Description

In a land of deep social inequality imbued with a never-ending embrace of life, Brazil is all about sweating samba, powerful music beats, futebol, and an unapologetic embrace of life. Surrounding yourself with the countrys physical beauty, the Brazil semester will take you on an exhilarating ride through opportunities and experiences as diverse as the people and places you'll meet. With Carpe Diem, you will dance to the intoxicating rhythms that make Brasil and Brasileiros what they are - unforgettable.

Capture its essence through beneficial service learning projects with local NGOs as they confront many of the area's most pressing issues. You'll volunteer at an organic farm, work with kids in one of Rio's infamous favelas (shanty towns), and help build a new school in a remote Amazonian village. Home stays will complement your Portuguese classes as you fall in love with the flow of how language and culture intertwine. Explore the mysteries of the worlds most important rain forests, hone your Portuguese skills in Salvador and culturally rich Bahia, dance samba in one of Rio's world-renowned Escolas de Samba, and learn about organic farming and sustainable development. In addition to myriad volunteer and cultural opportunities, you'll trek through the Atlantic Rain Forest and participate in the student-directed Free Travel portion of the semester, ending your semester with a search for the perfect sunset off the coast of colonial beauty Paraty.

College credit and financial aid (FAFSA) is available through PSU.

Highlights

* Try surfing, capoeira, samba dancing, futebol, and regional cooking
* Study permaculture and organic farming
* Trek through both Atlantic and Amazon Rain Forests
* 4/5 weeks of intensive Portuguese study
* Home stays with local families in three distinct regions
* Amazing opportunities with a variety of local NGOs around the country
* Learn how to travel independently and safely
* Develop your leadership skills
* Group sizes no larger than 12 students and 2 leaders
* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Federal Financial Aid availability

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Dancing
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Geology
• Homestay
• Language Immersion
• Martial Arts
• Student Tours
• Surfing
• Trekking
• Volunteering
• Yoga
• Cooking
• Heritage Tourism
• Hiking
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• Photography
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Soccer/Football
• Sports
• Tours

Qualifications

None

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• Portuguese
• English

Cost in US$:

11,900

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• International travel
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

International airfare is not included, it is estimated at around 1,300 USD. An additional USD900 fee applies to receive a full semesters worth of college credit through Portland State University.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The vast majority of our students are recent high school graduates from all over the USA whom for any variety of reasons foresee the benefit of having a focused, structured, and transformative experience in the "real world" before going off to college. All of our Carpe Diems programs are fully accredited by Portland State University so most students opt to spend their first semester of college earning credits with us, while experiencing life outside of our all to often "cultural bubble" for their first time. Other students come to us who have already spent some time at a university and either found the experience lacking in some way or are desirous of a structured study abroad program. Though the majority of our students are 18 and in their "Gap Year" we often work with sophomores and juniors in college as well.

Age Range

17-23

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other
• Guest House
• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 12

Scholarships are Available

FAFSA and Scholarships are available.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Carpe Diem Education's Mission Statement

Inspiring growth and transformation through experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange.

Year Founded

1997