Juliana Pereira from Florianópolis, Brazil, is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in geotechnical engineering at Purdue University. Juliana started her career as a journalist but realized that she wanted to do more than talk about the things happening in the world — she wanted to change them. Since deciding to pursue STEM, Juliana's become a traveler, a beacon for women in STEM, and someone making real changes in the world. 

WHAT IS STEM? 

STEM stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics." In a future where employers seek multi-dimensional skillsets, STEM gives the interdisciplinary education companies are looking for. STEM emphasizes soft skills transferable to any role within any organization — precisely the skills you'll need as you enter the workforce. 

WHY STUDY STEM IN THE U.S.? 

Juliana traveled the world during her educational journey — starting in Brazil, traveling to the Netherlands, working in Spain, and living in Canada — yet the U.S. was the destination she chose to get her Ph.D. In many ways, she's loved the possibility that STEM gave her in being able to impact every corner of the world. That same universality is what drew her to the U.S. When she researched the best universities for engineering, and the majority were in the United States.  

"The STEM major for me, as I mentioned, can open doors. I know that having a degree from Purdue University here in the United States is a well-known university around the world… if you have a great degree from a university that is well-known around the world, you can get a job opportunity anywhere you want." 

Juliana also opened the door to numerous opportunities by choosing the U.S. as her study abroad destination. She was selected as a recipient of the Science Without Borders scholarship through the Brazilian government, which opened the door for her to attend Purdue University. These same opportunities are available for students like you who are looking to study in the U.S. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A STEM DEGREE? 

Speaking to Juliana, she couldn't be more proud of what she's accomplished because of her major. STEM has given her the power to make the world a better place. As she moved to Florida and subsequently Lafayette, she was responsible for designing bridges in underdeveloped areas — bridges that made a difference — a difference she's able to witness every day as she walks across them. 

"You don't need to be a genius in mathematics to be an engineer; you just need to have a dream." 

Juliana has found a purpose in inspiring the next generation of women in STEM. The advice she shares is a message to herself as an inspiration to future STEM students around the world:

"Trust yourself a little bit more. I feel I could even have had way more opportunities in life if I had the courage to choose engineering first; if I had the courage to go for the big dreams before. I was always insecure about myself; I was insecure about my English. It's like, ‘Oh, I can't pass the TOEFL test because my English isn't perfect.’ It doesn't need to be perfect — you need to trust yourself, go with your gut, and just show the world what you're capable of. Sometimes, that IS enough." 

ACT NOW! 

Use code JULIANA30 for US$30 off a new TOEFL iBT test registration. The discount offer is valid through October 21, 2022. For more information, including terms and conditions visit https://bit.ly/3etrbUn

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

You can rewatch our informative Facebook Live session with TOEFL and Juliana Pereira to hear her story in its entirety. 

Thanks to our friends at TOEFL for supporting this program!