On June 17, 2025, the Campus Friends hosted a vibrant cultural evening celebrating the rich and diverse culture of Brazil. The event was made possible through close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Alixandre Santana from the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics and the generous support of the Brazilian diaspora within and beyond the OTH Regensburg.
This evening was far from ordinary for OTH Regensburg’s international community — it felt like a journey to Brazil! Attendees explored Capoeira, the powerful Afro-Brazilian martial art, with the help of the master Lembrança and his team from the Club "Capoeira de Ouro Bayern". After that, ever4ybody danced to the pumping rhythm of Forró, introduced by members of the Forro Regensburg e.v. From the very first beat to the final bittersweet bite of Feijoada, the event overflowed with colour, rhythm, and energy. Alongside the cultural immersion, the evening also highlighted exchange programmes and internships, with firsthand stories, offering students an authentic glimpse into what Brazil has to offer — and it is certainly not just the incomparably great taste of a cold Batida de Maracujá (the iconic Brazilian passionfruit cocktail).
The evening opened with vibrant insights into Brazil’s culture, sports, music, and geography — presented by Ricardo Abreu, an OTH Regensburg student who also played a key role in organizing the event.
Following this, Prof. Santana introduced Brazil’s academic and professional landscape, showcasing the country’s global economic relevance and its wealth of opportunities in both academia and industry.
The idea of introducing Brazil to the students at the OTH Regensburg was in Prof. Santana's mind since 2022, when he joined the OTH Regensburg. "I am in Germany today because at some point in my university path in Brazil, I had the chance to do an international exchange period (in Germany), and that was one of the most transforming experiences in my personal and professional life. I wanted to increase the motivation of our students to do the same, and this time, considering Brazil as a destination, providing them with a first contact with our culture. With the help of my friend Renata Rossi Kaiser, who gives Portuguese lectures at the OTH Regensburg, the Campus Friends, and our International Office, we took the idea from the paper to reality.”
Adding to the academic focus, the International Office shared valuable information on scholarships and partnerships available for students interested in studying or doing an internship in Brazil. These practical insights were further enriched by firsthand student experiences. Sarah Mutzbauer, joining via Zoom, shared her time at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil, while Mathias Modereggerrecounted his exchange experience at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Their stories brought a personal and relatable dimension to the evening, illustrating what life and learning in Brazil truly look like from a student’s perspective.
“The combination of academic content and entertaining activities was perfectly balanced,” said Verena Nirschl, a staff member of the International Office. “It was clear that the students were highly engaged and interested throughout. The event was excellently organised by the Campus Friends and Prof. Santana. The idea of bringing these elements together worked extremely well.”
Following the academic and cultural presentations, the atmosphere shifted into full celebration mode. A thrilling Capoeira demonstration by Master Lembrança from the Club Capoeira de Ouro Bayern brought the campus to life, blending martial arts, music, and dance in a high-energy performance that captivated the crowd. Shortly after, the aroma of traditional Brazilian cuisine filled the space as guests were treated to a hearty serving of Feijoada — a rich stew of beans and spicy sausage served with rice. The night concluded with a lively Forró dance session, and students hit the dance floor to learn the Brazilian partner dance known for its upbeat tempo and close rhythm, drawing comparisons to salsa.
As the final song faded and the last guests trickled out, the evening left behind more than just full stomachs and tired feet — it left a lasting impression of Brazil's heart and soul. Through culture, conversation, and community, this successful cultural evening reminded everyone of the power of shared experiences and the beauty of discovering the world through one another.
A big thank you to everyone who took part in both organizing and attending yet another special and successful cultural evening!
