This study investigates the experiences of Brazilian students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the United States, focusing on their sense of belonging and understanding of institutional servingness. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, 11 Brazilian students shared insights through in-depth interviews, highlighting their complex relationship with the HSI designation. Findings reveal that Brazilian students often feel excluded, as HSIs typically cater to Spanish-speaking populations, which do not align with Brazilian cultural and linguistic identities. As a result, participants report a sense of “Brazilian-shaming” within these institutions, where they feel counted for enrollment purposes yet unrepresented in cultural programming. Despite these challenges, Brazilian students form connections through informal networks and social media, fostering a sense of belonging within the Brazilian community both on and off campus. This study underscores the need for HSIs to broaden their understanding of Latin* identities and inclusivity to genuinely serve diverse student populations.
López et al. (Wed,) studied this question.