Bárbara França has gotten a lot out of life at CSI. She’s a busy wife and mom who’s gaining work experience with OPT.
Bárbara França was initially more interested in the cultural experience of spending time in the US. But her time here has blended education, family life, and real-world work experience. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she really just wanted to expand her opportunities, “I always had a big desire of doing a cultural exchange,” she says.
New Beginnings in the US
Before arriving in the US, Bárbara had already completed a bachelor’s degree at Faculdades Integradas Maria Thereza in Brazil. She saw studying in the U.S. as a way to continue learning while also improving her English and gaining exposure to a different business environment.
She enrolled in the Business Fundamentals program at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) to find that opportunity. With classes conveniently held twice a week during the day at the campus in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bárbara was able to build a routine that balanced academics with her personal life, “The school works are not so overwhelming,” she explains. “We are able to have time for family and fun.”
That balance helps her to navigate life in a new country alongside her family. Having her husband and daughter with her has made the time here even more meaningful, “They always support me in everything,” she says. “It’s amazing to share this experience with them.”
Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
Like many international students, one of Bárbara’s biggest challenges was adapting to learning in English, “Even though I was already speaking English, it was hard to understand the teachers’ explanations in the first three months,” she shares.
Rather than becoming discouraged, she saw it as part of the learning process. Over time, her listening, writing, and speaking skills improved along with her confidence, “It helped me improve a lot,” she says. “It was a great experience.”
Support from instructors and classmates also played a big role in her success. Bárbara credits her teacher and school staff for helping her adjust and grow during her time in the program, “The opportunities that I had, my teacher that really helped me a lot, and all the friends that I made there,” she says, reflecting on the most meaningful parts of her experience.
Bárbara also highlights the support of specific staff members who made a lasting impact on her journey at CSI, “My teacher Richard and the DSO Lilly were awesome professionals, very knowledgeable and willing to help,” she adds.
Gaining Real-World Experience and Looking Ahead
After completing her class work, Bárbara took the next step by participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), where she is now working at a bank. The experience has allowed her to apply what she learned in the classroom while continuing to build her professional skills, “It’s a great opportunity to immerse in American culture and improve my speaking and business skills,” she says.
Working in a professional environment has also helped her gain confidence and better understand how business operates in the United States.
Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and being with her family and friends. She also has a personal interest in studying neuroscience, showing her curiosity and desire to continue learning beyond the classroom.
For other students considering a similar path, she offers encouraging advice, “If you feel uncomfortable in the beginning, don’t give up. Practice is what leads you to be good at something.”
Gaining practical work experience through OPT is a goal many international students set for themselves. But to get there, you need to take classes. Fill out our interest form today to learn more.
