Students selected for the Bridges to the World program receive travel kits before their exchange program in the United Kingdom.

247 - This Saturday (23), the 102 students from the public school system of the Federal District selected for the Bridges to the World program They participated in the final meeting before embarking on their international exchange program, which will take place in September. The event was held in Martins Pena Room, at the National TheatreThe event included cultural performances and the distribution of travel kits—consisting of a uniform, backpack, and water bottle. This information was published by... Brasilia Agency.

The governor Ibaneis Rocha He participated in the ceremony and highlighted the importance of the initiative, created by the First Lady. Mayara Noronha Rocha In partnership with the Department of Education (SEEDF). “We thank the UK government and BRB for all the partnership that has been undertaken; it will certainly be a very good experience for these students who perhaps had no expectation of getting to know another country, another language, and another reality. Anyone who travels the world knows how much knowledge one acquires,” he stated.

The program will be expanded and transformed into a permanent policy.

During the ceremony, Ibaneis announced the expansion of Bridges to the World, which will have 400 vacancies in 2026 and will also include Japan, Germany and Spain as destinations. The governor also confirmed that he will send it to Legislative Chamber of the Federal District a bill to transform the program into a permanent public policy.

According to him, the exchange program complements other initiatives to enhance education in the Federal District. “We have invested heavily in improving education. We have renovated almost all of our schools—of our more than 800, only 53 remain, which we will complete by next year—and we have invested in the quality of our teachers, which means that education in the Federal District is making significant progress,” he said.

Expectations of students and families

The student Isabelle Neris dos Santos Alencar16 years old, shared her anxiety about the trip:
“This is my first international trip and I consider it a great opportunity. I want to experience new cultures, try new foods and clothes, and learn a lot. Without the support of the GDF (Government of the Federal District), I wouldn't be able to make this dream a reality.”.

Yes, Sebastian Leite Gonçalves, 17 years old, highlighted the impact of the project on her life:
“I was very happy when I found out I was selected. My expectation is to learn a lot, especially British English, since I only know American English. Without the program, it would be very difficult to make this trip, both because of the costs and the opportunities it offers.”.

The families also expressed pride and relief. Ellen NerisIsabelle's mother said she is confident about her daughter's future: "This opportunity will be important for her future, especially because she wants to pursue a career in International Relations.". Already Maria LeiteSebastião's mother highlighted the good organization: "The instructions were well-organized and put us at ease. The program is wonderful; it shows that the government is investing in the future of young people.".

View of the authorities

The project's creator, the first lady Mayara Noronha Rocha He emphasized that the experience goes beyond personal experience:
"May they enjoy every moment, whether it's cooking, learning, getting to know new cultures and people... This experience is more than the fulfillment of a dream. It goes beyond personal growth, bringing business prospects, investments, jobs and development to the Federal District.".

The Secretary of Education, Helvia ParanaguáHe highlighted the transformative impact of the program:
"It will be a turning point in their lives. I myself did an exchange program at 15 and it changed my worldview, made me more independent.".

The Secretary of International Relations, Paco BrittoHe celebrated the forwarding of the bill that will make the initiative permanent:
"The program started by taking students to embassies, and now they have the opportunity to truly see the world. It's an innovative and enriching initiative.".

Present at the ceremony was the acting deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom, Graham KnightHe reinforced the importance of the partnership:
"This partnership is very important because British education is recognized worldwide and students will have the opportunity to experience our culture, cuisine, sports and traditions.".

Exchange details

The students embark on the days September 3 and 4 to the United Kingdom, where they will remain. 17 weeks in partner schools. The program includes academic activities, technical and cultural visits, as well as psychological support for both the young people and their families. Since August, follow-up sessions have been preparing students for adaptation, encouraging autonomy and self-regulation.

Educational foundation: the Inter-School Language Centers

The program relies on the solid training offered by Inter-School Language Centers (CILs), which for 50 years have been training public school students in languages ​​such as English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and German. Between 2019 and 2025, more than 350 thousand students According to the School Census, [number] students passed through the CIL classrooms. Currently, 829 teachers make up the faculty, reinforcing the importance of the initiative for the internationalization of Brasília's youth.