brazil, I speak fluent Portuguese, and I am passionate about everything Brazil! I continue to do research in Brazil, (primarily in the southern part of Brazil), in a city called Porto Alegre. This has been fun being able to make a difference in a country that has played an important part in shaping me as a person. I love Brazilian food, culture and people and am looking forward to eating some Brazilian BBQ soon.
Leading study abroad experiences are not new to me. This will be the fourth study abroad program to Brazil that I am co-leading, and the seventh total. I have also co-led programs to China and India. Rest assured, we know what we are doing, and we are excited about this amazing trip we have tailored for you.
I have been married for nearly 19 years, and we have four boys: ages 14, 12, 10 and 7. Our house is everything boys: transformers, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and sports. Fortunately for my wife, we do have two girls…two Australian shepherds.
I am looking forward to the time we will share together, exploring Brazil’s rich culture, history, and diverse people. I know that you will come home a different person than the one who left, and I hope that you will learn to love Brazil the same way that I have.
CYAF Brazil Study Abroad 2019 