Rafael Machado does not have a typical story. He’s got a degree from his home country, a research background, a career spanning engineering and healthcare, and is now mastering English with the help of CSI.

Rafael Machado has an impressive background. He’s originally from Ouro Preto, Brazil and arrived in the United States about two years ago. He is currently enrolled in the ESL (English) program at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) so he eventually move onto some bigger academic and professional goals. He attends classes in person at the campus in Charlestown, Massachusetts near Boston. 

A Diverse Career

Before setting foot on campus in Charlestown, Massachusetts near Boston, Rafael had already built a professional foundation in Brazil. He holds a degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the School of Mines at the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP). This is one of the most respected institutions in that field in the country. He is also a credentialed nurse with a specialization in occupational and industrial health, and has worked as a researcher.

Before coming to the US, Rafael’s career centered on the mining and materials processing sector, where he focused on project management and process optimization. He also has experience working in a hybrid capacity in occupational and industrial health nursing.

The rare combination of engineering and nursing shows how Rafael is drawn to a different way of thinking, “My career has been focused on analysis, management, and solving complex problems,” he says. 

Why CSI 

Enrolling at CSI is part of a deliberate and strategic plan for Rafael. He says that he moved to Boston so that he could build on what he already knows. His goal is to eventually pursue a graduate degree in engineering or materials science. The ESL program at CSI is the first step toward getting there. 

Like many international students, Rafael has learned to adjust, “The main challenge was adapting to the language and a new life in the United States,” he explains. He has approached the transition with discipline. “At the beginning, there was an adjustment period with some challenges, mainly due to the language and new environment, but with the support of the CSI team, I was able to adapt.”

One of the important parts of his transition has been consistency. Rafael carefully structures his time to balance multiple priorities. “I organize my time between studying, physical activity, and personal development,” he says. Even outside the classroom, he remains intentional: “I enjoy training, maintaining a consistent physical routine, and studying.”

Discipline, Independence, and Personal Growth

Rafael is in the US by himself but he has embraced both the challenges and opportunities that come with it, “Currently, I am alone in the United States,” he says. This has forced him to be more responsible and independent. 

That is the mindset of how he approaches both his studies and his broader life goals. Rafael emphasizes structure and intentionality in everything he does. He says the organization is key, “I set clear priorities, maintain a structured routine, and avoid unnecessary distractions.”

Balancing responsibilities hasn’t always been easy. “Balancing external responsibilities while maintaining high academic performance requires discipline and organization,” he says. Rafael has used this as an opportunity to refine his habits and strengthen his focus.

His approach to learning is equally thoughtful. “Consistency is more important than intensity,” he advises. “Studying every day, even for shorter periods, produces better results. Additionally, practicing the language outside the classroom significantly accelerates learning.”

Rafael is planning ahead when it comes to gaining professional experience. Once he completes his ESL classes, he plans to enroll in one of CSI’s Business Career Programs. He’s hoping to eventually do Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience in business to further build on his skillset, “With the support of the CSI team, I plan to use CPT and OPT strategically, seeking opportunities aligned with my academic and professional background.” 

When asked about his experience at CSI so far, Rafael says that the diversity of the school is a big factor, “The best part has been the opportunity to develop my English in a structured environment, with qualified instructors and interaction with people from different cultures,” he says. “This accelerates not only language learning but also adaptation to an international environment.”

Rafael’s journey offers valuable insight for prospective students considering a similar path. His advice is simple but powerful: “Take the program seriously and with purpose. CSI can be an excellent gateway to greater opportunities, but it depends on the student’s level of commitment.”

If you want to transition into a US education on an F-1 visa, the ESL program at CSI can lay the foundation for bigger things. Reach out to us today and our friendly staff will help.