“I’ll be learning in English for the first time at LUISS.” For João, a budding journalist from São Paulo, these words carry excitement, ambition, and challenge all at once. While English may seem like a universal language to many, for him it represents a milestone, a new frontier in his journey to tell stories that cross borders. He speaks about it with anticipation that makes it clear this is both a personal challenge and an important step for his future career.
Multilingualism is central to João’s vision of international journalism. Alongside Portuguese, his native language, he speaks some Spanish, has reached an almost advanced level in English, and hopes to learn Italian while studying in Rome. He sees the ability to communicate in multiple languages as key to making stories accessible and engaging for audiences worldwide. For him, every language is a tool to reach people who might otherwise remain untouched by stories that matter.
At LUISS University, he looks forward to sharpening his skills in reporting and professional ethics, taking full advantage of research opportunities, resources, and discussions with fellow students as well as immersing himself in the academic and cultural environment of Rome. He believes studying in English will allow him to refine his craft while gaining a global perspective on journalism and preparing for the challenges of telling stories across borders, cultures, and languages.
This excitement and drive are rooted in his experiences in São Paulo. 24 years old, João describes his hometown as a city that never sleeps and compares it to New York saying: “São Paolo is the New York of South America.” With over 20 million people, bizarre traffic, sharp contrasts between the rich and poor, and restaurants open almost 24/7, the city shaped his outlook and career path. Yet, even in such a vibrant place, João noticed communication gaps and stories that needed telling, as many people appeared less informed or uninterested in topics he considered important. These experiences gave him a sense of responsibility as a journalist, to go beyond the obvious and explore stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One area that captured his attention is environmental journalism, particularly climate issues. While working in São Paulo, he realized that many people knew little about climate change or environmental concerns, even though these matters impact their daily lives. This gap motivated him to pursue journalism with a focus on informing and engaging audiences who might otherwise remain indifferent to issues that significantly affect them. He sees telling such stories as a way to connect people to the world around them and show the immediate relevance of issues often overlooked.
His dedication to telling impactful stories carries over into his professional life. Currently, João works as a reporter for Brazilian TV and continues freelancing from Italy. Beyond journalism, he enjoys writing, a passion sparked by a school essay course and hopes to make more time for reading. He also enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with his dog and girlfriend. While journalism today can be draining, with social media sometimes causing overstimulation, he is learning to prioritize a healthier work-life balance.
These professional experiences build on his academic foundation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), where he began shaping his professional identity. Even before graduation, João worked in communication and marketing, which gave him insight into how messages are crafted. He also explored sports journalism, a field he came to love. These early experiences helped him develop versatility, understand different aspects of journalism, and prepare for the next stage of his journey.
