One word: MLAB!

“In one word, what does MLAB mean to you?” This was the question posed to the 2024 cohort of the Mentoring and Language Acquisition Program in Brazil, encouraging them to reflect on their experience throughout the program, and more importantly, on the two-week in-person immersion that took place in São Paulo last January. 

Empowering, transformative, inspiring – these were just some of the answers given by the 11 participating Harvard students, highlighting the diversity of their experiences. MLAB is more than just an educational program; it's a journey of growth, development and opportunity. Through exceptional guidance and engaging exchanges, it enables mentors to deepen their understanding of Brazilian culture, develop valuable leadership skills, and broaden their global perspectives, while helping young Brazilian students gain insights from more experienced peers and fostering mutual learning. 

Mentorship and language development are at the heart of MLAB. Since 2012, MLAB has connected Harvard College and Master’s students with high-need Brazilian youth through one-on-one mentorships facilitated by the DRCLAS Brazil Office. These partnerships help Brazilian mentees build confidence, enhance critical thinking, and develop English language skills. Meanwhile, the program provides mentors with opportunities to improve their communication skills, foster empathy, and gain insights into their own lives. 

The opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life while also learning and growing personally is in fact invaluable, an opportunity that was especially significant for Sofia Oliveira, Harvard College ’26, a Brazilian participant who had been in a similar position in life and was thrilled to now contribute as a mentor. "The program changed my life in ways I can't fully explain. It was a significant process of self-reflection, understanding the profile of the mentees - many of whom came from public schools and are now at private institutions with scholarships. It reminded me a lot of my own path and how far I've come. Being able to give back is a great privilege, but above all, it's an opportunity to reflect on my journey and use my experiences to inspire others, without ever forgetting where I came from."

One of the unique aspects of this program is the strong sense of community it fosters among both mentors and mentees, bridging them together like “perfect pieces of a puzzle”, as stated by some of the participants. For students like Rachel Daniels, Harvard College '26, these connections were strong points of the program: "I was surprised to see how quickly the mentees bonded, despite many of them not knowing each other before. It was amazing to witness the broader community that formed among us all—mentees, mentors, everyone. I hope this sense of community continues, in a way that remains impactful, so that people know they always have others they can lean on." 

On a deeper level, the MLAB program is also about self-discovery - finding your path and future. For many, like Juan Venancio, Harvard College '24, the program has been a turning point. Juan, who has participated in MLAB three times (twice fully online during the COVID-19 pandemic), finds it to be an irreplaceable experience. "Even though I'm from a different country, I identify with being a student from a first-generation or low-income background. I understand the importance of having access to opportunities, networks, and a sense of empowerment. Every generation of MLAB students brings an energy that’s unique, and it’s cultivated in places like this. I want them to see in me what they can become, and vice versa. It inspires me every time I participate in MLAB. Sadly, this is my last time, but thankfully, it’s also the first time I’ve been able to visit Brazil. I hope I can leave even a small mark for them to continue being as smart and incredible as they are. 

The program also builds ties with Brazil. The power of being immersed and participating in such programs had a profound impact on students like Luis Jimenez-Ramirez, Harvard College '24, who returned to Brazil for additional opportunities. Luis found it deeply rewarding to engage with Brazilian people in their native language, explore their stories, and immerse himself in their culture—through food, music, and film. He reflected on how each interaction with Brazil enriched his understanding and motivated him to come back. Luis is now a Brazil Office Fellow, working for a year at the DRCLAS Brazil Office, where he contributes to the office programs and initiatives, including MLAB, from behind the scenes. 

At its core, this program cultivates meaningful connections and expands one's worldview, making a lasting impression on all who participate. Whether it's learning about and from each other during the online mentoring or exploring the vibrant São Paulo together and getting to know the many facets of the city during the immersion, one thing is clear: MLAB is an experience that involves much more than just one word can describe. 

Interested in becoming a mentor? Harvard College and Master’s students can learn more and apply by September 30th, 2025.