Priscilla’s Journey from Brazil to global Environmental Leadership

Last changed: 11 October 2024
woman smiling at camera

Priscilla’s journey from Brazil to Sweden, now as the global environment and climate change advisor for Diakonia, an NGO focused on justice and development, is a testament to both her personal passion and professional growth.

Priscilla’s decision to pursue the Euroforester Masters program was deeply influenced by her earlier academic experiences. After studying in Spain for a year as part of her bachelor’s degree, she became inspired to explore further opportunities. “It was the first time I traveled abroad, and it was such a rich experience for my personal and professional life,” she recalls.

Encouraged by her peers in Erasmus programs, she researched further, eventually discovering Euroforester. “It was exactly what I was looking for—a European perspective on forestry to complement the knowledge I had from Brazil.”

Valuable Learning and Practical Insights

The Euroforester program’s focus on hands-on learning was crucial to Priscilla’s development. “It was quite practical,” she says, noting that it also gave her insight into the Swedish forestry industry. This blend of academic theory and real-world experience equipped her with essential skills and knowledge that shaped her path toward working in the NGO sector.

Advice for Future Students

Priscilla encourages future students to consider Euroforester, emphasizing the wide range of opportunities it offers. “Studying at Euroforester will open many doors. The forestry sector is constantly growing due to the rising demand for timber, non-timber products, and sustainable development.” Even for those not directly entering forestry, Priscilla highlights the program’s relevance to related fields like environmental issues, climate change, and sustainability.

A Career Defined by Education

Looking back, Priscilla credits the Euroforester Masters program for the opportunities it unlocked. “I’m in Sweden, employed in a job and a country I love. If it wasn’t for Euroforester, I wouldn’t be here.”

Facts:

Euroforester is an MSc programme at SLU's Alnarp campus focusing on forests and forestry in the Baltic Sea region and central Europe. The education is targeted to an international student audience and delivered by a diverse teacher team. The programme integrates many subjects giving students an in-depth knowledge and transferrable skills, preparing them for a career in the international forest sector.

Discover more about the Euroforester program and learn how to apply: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/masters-programmes/euroforester/