Giovana Bueno spent years working as a physical therapist in Brazil. Eventually she made the decision to move to the United States and continue growing professionally.
For many international students, studying abroad represents more than getting an education, it is an opportunity to develop new skills, and explore different professional paths. Giovana Bueno is one of those F-1 visa holders. She’s originally from Brazil but is currently living in the Boston area while she studies marketing at Computer Systems Institute (CSI).
Giovana’s goal is to combine her experience in health and rehabilitation with marketing knowledge that can help promote wellness services and preventative care. Through her studies, she is discovering how business, communication, and health intersect and how those connections can open new opportunities in a growing global wellness industry.
New Opportunities in the US
Before beginning her studies in marketing, Giovana built a strong foundation in healthcare in Brazil. She completed a five-year degree in Physical Therapy and then spent approximately four and a half years working in the field.
During that time, she developed a passion for helping people improve their quality of life through movement, rehabilitation, and preventative care. Physical therapy allowed her to work closely with patients and support their recovery and long-term health.
Giovana’s professional experience also included work as a Pilates instructor, which further strengthened her interest in movement and wellness, “Health, movement, and helping people improve their quality of life have always been very important to me,” she explains.
After several years working in the field, she decided to pursue a new chapter in the United States. She has now lived here for about four years, while most of her family remains in Brazil. But their encouragement has helped motivate her to continue building her future abroad, “They are very supportive and always encourage me to keep working toward my goals,” she says.
Studying Marketing to Expand a Career in Wellness
Giovana is continuing her education through the marketing program at CSI. The hybrid structure of the program she’s enrolled in allows her to stay organized while balancing her coursework with personal responsibilities. Her schedule includes attending evening courses on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a mix of online and in-person learning for international students. When she’s not learning on Zoom, she’s attending classes at the Charlestown campus in Massachusetts.
Even though Giovana has a flexible class schedule, she is serious about her education. Much of her time during the week is dedicated to studying, preparing assignments, and reviewing class materials. Her decision to study marketing came from a desire to better understand how businesses operate in the United States and how the healthcare and wellness industries communicate with their audiences, “I think marketing could light up the way to see how the market works in the U.S. and understand the differences between countries,” she says.
Learning about marketing has given her a broader view of how wellness services are presented and promoted. Instead of focusing only on clinical care, Giovana now sees opportunities to help health and wellness businesses reach more people through messaging and education.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program has been the chance to meet classmates from many different backgrounds, “Learning new things and meeting people from different cultures has been one of the best parts of being a student,” Giovana says.
But like many international students balancing school and life responsibilities, time management can be a challenge. Giovana has worked to develop routines to stay organized and focused, “My biggest tip is to stay organized and not leave everything for the last minute. Studying a little bit every day really helps,” she explains.
Careers in Wellness and Health
Looking ahead, Giovana hopes to combine her healthcare background with the marketing skills she is developing at CSI. Her long-term goal is to work within the wellness industry. Wellness clinics and sports rehabilitation programs are areas that interest her most.
Because of her previous experience as a physical therapist and Pilates instructor, Giovana hopes to continue working in spaces where movement, recovery, and long-term health are priorities, “I’d like to dedicate my work to wellness clinics,” she says. “I worked as a Pilates instructor, so I would probably return to that path, and if I have the opportunity, also work with sports rehabilitation.”
Giovana’s international experience has also given her insight into how different countries approach healthcare and wellness. She does see differences between her home country of Brazil and how people in the the US approach health, “I think in Brazil the system is much more focused on preventing disease, and people are more likely to look for help and prevention treatments,” she says.
Through marketing and communication, she believes there is an opportunity to help more Americans understand the importance of preventative care, movement, and long-term wellness.
Outside of school, Giovana continues to stay active and engaged in the health community. She enjoys spending time with friends, learning more about wellness topics, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
For students who are considering pursuing their own studies abroad, Giovana emphasizes the importance of staying focused and making the most of the experience, “Studying in another country is a big experience, and it helps you grow both personally and professionally,” she says.
Are you interested in exploring how life in the US is different than it is in your home country? You can learn about culture while earning a certificate to expand your career opportunities. CSI is a reputable school for international students. Contact us to learn more!