Beyond Borders: A Tale of Language, Learning, and World Exploration

Hello! My name is Derick, I’m 28 years old, and I’m from Brazil.

My fascination with other cultures and the English language began in my childhood. Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, video games were my gateway to English, as they were predominantly in that language and not as readily accessible as they are today.

Curiosity drove me during those gaming sessions. I often wondered about the stories unfolding before me, the motivations of the protagonists, and the meanings behind the dialogues.

Unlike many who might have chosen sports, I eagerly opted for English classes when given the chance. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. English came naturally to me, and as I progressed, I even had the opportunity to fill in for my teacher during her Euro trip. By then, my world had expanded so much that I no longer felt solely Brazilian but a citizen of the world.

Everything from internet content to conversations with admired figures became comprehensible at a deep level. At 22, I decided to pursue teaching, leveraging my knowledge and calm demeanor to help others. This career change marked a turning point, allowing me to engage daily with different countries, cultures, and travelers, fueling my own wanderlust.

In August 2023, I embarked on my dream journey in the UK, immersing myself in a culture I’d admired since childhood. Through volunteering, I lived alongside people from diverse backgrounds, sharing knowledge, experiences, and forging lifelong bonds.

Since then, my travels have taken me through Europe: Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, France, Albania, and now Poland. The experiences I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, the cuisines I’ve savored, and the lessons I’ve learned are priceless to me.

From admiring Christmas decorations in London to savoring authentic Sicilian pizza, from joining traditional Easter celebrations in southern Albania to reveling in Carnival festivities in the Netherlands, English has opened doors to incredible experiences.

It still amazes me that I can be in a hostel in southern Sicily, conversing with a German, a Brit, and a Korean as if it were the most natural thing. English enables us to share our thoughts, opinions, and passions across cultures and continents.

So, if I could offer one piece of advice to anyone out there: Learn English and explore the world. Who knows what extraordinary experiences await you?