Joint Diplomas Open the World to Dante Students

São Paulo

Acting Consul General William Popp

On December 16, Acting Consul General William Popp presided over the unique graduation of 50 students from Dante Alighieri High School, who had been enrolled in a special Texas Tech University English language programs.  Mr. Popp presented the students with the special Texas Tech diplomas and spoke about the valuable entrée the course gave them to international and the global economy. 

In addressing the students and parents, Mr. Popp commented on the value of the English language program not just because of the skills acquired but also because the Texas Tech and Dante Alighieri partnership served to broaden and deepen the relationship between Brazil and the U.S. “We, at the U.S. Mission in Brazil,” he said, “have a long experience in dealing on a government-to-government basis; with your graduation from respected Brazilian and American academic institutions, you embody the true concept of diplomacy, two countries – and peoples -- sharing common vision of the future.”

Citing the current efforts of the Rousseff government to expand international education for Brazilian students, particularly through the “Ciencia sem Fronteiras” program, which is sending its first group of 600 students to U.S. universities this month, Mr. Popp encouraged the students to apply for these new exchange opportunities, which will serve to foster a growing personal and social relationship between Brazil and the United States.