Student Opinion

From Brazil to Brighton – reflections on the first term at IDS

Published on 29 January 2025

Lucas dos Santos Miranda, IDS student

Lucas dos Santos Miranda, MA Globalisation, Business & Development student (class of 2025), joined IDS as part of a double master’s programme partnership between IDS and Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). We asked Lucas to tell us a bit about why he joined IDS, his first impressions and his plans for his dissertation.

Interviewer: What were you doing before you came to IDS?

Lucas: Before coming to IDS, I was in my first year at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), studying for a Master’s in Management and Public Policy. I was also working as a Business Intelligence Analyst at iFood, the largest foodtech company in Latin America. In addition, I was — and continue to be — working part-time at an NGO I co-founded in Brazil called Se Mudando, which focuses on supporting homeless people through a Housing First programme.

FGV fosters a fantastic culture of encouraging its students to seek international experiences, understanding how crucial they are for both personal and professional development. In fact, this was one of the key reasons I chose FGV in the first place. From the moment I joined, I was already thinking about the possibility of pursuing a double degree programme.

When the partnership with IDS was announced, it transformed an idea into a clear goal, and I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to be part of the number one institution in the world in this field.

11 students in two rows, the three in the front are kneeing down. A girl is holding the camera and smiling.
Lucas (second from the right) with his MA Globalisation, Business & Development classmates.

Interviewer: Can you describe your first term and whether IDS is meeting your expectations?

Lucas: The first term was an exciting and novel experience. Everything was new: the class formats, the IDS culture, new friends, and a new routine (including managing all the readings!) I can confidently say I was happy throughout this first term.

When I started at IDS my three main expectations were (1) studying, (2) building a strong network, and (3) living life to the fullest. And my mission was to find the right balance between these three important aspects. I’m happy to say that I am fulfilling all of these!

  • Studying – I’m definitely studying. I’ve learned a lot through lectures, readings, and mainly assignments. One thing I truly appreciate is the notable flexibility to focus on topics that genuinely interest me.
  • Building a strong network – Beyond the professional aspects, I’ve met many fantastic friends. We got along so well during this first term that I’ve even been invited to a wedding in the future! While I’m still in the process of building a strong professional network, I already deeply value the close friendships I’ve formed.
  • Living life to the fullest – I’ve been enjoying so many new experiences, from IDS’s traditional cultural events to watching a pantomime (a style of theatre I had never experienced before). I even played sports I had never tried in my life, like frisbee. Some friends and I co-founded an IDS football team as well!

The unique sense of community at IDS is something I haven’t seen in other courses. Even my flatmates have noticed this — they’ve mentioned that their courses don’t have the same welcoming and supportive atmosphere. IDS brings together such a large group of respectful and good-intentioned people. When my girlfriend visited recently she was genuinely impressed by everyone’s kindness.

Nine students all in sportwear, on a football pitch. The two in front are laying down. They are an assortment of different nationalities and genders.
Lucas, (third from the right) with the IDS football team.

Interviewer: Many IDS students have never been to Brighton, or even the UK before, what has been your experience so far?

Lucas: This is actually my second time in the UK, though my first visit was just a short tourist trip where I spent a weekend in London, so I’m not sure that really counts! However, it’s my first time in Brighton. Brighton is a cozy place to live. The city feels like a global centre of freedom, respect, and inclusivity — qualities I admire. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful people are in respecting everyone’s needs. For example, I thought I might struggle a bit with food options, but I’ve found plenty of vegetarian choices, which I really appreciate.

Eight students sit around a wooden table, with drinks on it.
Lucas (second from left) with friends in the IDS Bar & Cafe.

Interviewer: Have you decided what your dissertation will be on, and who you will work with?

Lucas: I’m planning to study the feasibility of applying a Social Impact Bond (SIB) as a tool to fund a Housing First (HF) programme in Brazil. I hope to analyse the main cost-saving categories for the Brazilian government by examining existing HF programmes. While I have a few supervisors in mind, I still need to approach them to formalise my decision.

Interviewer: How will this double master’s help your career and what are you planning to do next?

Lucas: As my undergraduate degree was in Management Engineering, I can say that this experience is a kind of change in path for my career. My double master’s degree in Public Policy and in Globalisation, Business and Development will accredit me to move forward in a career that aligns with my passion for social impact.

I have several potential paths in mind that I would love to follow after my year at IDS, but I’m open to finding new opportunities. My dream is to work as a social entrepreneur and transform my NGO into a social impact startup in Brazil. However, I believe I need more experience in the development sector before taking this step.

That’s why I’m currently exploring roles at institutions like the World Bank or in social impact investment funds.

Disclaimer
The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of IDS.

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