Sarah Lucena

Ph.D. Romance Languages ’19, Brazilian and Lusophone Literatures and Cultures, Dolores Artau Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

A memorable international experience at Georgia was collaborating with the Portuguese Flagship Program. I had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students before and after their year abroad in Brazil and to connect with colleagues from Brazil through this unique program. In addition, working as a teaching assistant for the UGA en España abroad program in Spain gave me the opportunity to expand my collaboration across the Spanish and Portuguese programs in the Department of Romance Languages.

Studying language, literature, and culture at Georgia prepared me to hone my critical thinking skills and to conduct research and teaching with a globally oriented perspective and cultural awareness. Being a teaching assistant assistant in the Spanish and Portuguese undergraduate programs while working on my doctorate was crucial for my professional growth and ultimately for succeeding on the job market.

I encourage students at Georgia today to make the most of all the incredible learning opportunities, resources, and faculty that UGA offers and to build great relationships with professors and colleagues.