Carleton Scholar Expands Horizons Studying Race, History, Language Abroad
Taylor Brewer, a Posse Houston Scholar at Carleton College, spent ten weeks last fall studying abroad in Cuba and Brazil through the program Afro-Descendant Identities in Cuba and Brazil. The experience explored race, history, language, and culture across two distinct national contexts.
The program began with three weeks in Cuba—a destination that held particular significance for Taylor as a history enthusiast. There, Scholars examined how race operates within a socialist system and explored the role of tourism in everyday life, particularly in Havana, where international visitors are a constant presence. Due to U.S. travel requirements, the group followed a carefully structured itinerary throughout their stay.
“Going to Cuba—a major bucket-list destination—was incredibly meaningful,” Taylor says. “Cuba exists within a complex media narrative in the U.S., and being able to hear directly from Cuban people was invaluable to me as both an American and an aspiring historian.”
The second half of the program took Taylor to Brazil, where he navigated a new language and cultural environment. Unlike in Cuba, where his Spanish allowed him to communicate comfortably, Brazil required him to enroll in Portuguese language classes to make the most of his experience.
Outside the classroom, Taylor immersed himself in daily life—visiting museums, exploring Rio de Janeiro’s beach culture, riding the subway, and dining at traditional kilo restaurants, where meals are priced by weight.
In Salvador, Bahia, he lived with a host family for the first time, deepening his cultural immersion.
“Living with a host family gave me a new level of connection to both the language and daily routines,” he says. “I’ll definitely miss those big breakfasts.”
The experience also shifted how Taylor views his life back on campus.
“During my first year, it was easy to stay within the ‘Carleton bubble,’” he reflects. “Studying abroad pushed me to be more adventurous and open to new experiences.”
Academically, the program has influenced his future path.
“Spending a full term examining Afro-descendant identities—especially in ways that challenged my American perspective—has inspired me to pursue Africana Studies as a minor or major.”
Taylor’s experience highlights the transformative power of global learning. By engaging deeply with different cultures and perspectives, he has expanded both his academic interests and his understanding of the world—laying a strong foundation for continued exploration beyond the classroom.
