Now that the #ibmcsc brazil assignment is unfortunately over (can you believe 4 weeks already passed by?) it is time for a quick wrap up post. But before I even start let me tell all IBMers to sign up now. If you are an IBMer keep yourself informed when the next CSC application cycle opens and simply sign up for it.
It is a once in a lifetime experience, so sign up for it. Now.
The four weeks in Brazil passed really quickly – we where 15 strangers from 12 different countries who never met before. We had weekly meetings on the phone for 3 month, but as I learned conference calls never ever can replace the experience of meeting others in person. The only thing we had in common prior the CSC assignment was that we all work for IBM and that we signed up for the CSC program. At the end of the 4 weeks in country experience we became close friends…
As I wrote before the CSC assignment is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone, there are new people in a new location and there is hardly any connection back home. To me the 4 weeks have been amazing, fast, wild, sometimes weird, fun and a lot of emotions. It is really hard to describe, but because of the location (Brazil is amazing!) and the people (#ibmcsc brazil: you are amazing!) the CSC assignment has been an once in a lifetime experience for me! I will never forget the Pastels, Marriah, the Trio Dinners, cooking at Joannes house, the pool parties….
And despite the fact that most of my blog posts have been about fun and weekend travel we have been in Brazil for work, not for fun. The four different clients however did a great job to show us their city and the Brazilian lifestyle, thanks! An eye-opener for most of our group has been to see how passionate the NGOs are about their work. We all have been truly impressed by the motivation behind the NGOs and by the impact their work has on society.
So what do I bring back home? First of all a few kilos more. The food was so delicious that I could not say “no” and the plate was always too full. Secondly I bring back a bag full of new friends. We as team went together trough the experience which glued us together. Lastly I bring back a lot of personal experiences, feelings and memories (and no, I do not only mean the 27GB of photos and videos that wait to be sorted!)…
The last month was very intensive, thanks to my company for having such an amazing program and allowing me being part of it!
To all of the amazing #ibmcsc brazil 13 team: cu soon & thanks to all of you for the once in a lifetime experience!
For reference, here is one of the official team songs:
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