Description

Learn firsthand how social, political, and economic forces shape development in northeastern Brazil. The region offers stark contrasts between rich and poor, abundant rainforests and drought-plagued agriculture, avant-garde architecture and slums. A vibrant and expressive culture manifests the influences of indigenous peoples and Portuguese, African, Jewish, Dutch and other European migrants.

In Fortaleza, the modern seaside capital of the state of Ceara, participants conduct fieldwork with organizations focused on migration, poverty, gender, human rights and the social impact of large-scale development. A field excursion provides insight into issues relating specifically to African Brazilians and the African Diaspora.

Homestays with families from a range of socioeconomic levels deepen participants' understanding of inequities in health care, education, employment, land, and basic resources in this culturally diverse and economically challenged region.

Highlights

16 credits; Intensive Language Study: Portuguese, Academic Seminar, Field Study Seminar, four-week Independent Study Project; Seven-week homestay in Fortaleza. Educational excursions to interior Ceara, northeast Brazil: Recife and/or Salvador.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

contact sponsor

Program Fees Include:

Please inquire for costs: Fees include tuition, full room and board, all field trips and related fares, health and accident insurance, and other direct program expenses. Participants pay for international airfare and domestic travel to the point of departure from the USA.

Experience Required

yes

One semester of Portuguese or two semesters of a college-level Romance language other than Portuguese.

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available

To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from USD 500 to USD 5,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application, please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932