2025 Brazil Immersion Trip: Simon Students Gain Global Insights

Simon Students Gain Global Business Insights on 2025 Brazil Immersion Trip

April 11, 2025 
 

From the robotics labs of Latin America’s largest hospital to a composting startup in Rio de Janeiro, Simon students recently explored the dynamic business landscape of Brazil. The 2025 Brazil Immersion was part of a course open to students in all of Simon’s programs called Global Marketing Strategy, which took students to São Paulo and Rio for a deep dive into Brazil’s unique culture, economy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Throughout the trip, students visited multinational corporations, startups, and social enterprises, gaining first-hand exposure to Brazil’s consumer habits, healthcare innovations, sustainability efforts, and digital trends. They also connected with Simon alumni and faculty, toured historic and cultural landmarks, and experienced the vibrant energy of Carnaval.

Boardrooms and Botanical Labs

The Immersion kicked off with a thought-provoking presentation from Jean Apolodorio, a professor, startup mentor, and angel investor. Jean encouraged students to think beyond traditional economic models, advocating for a mindset that combines financial support, skills training, and individual empowerment.

“I really liked his analogy of a cup of coke versus a cup of coffee,” said one student. “You need to get close to experience something before making an opinion.”
 

Visits throughout the week provided insight into various industries and leadership styles:

JBS At JBS, one of the world’s largest meat producers, students met with Board Chairman Jerry O’Callaghan to discuss C-suite leadership, sustainability, and supply chains. “His presentation was extremely engaging,” a student shared. “It was one of the most poignant examples of leadership, and I felt like the whole trip clicked in this presentation.”	InovaHC At InovaHC, the innovation hub of São Paulo’s largest hospital network, students explored medical entrepreneurship and even tried their hand at robotic surgery.
Natura Natura, Brazil’s largest skincare brand, gave students a behind-the-scenes look at its inclusive product development, from 3-D printed skin testing to ethically sourced ingredients.  The visit was inspired by a student’s request to meet with a haircare company—an example of how Simon students shape their own learning.	Ciclo Orgânico At Ciclo Orgânico, a small-scale composting business in Rio, students saw environmental sustainability in action.  “It was a different perspective of operations than what I’m used to seeing in textbooks focused on profit and scalability,” one student reflected.
Estudios Globo Globo is the television production arm and Latin America’s largest audio-visual production center. Their goal is to create content for Brazilians, wherever they happen to be in the world.	AMBEV AMBEV South America produces, distributes, and sells both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Their portfolio includes Modelo, Budweiser, Stella, and Corona.

Fundação Porta Aberta 

Fundação Porta Aberta (Open Door Foundation) is a nonprofit focused on vocational training for adults overcoming adversity. There, students baked bread alongside program participants as part of a community brunch initiative.

According to Diana Sidoti, Associate Director of Experiential Learning, this visit is part of the initiative to give forward, something she hopes to build into all Simon Immersions going forward. "Our goal is to build lasting relationships with these organizations so that Simon students can contribute their expertise, whether in marketing, English language translation, or any area where we can make a difference."

“This experience really brought the trip full circle,” one student shared. “It was so inspiring to see what the founders were able to accomplish, especially against the backdrop of Jean Apolodorio’s presentation.”

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to company visits, students immersed themselves in Brazil’s cultural richness. Highlights included a samba night at Rio Scenarium, a city tour of São Paulo during Carnaval, and a visit to Christ the Redeemer. A jeep tour through the Atlantic Rainforest wrapped up the trip, offering a chance to reflect on a whirlwind week of learning, connection, and discovery.

The Brazil Immersion is one of several global experiences offered at Simon. These immersive courses allow students to explore international markets, apply classroom learning in real-world contexts, and build lifelong connections with peers, faculty, alumni, and global leaders.