I have to say, sometimes it is a little hard to be so far away from home and dealing with a business environment where Portuguese, a language I heard for the first time a month or so ago, is the primary method of communication. After talking with the interns from Rio and here, one thing we agree on is we would not be able to do it without our buddies and the amazing people here at Deloitte. Often when in another country you have so many questions, most times about the small things like where to buy groceries or how to use the ATM. Deloitte people here are so nice and always go beyond to make sure we are comfortable and, most of all, safe. Afterall, Sao Paulo isn't exactly the safest place and not being a local we often don't know what areas to avoid or how to stay safe on the streets.
They understand that we are away from home and in a new environment and do everything in their power to make us feel at home. Here are some examples:
Fernando and Marcelo, my senior manager and manager, take the time to explain things to me and get to know me. They really want to ensure I have a great understanding of not only the accounting and audit professions, but also Brazil's economy and how things are done here. I'm constantly pleasantly surprised when they take hours out of their day to show me around the office or explain why we do a certain test or spreadsheet. Fernando is always showing me different things that can be done with the technical library, and today Marcelo gave me a bunch of presentations about Brazil's taxes, economy, and some Brazilian music to get familiar with.
Fernando was also insistant that I get a backpack (instead of my computer bag) so I don't get robbed. It never occured to me but if people see you walking on the street with what looks like a laptop they will target you. Fernando, along with the rest of the team, made sure that I could have a nice Deloitte backpack (Deloitte branding is somewhat concealed on the backpack so that it doesn't put a target on your back) in order to walk safely down the street.
But they didn't stop there! I also received a shirt and calendar from Deloitte Brasil. After I picked up the shirt and backpack from the office Fernando offered to drive me back to the hotel, which was about three blocks away because it was getting dark. He insisted because as he says, I don't look like a local.
Not only do they help me with work related things, but they also help me get to know Sao Paulo. Paula, one of my buddies, along with Marcelo, send me emails about where to eat or watch the soccer game. They are such great resources and Paula is even taking me out in the city tonight to hear some Brazilian music.
Everyone on my team's interest in me goes beyond work as well. They ask to see photos of my latest weekend trip and ask about my life in America and how I am coping to Sao Paulo. It is so comforting to know people here care about me.
Along with everything else they schedule happy hours, buy plane tickets for us when we can't figure it out on our own, and are patient with my Portuguese, giving me a new phrase or word every day. I also had to make five goals to accomplish while here and each of them has given thought to how I can accomplish what I want to and Fernando and Marcello spent time discussing the goals with me and giving me relevant projects.
I think it's safe to say, without the Deloitte people here I would either be robbed, lost, lonely, or a combination of the three.
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