Cultural Differences in Research.

Over my time here, I've really realized how American my upbringing has been, and how-- in many senses-- it shapes the way I view and do things. Apparently, education in the United States is very pragmatic-- we're very much DOERS over THINKERS. That being said, when we come to a country that prides themselves on theories and such, it become difficult to work and collaborate. I experienced this a bit here, in Brazil. My research group and particularly, my two advisors, are wonderful in understanding where I come from, and why I think the way I do, but even in the US I'm pretty fast-paced-- so here I go a million miles per second, I think. Having to wait for research clearance, continually reread articles, reformat, rethink-- it's not something I'm used to. But I'm learning. I appreciate the Brazilians ability to appreciate theories and have context for things that they learn (I had never heard of Facoult prior to this week-- the famous French philosopher who created the theories of the health system in Brazil). I hope that I can go back with a clearer picture of the way things work here, to help me understand how to collaborate with international researchers in the future. It's also important for me to try to reach a balance and actually think about theories, etc.