For Twan Lemlijn, a 21-year-old Mechanical Engineering student at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, studying abroad was always part of his plan. Through Living Lab Biobased Brazil (LLB), he discovered a unique opportunity to broaden his technical expertise while immersing himself in a completely new culture. He spent several months living in Belo Horizonte, a bustling city in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, where he was involved in a project focused on the construction of a railway line for transporting lithium from a mine in the northern part of the state.
From a small village to a global city
Twan grew up in the small Limburg village of Reijmerstok, with a population of just around 500. The contrast with Belo Horizonte, a city with 2.5 million residents, couldn’t be more striking.
"It’s a completely different world," he says enthusiastically. "There’s always something happening here, and the people are incredibly welcoming. As soon as they hear you’re from the Netherlands,
they invite you to their homes or to go out with them."
Twan came to Living Lab Biobased Brazil through a minor coordinator, a choice he has never regretted. "It’s an amazing experience, not just because of the studies but also because I live on my own and get to experience a new culture."
A technical perspective on sustainability
During his internship, Twan was involved in a project focused on the construction of a railway line to transport lithium from a mine in northern Minas Gerais. "Right now, the lithium is
transported by truck on dirt roads, which puts a huge strain on the infrastructure. We want to make the transport more sustainable by creating a railway line and also stimulate economic
development in surrounding villages," he explains.
Although his Mechanical Engineering studies isn't directly related to geography, the internship offered him a valuable opportunity to broaden his knowledge. "When building infrastructure, you have to consider the environment. This project has given me insight into how factors like soil structure and nature reserves are taken into account when making technical decisions."
Sustainability and climate awareness
Sustainability is central to the project, particularly as the region struggles with environmental challenges like deforestation and mining. "We’re trying to design the railway line in a way that
minimizes the impact on nature reserves," says Twan. He notes that climate change is a major concern in Brazil, particularly among the younger population. "Temperature records keep
being broken year after year, and extreme droughts are causing forest fires. Even though mining is a crucial economic sector here, there is a growing awareness that things need to be done more
sustainably, especially among the younger generation."
An adventure with challenges
Living in Brazil has taught Twan not only about technical skills and sustainability but also about independence. "The language barrier can be a challenge. At the university, my professors and
classmates speak English, but in the supermarket or on the street, you have to get by with gestures and basic Portuguese. Fortunately, Brazilians are always willing to help."
His advice for students considering an internship abroad? "Start the preparations early and don’t be discouraged by the paperwork – it’s all worth it in the end!"
A unique opportunity to develop yourself
Twan shares his story to inspire other students. "This is the perfect time in your life to embark on such an adventure, with no commitments back home. You make lifelong friends and experience a
whole new world."
Through Living Lab Biobased Brazil, students from a variety of fields can apply and deepen their knowledge in an international setting. Twan’s experience shows that an internship in Brazil is not only an educational opportunity but also an unforgettable adventure.
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