In today’s world, more and more young people are choosing to study abroad as a way to expand their horizons, strengthen their skills, and gain real-life experience.
It’s not just about traveling.
It’s about discovering who you are, building friendships across cultures, and preparing for a future full of opportunities. That’s exactly what happened to Milena and Alexandre Prado, a young couple from Brazil whose lives were transformed through their decision to leave their comfort zone and pursue an international education.
Alexandre comes from Rio de Janeiro, a city famous for its beauty and energy. Milena is from Aracaju, Brazil, known for its charm and warm people. Though they grew up in different parts of the country, their paths crossed in their teenage years, and together they began building a story of faith, courage, and resilience.
Their journey reminds us that growth, opportunity, and faith often come when we leave what’s familiar behind and embrace the challenges of stepping into something new.
A Love Story That Started in Their Teens
Like something from a movie, Milena and Alexandre met at 16 years old when Milena moved to Alexandre’s city. They became good friends, and in time, they began dating. Later, both chose to serve as full-time missionaries: Milena in Piracicaba, São Paulo, and Alexandre in Brasília, Brazil’s capital.
They served during the pandemic, learning resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded in faith. Serving under those difficult circumstances shaped them and gave them a stronger foundation for the life they wanted to build together afterward.
When they returned, their hearts were set on marriage and building a future together. However, something unexpected was about to change the direction of their plans.
A Simple Message That Changed Everything
As they reflected on their next steps, Alexandre remembered a message from a former missionary companion who had studied at Cumorah Academy.
“He texted me: ‘Elder Prado, you need to know this place! It was made for you! The values they have, everything here was made for you!”
That message sparked curiosity. Milena also remembered friends who had been to Cumorah. They began to wonder if this was more than just a coincidence. It felt like an answer to their prayers.
Together, they researched what Cumorah Academy had to offer. They found a place where faith, leadership, and personal development are not only encouraged but strengthened.
Study Abroad — Stay Comfortable or Embrace the Unknown?
They soon faced a choice:
✅ Stay in Brazil and follow a predictable, comfortable path
✅ Study abroad, take a leap of faith, and grow beyond what they thought possible
It wasn’t an easy decision. Leaving Brazil meant leaving family, friends, and the life they had just started building as newlyweds. But they both felt that this opportunity could shape their future for the better.
They chose faith and growth. They chose to study abroad.
Milena shared:
“One thing we learned a lot at Cumorah is that it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. For us, it was challenging to leave Brazil and come because we had a good life. However, staying here is a great opportunity to achieve our goals and attain our dreams.”
Their decision wasn’t just about learning in the classroom. It was about embracing a mindset of growth, courage, and discovery.
Learning That Unlocks Potential
At Cumorah Academy:
- Milena joined the Sales Classes, where she learned about negotiation, client relations, and strategic meetings.
- Alexandre joined the Business & Entrepreneurship track, where he studied financial planning, risk management, innovation, and leadership.
Milena reflected:
“Here I learned about negotiation and other things that I thought I knew, but turns out I had much to learn.”
Beyond technical knowledge, both of them experienced personal growth through new perspectives, international friendships, and deeper confidence in their abilities.
Recognized for Their Efforts and Growth
Their efforts at Cumorah Academy didn’t go unnoticed. Alexandre was officially recognized at the Graduation Ceremony for his outstanding performance throughout the semester.
This wasn’t just about academic success — it reflected his growth, commitment, and leadership development during his time at Cumorah.
Together, Milena and Alexandre now feel stronger, more confident, and better prepared to face the future. They are leaving with the tools and mindset to pursue their dreams with clarity and resilience.
Alexandre said:
“People here value you. They want you to grow in every aspect of your life.”
Faith, Courage, and the Rewards of Studying Abroad
Their story is a beautiful example of how studying abroad is about so much more than getting an education. It’s about stretching yourself, learning to trust God’s plan, and understanding that growth often requires sacrifice.
For Milena and Alexandre, this experience was a chance to gain skills for their future careers, but also to grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally. They believe this experience will shape their marriage, their future family, and their contributions to the communities they’ll serve back in Brazil.
Their Message to You: Don’t Hesitate!
For anyone considering a study abroad opportunity like Cumorah Academy, Milena and Alexandre are clear:
“Come to Cumorah Academy! Don’t hesitate!”
They understand the rewards of choosing growth over comfort, and they are living proof that it’s worth it.
Your Future Starts with a Study Abroad Experience
If you’re wondering how to unlock your potential, here’s your sign: study abroad.
At Cumorah Academy, you will:
- Strengthen your faith
- Build real-world skills in business, leadership, and English
- Grow through mentorship, service, and global friendships
Like Milena and Alexandre, you’ll leave with new skills, lifelong friendships, and a clearer purpose:
Join Us at Cumorah Academy
Are you ready for your next step?
Apply now and let Cumorah Academy help you achieve what you didn’t think was possible.
At Cumorah Academy, you’ll find more than just education. You’ll find an environment where your faith is strengthened, your mind is expanded, and your leadership potential is developed. You’ll leave prepared to lead, to serve, and to build a future full of possibilities — wherever in the world you decide to go next.
Your future starts here. Your journey begins now.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
