Spotlight:
Shauna O’Mahony
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m from Limerick and studied in UCC before moving to Cambodia in 2015. I went out first as a teacher while finishing a postgraduate certificate with the University of Nottingham, but Cambodia opened doors I didn’t expect. I ended up moving into tourism and the arts, running street food and street art tours and later opening a street art gallery that grew into contemporary arts.
Working in the Cambodian arts scene felt incredibly meaningful because so much cultural expression had been lost during the Khmer Rouge Genocide. One of my proudest projects was directing and producing The Vagina Monologues with parts translated into Khmer for the first time, which eventually led to creating Cambodia’s first female empowerment festival, Phnom Fem Fest. After the pandemic we brought it back in 2025 with dancers, circus artists, musicians and speakers from Indigenous communities, which felt like a fitting final chapter before leaving Cambodia.
I’m now completing a master’s in psychology while still dabbling in arts projects when opportunities arise.
Do you plan to work in the arts in Brazil?
I’d love to stay involved, the art scene is so vibrant here! I’m bringing a Cambodian artist to São Paulo next year and will be curating an outdoor installation for them, and I would love to get involved again in theatre or festivals here, especially anything centred on women. That said, psychology is my main focus these days. I’m still figuring out the arts scene in São Paulo, so if anyone has recommendations for independent or women-led organisations, I’d be delighted to explore them.
How have you found the change since moving to Brazil from Cambodia?
Being an expat for ten years has definitely softened the transition. I stopped feeling homesick for Ireland a long time ago and living in São Paulo has actually made visiting home easier. The city is far more developed than anywhere I lived in Cambodia and I have been enjoying the museums, galleries, festivals and concerts here.
Have you faced any challenges in settling into life here in Brazil?
The language was the toughest part at first. I took an intensive course and feel much more comfortable now. I am also lucky because my partner works at a consulate, so most of the difficult logistics were handled for us.
What has been the most unexpected aspect to life here?
How quickly life fills up. There is always something happening and Brazilians are incredibly welcoming. We have already been invited to so many gatherings and events. I live in Brooklin, a bit outside the centre, and I did not expect how much time it takes to get around or how far in advance people plan their social lives. It is not a spontaneous city, which took me by surprise.
What similarities and differences do you see between the Irish and Brazilians?
Both are warm, friendly and very social. Sports, music and the arts matter to people in both places. The biggest disparity would most certainly be our dancing abilities, Brazilians seem to be born with rhythm.
From a psychology perspective, what’s the most fascinating difference you’ve observed in how people understand and talk about mental well-being between Brazil and Ireland?
Ireland has put a huge effort into reducing stigma around mental health. There are still challenges but people are encouraged to talk rather than brush it aside with banter. Brazilians seem naturally cheerful and friendly even in small interactions, so I was surprised to learn from friends that anxiety and depression are extremely prevalent here too. A lot of people mask it in day-to-day life, which reminds me of home. It made me wonder if it is a coping style shared across most cultures.
Is there anything you would have done differently in preparing for the move here?
Learning Portuguese in advance would have made life easier but it was not a disaster coming in cold.
As a psychology student, do you have any plans to work in the field in Brazil?
Yes. Once I finish my master’s, I hope to find volunteer roles connected to clinical psychology. I am interested in areas like addiction support, prison outreach, women’s shelters, suicide helplines or palliative care. I need to improve my Portuguese a bit more before applying, but that is my plan for 2026.
If you could bring one Irish trait to Brazil, what would it be?
There are simply not enough potatoes on the menu. I understand that makes me sound like a caricature stereotype, but as cliche as that sounds, I was hoping for more potatoes.
What would be the one thing you would bring from Brazil back to Ireland (apart from the weather)?
I’m torn between pão de queijo and street art.
What has been your favourite thing about living in Brazil so far?
The people. They are warm, energetic and very generous with their time. They take work seriously but they also value holidays, parties and shared meals in a way that creates a great balance. There’s a great work-life balance here.
What advice would you give to anyone considering making the move here?
Having a community makes a huge difference, whether that is social or professional. Some expats struggle at first, but everyone I know eventually found their people. Also, imported goods can be expensive, so bring any essentials you rely on. For me it was art supplies. Other than that, everything I have needed is available here.
About the Author
Shauna O’Mahony, Freelance Arts Curator and Psychology Student
Irish expat with experience across Cambodia and now Brazil, working in tourism, arts, community projects and education. I spent ten years in Cambodia where I ran cultural tours, managed a contemporary arts gallery and directed projects that supported the revival of the local arts scene, including a national women-focused festival.
I am now completing a master’s in psychology with an interest in clinical work, mental health support and community based initiatives. I continue to take on selective arts projects and will be curating an installation for a Cambodian artist in São Paulo.
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