Why this Bangladeshi professional chose Brazil over Europe

Bangladeshi students and professionals typically set their sights on the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Malaysia or Australia when planning studies or career abroad. However, there are some rare ones that create a new path for others to follow. Such is the story of a Dhaka University graduate Anirudha Jahangir. Today Anirudha Jahangir works remotely from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a marketing consultant and contract marketing manager at Dubas Consulting. His path, however, began by working in renowned companies in Bangladesh. After roles at Kantar and Reckitt in Dhaka, he moved to Berlin for his first masters' degree from HTW Berlin - Berlin University of Technology and Economics and then explored through Europe before arriving in Brazil. Rather than following the usual immigration pathways, he deliberately chose what he calls "uncharted waters."

How was the experience in Germany:"I went to Germany because the education was excellent and there was no tuition fee," he says. "But I could work only twenty hours per week, so I took shifts in an Italian restaurant to cover living costs." He learnt how to manage education and jobs in a country where many don't even speak English. "Working nights and weekends taught me time management and grit," he recalls.

He found the German academic system unfamiliar but interesting. Exams were often open book, assessment split evenly between research and written work, and most classmates-70 per cent-were international. "You had thirty minutes to solve an economics paper by digging through notes," he says. "It forces you to think on your feet." He enjoyed social activities on campus but found the culture reserved. "People are polite but distant," he notes. Although permanent residency was available to professionals after a certain period who passed language requirements, he chose not to apply. He felt the culture, weather and high taxes did not suit him.

Takeaways from Apple and Weber Inc.: In 2019 Jahangir joined Apple's London office remotely as a product marketing specialist on Apple TV team. "The Apple TV team surprised me with its ambition," he says. "Even in a small team you feel ownership. I pitched influencer campaigns in the UK, Italy, Poland and Germany. We engaged 12 influencers and gained 80,000 subscribers in three months." He credits Apple with teaching him to prioritise ruthlessly and to back his ideas-even as the youngest voice in the room.

After two years at Apple he moved to Weber Inc. as brand management associate for EMEA. There he combined product marketing with growth strategy. He tracked paid media for three new gas grills across 50 markets generating $34 million in sales in 2021. "At Weber I learnt to manage multivertical projects under tight deadlines," he says.

How did Rolls Royce and HEC Paris fit in: In September2023 Jahangir joined Rolls Royce Power Systems in Berlin as brand marketing specialist. Rolls Royce later sponsored his MBA at HEC Paris, delivered in a hybrid format alongside his full time role. "I had morning client workshops and evening lectures," he recalls. "Balancing both taught me a new level of discipline and hardwork." At Rolls Royce he designed campaigns across 25 markets that drove €12 million in revenue, improved website visibility by 19 per cent, and increased inbound B2B leads by over 14 per cent month on month. He also launched a thought leadership series to showcase the mtu engine brand within industrial sectors.

180 degree turn from a growing corporate career: In 2025 he exchanged Europe's regulated nine to five culture for Brazil's digital nomad scene. Despite being able to excel at a corporate career, he chose to leave this for something that he feels gives him more freedom and adventure. From January 2025, he began offering freelance management consulting to tech, defence and consumer goods firms in Europe and the US. A month later he took on the marketing manager contract at Dubas Consulting. "I wanted to pick projects that excite me and set my own schedule," he explains. He helps clients with brand development, content strategy and growth marketing-skills honed across his corporate roles.

The digital nomad visa and why Brazil: In early 2022 Brazil introduced its digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV), becoming the first South American country to do so. The visa allows remote workers to live in Brazil for up to one year, renewable for another year, on proof of foreign income of at least US$ 1,500 per month or US$ 18,000 in savings, valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. By contrast, Portugal's D8 visa requires roughly €3,480 per month and Spain's about €2,334 per month.

Jahangir applied from Berlin while visiting Brazil as a tourist. "The requirements were clear and achievable," he says. "I already had remote contracts and the bank statements to prove income."

Cost of living and culture in Brazil: Brazil's cost of living compares favourably with Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in Rio or São Paulo runs around US$600-1,000 per month; however, it's much cheaper if one stays out of the city centre as well as these major cities. Coworking spaces cost US$80-150 per month. A basic meal out may be US$3-10 and groceries US$150-200 monthly. Healthcare is free under the public system; private insurance for nomads runs around US$30 monthly.

Culturally he finds Brazil warm, open to welcoming different ethnic and racial groups, and spontaneous. "In Germany work life is strictly nine to five," he says. "Here people mix business with social life. A lunch meeting can turn into a street festival." He studies Portuguese via apps and YouTube, and attends local meet ups where conversation often begins with football or music.

Lessons for Bangladeshi professionals: Anirudha Jahangir's journey offers several grounded lessons for Bangladeshi professionals considering careers beyond the traditional destinations. Before moving to Brazil, he carefully assessed the true cost of living and visa requirements, noting that a monthly income of around US$1,500 and modest expenses made the country a feasible choice. He built a financial cushion by saving six months' worth of living costs before transitioning out of his corporate role. Language was another key factor in his integration-early in Germany, he took German classes, and now in Brazil, he is learning Portuguese to better connect with the local community. His career path, which spans roles in market research, tech marketing, brand management, and consulting, reflects the importance of embracing varied professional experiences and building a career portfolio rather than a narrow track. Throughout his time in Berlin and Rio, global coworking spaces and events expanded his network far beyond borders. By considering less conventional regions like South America, he discovered a blend of lifestyle, opportunity, and accessibility that many overlook when focused solely on Europe or North America.

As remote work becomes entrenched, his experience shows that a successful international career need not follow established routes. For young Bangladeshi graduates, his journey from Dhaka to Berlin to Rio demonstrates that with planning, adaptability and willingness to explore, one can build both a thriving career and an enriching life in unexpected places. Anirudha left a parting piece of advice for those on the fence about unconventional choices. "Take more risks in life," he said. "Some will work, some won't but they just might change everything. One thing's for sure, it won't be boring."

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