The AmSoc Blog

From the February issue of Forum

By Kim Beecheno, staff writer

At first glance, Brazilian Carnival may seem a little daunting to foreigners. A hedonistic festival of bright colors and costumes, with glittering men and women dancing Samba to an unyielding beat of thousands of drums and tambourines.

Águia de Ouro Samba School rehearsal in May 2008 at their facilities in Pompéia. (Courtesy of www.soccerexperience.com.br)

Gigantic floats roll past, with an energy in the air thick enough to choke off comparison to any celebration we have back home.

It’s the party to end all parties, and this month you have the chance to take part – or at the very least watch with a chilled caipirinha in hand. (more…)

From the February issue of Forum

Name, age: Stella Laura Teclaw, 33

Origin, time here: Born in Poland, but lived in London before coming to Brazil four months ago.

Stella Laura Teclaw

Profession: Creative photography and real estate in London, but now I’m giving private English classes and volunteering with Vida Jovem, spending time with kids there teaching conversational English.

Why São Paulo?: I wanted to leave London, the real estate market there was bad, wanted to change my environment to someplace where things are happier, the weather is better. An old friend (Brazilian) suggested I come to São Paulo. … My first reaction was, “Are you crazy?” I considered this the other side of the world. I also attended a small photography exhibit about Brazil in London (which influenced her). The idea was to come here and try something different, see old friends and give something back. (more…)

American Society Board members would like to thank the São Paulo Garden Club for preparing and donating flower arrangements for the AmSoc Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, which was held on Nov. 26 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Santo Amaro.

Luiza Scaramuza, Rosemary Cabral, Paola Estrada Binche and Regina Maclean.

Garden Club members involved were Luiza Scaramuza, Rosemary Cabral, Paola Estrada Binche and Regina Maclean.

From the February issue of Forum

By Marlene Chumo Rubeiz, American Society president

This year our family did something different, or rather did what we like to do in a different way.

I ran across a Web site named Homeaway.com, and started browsing and found homes and apartments all over the world for rent on a short-term basis. All are privately owned and many can be rented for as short as a week. (more…)

From the February issue of Forum

By Kristina Dooley, educational consultant and AmSoc member

For most parents, the thought of their child attending a boarding school, regardless of cited benefits, can be scary. But one unrecognized feature of many U.S. boarding schools is their unique summer programs.

These programs are a wonderful option for American families living in São Paulo seeking summer options for their kids that offer not just traditional “summer camp” experiences, but include an academic component.

Boarding school summer programs are ideal, because as a “home” for students from around the world during the academic year, staff on these campuses are well-tuned to the needs of varied cultures. Also, most campuses have housing and amenities you won’t find at traditional summer camps.

(more…)

em>From the February issue of Forum

By Elizabeth Sunday, Vice-Consul of American Citizen Services, U.S. Consulate General São Paulo

As of Jan. 12, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP. 

Many American citizens in Brazil have family members that travel to the U.S. under the visa waiver program and need to be aware of the new requirements. The following information is taken from publications by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the program. (more…)

From the February issue of Forum

By Tim Scott, AmSoc board member

Hey parents and kids, it’s time for Little League! Now I know for some of you, the term “Little League” implies young kids (usually boys) and baseball, teams, practices and frequent travel — and at times overexcited parents. But here in São Paulo, Little League is different and generally much more laid back (Surprised? You’re in Brazil!). Our Little League, sponsored and organized by AmSoc, offers soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and baseball.

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