CURRENT MISSION

Travel, expand knowledge, experience new cultures, learn other languages.

I am Rodrigo Ferreira, a Brazilian university professor and a Ph.D. student in Applied Linguistics at Federal University of Minas Gerais. Currently, I am in the United States doing a sandwich doctorate at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT/NTID). I am Deaf and a user of Libras (Brazilian Sign Language), but I also communicate in ASL (American Sign Language) and am improving my English skills. I believe in the importance of promoting linguistic access for Deaf people in all social and academic spaces.

My personal and academic mission is to contribute to strengthening the teaching of Libras and the training of Libras teachers, advocating for Deaf protagonism in education. I value the perspective of Deaf teachers and bring this into my research, which focuses on the interpretation service of Libras in public universities. For me, it is essential to listen to Deaf voices and ensure that their experiences are considered in the development of more inclusive educational practices.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing for me is all about human interaction, I do couchsurfing because I love meeting new people and making new friends. Love to hear about my host's stories and experiences.

I consider myself a thoughtful and collaborative person. When I am a guest at someone’s house or part of a new community, I respect people’s time, space, privacy, and individuality. I try to collaborate whenever possible, whether by helping with daily tasks or sharing my knowledge.

Interests

I am very interested in learning about new cultures and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I believe that living with people from different realities teaches us to respect differences and broadens our worldview. My goal is to make the most of this opportunity to live in another country, grow both personally and professionally, and absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible.

• deaf culture
• trilhas
• mundo
• cachoeiras
• livros
• comidas tipicas
• deaf
• jalapao
• comida japonesa
• lingustica

Music, Movies, and Books

I love watching movies, especially Studio Ghibli productions and Marvel films. In my free time, I like to study, watch lesson videos, and attend academic and cultural events. I enjoy exploring cities, visiting tourist sites, and discovering historical places. I also like to go out with friends to bars to chat and have fun, but I equally appreciate peaceful moments at home watching movies or TV series.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

HIGHLIGHTS
1) Exploring the waterfalls of Tocantins was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. The Roncador Waterfall, with its powerful flow and imposing beauty, is unforgettable. Feeling the wind and water on my face while admiring the natural beauty was a revitalizing moment.

2) Adventures in the crystal-clear waters of Jalapão, including its iconic waterfalls like Cachoeira da Velha and Cachoeira do Formiga, is truly a spectacle. Swimming in the transparent waters and witnessing the breathtaking nature around me was a life-changing experience.

3) Experiencing the natural beauty of the waterfalls in Taquaruçu, where I had peaceful and rejuvenating moments. I enjoyed the challenging hiking trails and the incredible views along the way. The strength of the water and the sound of the falls created a sense of freedom and connection with nature.

4) My experience as a sandwich doctorate student at RIT/NTID has been transformative. Engaging with other Deaf professors and researchers has broadened my understanding of inclusive educational practices.
Participating in academic events and presenting lectures on key issues for the Deaf community has allowed me to actively contribute to accessibility and inclusion.

5) Living through an exchange program at Gallaudet University (USA) in 2014 was a phenomenal experience, as it allowed me to experience Deaf protagonism in an academic environment.

6) Now, in Rochester, New York, I am exploring the city and taking full advantage of the opportunity to experience local tourist sites and engage with both local and international communities.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am always looking for information of how can I be a better one. I would love to listen experiences of life and to share the few I already have. Always good to be able to teach Brazilian Sign Language and Portuguese Language and learn a new language, a little of its culture and customs

What I Can Share with Hosts

The best part of traveling for me is meeting people and learning about their cultures, understanding their perspectives, and creating unforgettable memories. For me, human interaction is far more valuable than visiting tourist attractions. I don’t mind skipping a famous tourist spot if it means I can spend more time with local people or have an authentic experience.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Paraguay, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States