When Rodrigo Teixeira Pereira first arrived in DeLand, Florida, he carried not only the weight of some hefty luggage but a shared dream between him and his family to study in the U.S.
Hailing from Fortaleza, Brazil, he would go so far as to take a gap year after high school to become fluent in English. When Stetson University entered his radar and offered an opportunity to join the Bonner Program, he knew the perfect experience had arrived.
“I originally came to study marketing. I was passionate about branding, storytelling, and people,” says Pereira. “But I wanted something more hands-on, something that would let me create. That’s when I discovered Digital Arts.”
Digital arts, business, health sciences, psychology, finance, music and more — Stetson offers academic excellence in more than 100 areas of study. Founded in 1883, it has paved the way for education in Florida. It is the state’s first law school and business school. Today, it stands in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the nation, and it’s a place where you can experience meaningful connections and degree programs designed for your success.
Stetson boasts a 93% post-graduation success rate, thanks to many hands-on programs like the Roland George Investments Program, where students manage a $6.8 million investment fund of stocks and bonds. Source: Stetson University
Learning centered in relationships
Adapting to a new culture is bound to be difficult when you uproot your life over 3,000 miles away from home — though, for Pereira, it didn’t stay that way for long. Stetson is home to a vibrant community of international students from 60 countries, providing you with a cultural exchange that fosters global citizenship. With plenty of activities on campus and beyond, you’re also bound to find your place among like-minded individuals.
“The Bonner Program helped me find a community rooted in service. The Brazilian student network started growing,” says Pereira. “Over time, I built deep relationships and found people who believed in me. Now, Stetson truly feels like home.”
Nurturing meaningful connections is central to the Stetson experience. It’s a small private university with small classes. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1. That gives you the opportunity to work one-on-one with world-class faculty members, many of whom are dedicated researchers responsible for Stetson’s 93% post-graduate success rate.
Sherard Howell, Source: Stetson University
Sherard Howell, the Senior Associate Director of International Admissions, highlights the faculty’s strength in providing personalized attention to students, which helps them build a sense of belonging.
“We are also developing an International Fellows program that links first-time in college international students with current international students. This encourages a sense of belonging by identifying similarities among students who come from outside the U.S.,” says Howell, who travels through Central and South America to meet with students and their families. (See his travel schedule in select countries for Fall 2025.)
Just as Pereira got involved and found his people through campus activities, you can do so, too, by joining Stetson’s 100+ student organizations. Organizations like the Brazilian Student Association, the African Student Union, and the Asian Pacific American Coalition are expanding. You can experience college sports by taking part in one of its 18 NCAA Division I teams or join the Surf Club, Greek Life or student government — the list is seemingly endless.
“Also, the campus is located not far from Orlando’s theme parks and the many beaches in sunny Florida,” says Howell. “Our campus has been named one of the most beautiful college campuses in the South. Students always find something going on.”
Through vast hands-on learning opportunities, producing videos and digital content, Pereira was offered a job and will work full-time with Stetson after graduating. Source: Stetson University
Immersive, hands-on learning
Your success is Stetson’s utmost priority. It’s the reason why the university offers support at every turn; the reason why it has been recognized as a national College of Distinction for the scholarships and services it provides to international students.
It’s also the reason why the Hatter Ready program was created — to immerse you in real-world learning opportunities. Students can participate in internships, cutting-edge research, study abroad programs, and more, preparing them to excel in their careers after graduation.
“I was juggling school, work, and life — just like I do now. Whether it was working with University Marketing or creating media for campus events, I was constantly learning by doing,” says Pereira. “This hands-on learning is a big part of our Stetson education through the Hatter Ready program, and I can say first-hand that these experiences prepare you for success.”
Before graduating in August with his bachelor’s degree, Pereira was offered a full-time position with Stetson as an Athletic Content Coordinator. It’s a role that would not have come about had Pereira not developed his skills and connections these past four years.
Through the Bonner program, he produced videos for local nonprofits, honing his creative skills while making a real impact through service. He traveled to New York City to record videos when the Stetson Hatters competed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. He even produced content for Stetson’s social media platforms during his study abroad trip to Greece — the first time he flew overseas for a project.
“Take every opportunity and give it everything you’ve got,” says Pereira. “Be the person who shows up, adds value, and brings something unique to the table. Opportunities are out there, but it’s on you to show why you belong.”
Feeling inspired? Check out Stetson University and its wide variety of programs here.
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