Portuguese Phrase
Fazer voluntariado no exterior me abriu a mente.
Meaning
This phrase describes how participating in volunteer work in a foreign country led to a significant shift in one's perspective or worldview. It uses the idiomatic expression 'abrir a mente' to signify becoming more open-minded, tolerant, or aware of different realities. It implies a deep, transformative personal growth resulting from the experience.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing life-changing experiences, travel history, or personal development in social or professional contexts. It is particularly common in interviews or blog posts when explaining how international experiences shaped your character.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Fazervoluntariadonoexteriormeabriuamente
Infinitive as Subject
The verb 'Fazer' (to do) is used in its personal infinitive form here to act as the noun/subject of the sentence.
Pretérito Perfeito
'Abriu' is the third-person singular past tense of 'abrir', used for actions that were completed at a specific point in the past.
🗨In Conversation
Você parece muito mais confiante desde que voltou da sua viagem.
You seem much more confident since you got back from your trip.
Com certeza. Fazer voluntariado no exterior me abriu a mente.
Definitely. Volunteering abroad opened my mind.
✕Common Mistakes
Fazer voluntariado em o exterior me abriu a mente.
In Portuguese, the preposition 'em' and the article 'o' must contract into 'no'.
Fazer voluntariado no exterior abriu minha mente.
While understandable, using the indirect object pronoun 'me' before the verb is the more idiomatic way to express that the action affected you personally.
↔Alternatives
Essa experiência expandiu meus horizontes.
This experience expanded my horizons.
Trabalhar fora me deu uma nova visão de mundo.
Working abroad gave me a new worldview.
Cultural Tip
In many Lusophone cultures, 'intercâmbio' (exchange programs) and volunteering are highly regarded as ways to gain 'bagagem cultural' (cultural baggage). Being 'mente aberta' (open-minded) is a valued trait, especially in diverse urban centers where global perspectives are appreciated in both social and work environments.