Testimonials
Wagner Experience Testimonials
Chris First
Miami, Florida
2023 Immersion Tour - Natal
Traveling to Brazil with the Wagner Experience and my friends was an experience I will never forget. It was a trip that included all of the normal sightseeing and memorable experiences one would expect from a traditional vacation but with a lot more cultural immersion and community engagement. From before the trip started, we met weekly to study up on Portuguese and learn more about our plans, and then once we arrived, we had stayed in a home altogether as a group and spent time with locals that were friends of the Wagners.
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We ate food from local restaurants, went shopping in local malls and plazas, and we went to the beaches that make this city famous. Apart from day to day we were also able to participate in multiple excursions that took us to the famous sand dunes of Natal, the biggest cashew tree in the world, and some beginner surfing lessons (a very popular pastime in this beach town). All in all, it was a truly unforgettable experience and one that I would be happy to recommend to anyone.
Miah Lathrop
Rochester, NY
2022 Intercambio Tour - Natal
Brazil, for me, was my comfort. I found this trust in the people around me that I have never felt before, they were all so welcoming.
Zezinho was definitely the person that changes my perspectives. He gives everything to his community, putting everyone at the highest priority to make life wonderful and worthwhile. He's selfless and altruistic, here to live and enjoy life. It's such a beautiful thing, so why take it for granted?
Zezinho’s infectious smile illuminated my day, even when I was homesick and exhausted. I learned to smile, the new form of medicine, just like him, within two weeks. Going to a new country with major language barriers, I truly struggled with communication. But I didn’t need to be fluent in Portuguese; I just had to smile. Brazilians are some of the happiest people I have ever met. Just by smiling, you’ve already had a longer and more meaningful conversation than words could ever express -- truly a life-altering experience. Smiles taught me that we all matter, never mind what's going on, what we have, and what we don’t.
I went to Brazil to learn about a new culture and how people around the world live differently from us in America. However, I found myself relating to those in Brazil regularly and began feeling more at home than in New York. Life is uncertain, though I’ve always been determined to make an impact and be remembered as something grand. Zezinho showed me how to begin this journey; I just never thought my realization would come to me at 17. I aspire to positively impact anyone I encounter, and I can always start that with a smile.
Aidan Kharroubi
Rochester, NY
2022 Intercambio Tour & 2023 Natal Immersion Tour
I went to Brazil in 2022 during a new chapter in my life—starting a new school, building new friendships, and embracing new opportunities with a fresh outlook. What I found on the tour was a community of passionate people who live each day in pursuit of happiness. It wasn’t about achievement or chasing the perfect life; it was about finding joy in the journey. The Wagners introduced me to their communities in Natal, where I saw firsthand how soccer is more than just a game—it’s a way for families and communities to connect, a shared experience where kids can simply play. I also learned about the cultural shifts happening in Brazil, particularly in opportunities for girls in soccer. Just the presence of American girls in these soccer communities has a lasting impact, inspiring more local girls to participate.
Beyond soccer, the tour was filled with unforgettable experiences—beaches, buggy rides, surfing, beach soccer, futsal, capoeira, incredible food, and training at PSG Academy. But what truly mattered was the deeper impact of the experience. Master Zezinho, our Capoeira instructor and guide, became more than a teacher—he was a mentor and friend, welcoming us into his community. He helped me step out of my comfort zone, something I had struggled with for a long time. Living 24/7 with the tour group and fully immersing myself in Brazilian culture pushed me beyond my fears, helping me transition successfully into my new school and life. This journey was a pivotal moment in my personal growth, and I could not recommend it more. Thank you to the entire Wagner family for making this possible—I will absolutely be returning to this beautiful country to reconnect with its incredible people.
Jennifer Bugbee
Geneseo, NY
2014 Girls Soccer Initiative - Natal
As a coach, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of the Wagner Soccer Intercambio program on young athletes. This program is far more than a soccer exchange—it’s a deep cultural immersion that expands perspectives and fosters lifelong connections. Seeing my players train alongside Brazilian athletes, embracing not just the sport but also the values of passion, respect, community, and family, was truly inspiring. The program’s dedication to inclusion, particularly through the Girls Soccer Initiative, is groundbreaking. My three daughters, who participated in the tour, returned home transformed, deeply moved by the friendships they built and the experiences they shared with Brazilian girls.
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Traveling with a group of 45, we were immersed in an unforgettable journey, thanks to Bob Wagner’s exceptional planning and leadership. Every aspect—from accommodations and tourism to capoeira and, of course, soccer—was thoughtfully curated and delivered at the highest level. This was truly a life-changing experience for everyone involved.
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I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any coach or athlete seeking personal and athletic growth through an extraordinary cultural exchange.
