From the very start of his college career at Syracuse University, Richard "Ricky" Tibbetts Jr. knew he would study abroad in Brazil before graduating. To reach that goal, he committed himself to learning Portuguese—the language spoken by his mother’s side of the family.

This spring, that promise, made to himself as a freshman, was realized. Traveling for one of the first times beyond New England and his home in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, he is studying in the biggest city south of the equator -- São Paulo, Brazil.

Hitting it hard from the beginning of his freshman year, with a dual major in public relations and policy studies, Tibbetts completed all four Portuguese courses that Syracuse offers. To increase his language proficiency, the Beta Epsilon Chapter junior took part in the university’s São Paulo program. It’s the only study-abroad program at Syracuse that offers advanced training and immersion in the Portuguese language.

“Unlike most of Europe,” Tibbetts said, “there are very few English speakers in Brazil; therefore, the study-abroad program would force me to learn Portuguese to communicate with others and make new friends.”

This immersion is specifically why he chose Brazil, he said. “Most American students choose to study abroad in Europe, and I wanted something different. São Paulo is not like Paris, nor Rome, nor London. It is a very different city with its own proud, vibrant and colorful culture that most Americans don’t get to experience.”

All study-abroad programs should provide this kind of a challenge, Tibbetts said. “Learning a new language is remarkably enriching and allows for international students like myself to fully and authentically absorb a different culture.”

In Brazil, Tibbetts is living in the Perdizes district of São Paulo with three Brazilian roommates and another student from the United States. “There is a rule in my apartment that Portuguese is the only language that can be spoken; no English is allowed.” He is taking courses at PUC-SP (The Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo), where his focus is on Brazilian society, poverty, inequality, economics, politics, history and, of course, the Portuguese language.

Studying abroad in Brazil is making him a more “cultured, empathetic, knowledgeable and worldly individual,” Tibbetts said. And he is realizing just how similar humans are no matter where they are on the globe. “We all feel hungry, angry, jealous, happy, sad and excited; we all want to feel loved, accepted and appreciated by our peers, and we all deal with these conditions in relatively identical ways.” This awareness, he said, is making him a more understanding and tolerant person and is helping him in future endeavors to build global relationships.

Even though Tibbetts possess a moderate grasp of the Portuguese language, there are still times when he can’t understand conversations. “I am constantly asking people to repeat what they said, whether it’s my Brazilian roommates, an Uber driver or a waiter,” he said, noting that he often feels embarrassed but wouldn’t have it any other way. “I came here to learn and challenge myself, and that’s what I’m doing every single day.”

Tibbetts said being bilingual will open professional pathways in the private and public sector. If an employer does business with a Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country or has Portuguese-speaking clients, Tibbetts will be the perfect candidate for the job.

Not only is he learning the Portuguese language, he also is learning about Brazilian history, politics and government. This, he said, gives him a valuable vantage point for comparing the United States to other countries.

Personal insight into the realities of Brazil will make him a more aware, skeptical and grateful American citizen, Tibbetts said.

While studying abroad, Tibbetts has been able to travel around Brazil, being sure to hit the highlights. He and friends from the program traveled to Rio de Janeiro for Carnaval, staying along the famous Copacabana beach and visited Ipanema beach, the place that inspired the famous song, “Girl from Ipanema.” They also visited Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. “Seeing and touching one of the most iconic statues in human history was surreal,” he said.

While being a Member of Phi Sigma Pi was not the primary reason for heading to Brazil, Tibbetts said, “seeing other Brothers study abroad definitely influenced my decision to do the same. … My relationship with fellow Brothers—particularly my Big—inspires me to better myself and attain my goals on a daily basis."

Tibbetts said he joined Phi Sigma Pi because he was looking for a group of people who are authentic, studious, kind and accepting.

“As a brother, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the hardest working and most dedicated individuals on campus.”

Tibbetts served as his Chapter’s fundraising chair in spring 2018 and attended Phi Sigma Pi’s 2018 National Convention in Arizona. In addition to academics and immersing himself in the culture of Brazil, Tibbetts said his passions include politics, theatre, wellness, food and public speaking.

“I like watching American football and love playing Frisbee,” and, he said, he loves performing in front of an audience. “Give me a microphone, a stage, a big crowd and an hour’s time, and I’ll be very happy.

When he returns to the United States, Tibbetts looks forward to speaking with his mother, aunts, uncle and grandmother, all of whom speak Portuguese. “I’ll be able to communicate with them in their native tongue, which is something I’m very proud of, and I’m sure they are too.”