Maria Clara Souza Rocha

Hometown and Country

Fortaleza, Brazil 

Extracurricular Interests:

Model UN, Debate, Politics, Research

Favorite place in Harvard Square?

Joe's, Kong Fu Tea, Barley's, and El Jefe

What can FIPpers talk to you about?

Transitioning to a new country, facing challenges when speaking a new language, homesickness, how to navigate and find meaningful opportunities as a first-year student, how to connect with professors and start doing research, finding community on campus, resources and tips for low-income students.

Languages Spoken:

Portuguese, English, Spanish (intermediate) 

About me:

Maria Clara is a freshman intending to study Government and Economics. Originally from Fortaleza, Brazil, she is deeply interested in Latin American political economy and aspires to produce research that informs economic policy and social mobilization. On campus, she conducts research in the Government Department, serves as Social Chair of the Undergraduate Brazilian Association, and works with the Harvard Organization for Cultivating Inter-American Democracy. After graduation, she hopes to further develop her academic interests while contributing to the intersection of research and public policy. She is passionate about the international community at Harvard and found a very special new home during FIP. She couldn't be more excited to welcome each new FIPers and help them to experience a smooth and special transition to college and life in the US, and is happy to share meaningful advice and tips on homesickness, life as a first-year student, and finding meaningful academic and extracurricular opportunities as a freshman.