Study Abroad Guide – Brazil
Several Great Study Abroad Programs in Brazil
Top Places to Study Abroad in Brazil
GoAbroad Tips for Studying Abroad in Brazil
Understanding and Surviving Culture in Brazil
What comes to mind when someone says, Brazil? Soccer, beaches, Carnaval, steak, more beaches? Needless to say Brazil is a land full of possibilities and experiences, which is why it is such an amazing place to study abroad at. With over 4655 miles of coastline, and has a landmass larger than the continental United States, Brazil consists of 26 states and is the 5th largest country in the world. It has a population of over 190 million people and the official language in Brazil is Portuguese. This also makes it the largest Portuguese speaking country in the world.
Another important aspect of course is the fact that Brazil houses the Amazon Rainforest, which represents over half of the planet’s remaining rain forests. It is home to some of the most diverse species in the world and provides amazing trips to students studying abroad in Brazil. Also, this allows environmental aware students to take classes on climate change based on deforestation in the Amazon if you study abroad in Brazil. If you are not interested in studying abroad, then of course there are a plethora of volunteer opportunities in this amazing rainforest.
Beautiful night skyline of the bustling São Paulo
Aside from the Amazon and beaches, Brazil has several major cities that offer varying study abroad experiences. For example, if you study abroad in Salvador da Bahia, you can get in touch with the Afro-Brazilian culture which is a vibrant part of the city. Or if you study in the south such as in Florianopolis, you will get a taste of Germany because of the large influx of German immigrants during the 1900s; this also is the home of the largest Oktoberfest in the world outside of Germany.
Of course, any student in Brazil cannot count out soccer as one of the biggest driving forces behind Brazilian culture. Champion of the World Cup five times, Brazil’s passion is soccer, or futebol (foo-chee-bowl). One story from a student tells of his five year old host-cousin who taught him how to kick the ball up onto his back and hold it there his neck. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind where a Brazilian’s heart lies.
Also, Brazil is home to some of the best and most vibrant music in the world. Musical pioneers such as Sergio Mendes and Roberto Carlos have made Brazilian music recognizable throughout the world. Not only is Brazilian music known throughout the world, there are many different kinds of Brazilian music! Bossa nova, samba, sertanejo, choro, and axé are just several of the amazing music genres that Brazilians have created.
Overall, Brazil provides a well-rounded experience for any student looking to have a good time and get quality academics on his/her study abroad experience. A recommendation might be to study in Brazil during the spring term because that is when Carnaval occurs and it is truly a one in a lifetime experience. Just be flexible, patient, pack your swimming suit, your Portuguese-English dictionary, and be ready for an experience you will never forget!
Brazil has many different cities to choose from, and thus many different programs to choose from. Depending on what you want, it can be difficult to find the right one. However, on GoAbroad.com’s study abroad search engine, you can narrow down your needs. For example, if you are looking for a spring semester option in Salvador da Bahia, go to the study abroad search page click on Semester under the Term drop down and Brazil under the country drop down. Then once you’re at the list of programs for Brazil during a semester, you can narrow it down even more to Salvador. However, there is more to finding the right program for you than just using Goabroad.com.
Is Studying Abroad for you? Can you commit to living in a country where English is rarely spoken or known? Can you live with a Brazilian host family that has it’s own customs and habits? How about with other Brazilian or international students in an apartment? Make sure that the program you choose provides adequate support and accommodation.
Where does your money go? The most important thing that your money goes towards on your study abroad program to Brazil is to host families or apartments for your accommodation. This provides host families with money to buy your food, do your laundry, etc… Or it pays rent to real estate companies that provide the apartments
Is the study abroad program reputable? When selecting your program, make sure that they are a reputable organization. On Goabroad.com’s search feature, you can see which programs have been stamped with a check ++. This means that their business registration has been submitted, they’ve responded positively to test email inquiries, a member of a professional organization, and they have positive participant testimonials. After checking that Goabroad verified the program, testimonials are another great way to see how good the program is to its students.
How quality are the academics? What kind of credit are you looking to get back from this program? Do all of the professors have the degrees that you need in order to get credit back at your home university? Have you completed all the paperwork back at your home university to make sure you get credit for it? Does the program provide syllabi before arrival? Just some things to make sure you have done before you leave on the program.
What kind of support does the program provide? Some programs will provide airport pick up if you arrive on certain days. Also, you should check to see that the program provides orientation upon arrival. Almost 100% of programs do, but it’s good to see anyways. Some other questions might be what kind of accommodation programs provide along with what happens if it the accommodation proves to be inhospitable. No matter what the student should try to adapt to his/her accommodation, but there’s always a case where the homestay or apartment is too much to handle. That’s when the program should step in. Just research what kind of support your program provides.
Several Great Study Abroad Programs in Brazil
1. Temple University in Brazil: Afro-Brazilian Culture
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This program is designed for students who wish to learn more about Brazilian culture and civilization. The program provides exceptional educational opportunities for undergraduate students of Portuguese, Spanish, Latin American studies, music, African-American studies, dance and art.
- Special features of the program are short, weekly excursions both in and around the city. Such outings expose students to daily life in Salvador, as well as to the many vibrant cultural sites of the area. Short field trips include visits to reconstructed colonial towns such as the one to Cachoeira to meet members of the Irmandade da Boa Morte, a religious confraternity developed in the early 19th century by enslaved African women.
2. ISA in Florianopolis, Brazil: Language, Culture, and Economics
Florianopolis, composed of one main island, one continental part and surrounding small islands, is a beautiful city in southern Brazil. Modern and cosmopolitan, yet blessed with tremendous natural beauty, Florianopolis is a unique destination where past and present coexist harmoniously. This popular Brazilian city has a total of 42 main beaches, rolling mountains in the Atlantic rainforest, soft white sand dunes, and an array of offshore islands. It is one of Brazil’s pristine destinations with exquisite dining and nightlife, untouched nature reserves, innumerable parks, and charming little fishing villages that showcase a wealth of landscapes, aromas, and colors. In addition to this, Florianopolis ranks as one of Brazil’s safest cities and was voted the #1 best place to live in Brazil by Veja magazine, Brazil’s most widely read publication.
3. CIEE Liberal Arts in Sao Paulo.
The Liberal Arts study abroad program in Sao Paulo, Brazil is targeted to students with at least two years of college-level Spanish or one year of Portuguese or the equivalent who want to improve their Portuguese language skills and knowledge of contemporary Brazil while at the same time being able to matriculate in a broad range of course offerings in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Participants should be interested in living in a large, cosmopolitan South American city.
4. AIFS Summer Study Abroad In Sao Paulo, Brazil
Summer study in South America’s largest city and the fourth in the world–Sao Paulo!
Sao Paulo boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene with five amusement parks, seven soccer stadiums, the Interlagos racecourse (home of the Formula 1 World Championship), and numerous world-class museums, theaters and concert halls. Experience Brazilian culture firsthand and practice your Portuguese language skills by living with a host family, or stay in a student apartment with international students. Cultural activities organized by the University and the AIFS Resident Director may include city tours, museum visits, cooking classes, and social activities with local Brazilians.
The program fees include the basics and the extras: tuition, housing, some meals, excursions and cultural activities, airfare if selected, day trips to Guaruja and Sao Roque, and more.
5. Study in Brazil with ProWorld
ProWorld Semester Abroad students will study at the Catholic University of Salvador with local and international students. While Brazil is the largest and strongest South American economy, Bahia continues to be one of its poorest states. Spread throughout the city are favellas, or shanty towns. Along with courses taken at the university, ProWorld Semester Abroad will work with local communities on projects relevant to their coursework. Each project is determined by the Site Director and based on the communities’ needs.
According to RateMyStudyAbroad.com these are the highest rated Study Abroad Programs in Brazil.
Top Places to Study Abroad in Brazil
São Paulo: One of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan experience to any student looking to study in a large, South American city. With endless things to do, this city is for the student looking to never be bored, can handle city life, and is flexible. The people in Sao Paulo have a hard working, friendly, personality that has the ability to enhance any student with a true study abroad experience.
Florianopolis: One of the most beautiful places in Brazil, this southern city is time and again ranked as a top destination for travelers and one of the safest cities in Brazil. It is also a pristine location with a untouched nature preserves, a thriving nightlife and a tasty, unique cuisine. One of Brazils most widely read publications, Veja magazine, recently ranked Florianopolis as the top destination for young Brazilians. So, without a doubt this city is a top place to study at for any student looking for the well-rounded experience with beaches, nature, nightlife, and good food!
Salvador: Teeming with a vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is a great city to live and study abroad at because of the unique experience it gives. Any student interested in the presence and influence of African culture on Latin America, Salvador is the place to be. Also home to some of the biggest Carnaval celebrations in Brazil, this city will not let any student down who is looking for a good time, a fascinating history, and beautiful beaches.
Rio de Janeiro: The most well known Brazilian city is home to many different beautiful attractions. The most famous of course is the Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the whole city. Also home to the Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro is a good city for students whom are looking for a popular tourist destination with lots to do. However, Rio is also where the most dangerous favelas (slums) in the world are. The best thing a student who is there is to research which areas to stay away from. Also, pick pocketing is rampant in Rio, so it’s best to keep a careful eye on your possessions.
GoAbroads Tips for Studying Abroad in Brazil
Brush up on Your Portuguese. It’s a good idea to start learning some Portuguese vocabulary and grammar before arriving in Brazil. Remember, the more you know before getting there the sooner you’ll be able to speak it and have an amazing time! Some good suggestions are to buy a couple of books that help get you started off. Portuguese for Dummies is known for being a reliable source and has tips on how to use local slang.
Travel! Brazil is amazing place with varying landscapes and culture that is very similar to how different regions of the United States. The south of Brazil is a mild climate that even has snowy regions while the northeast is an amazing place with a tropical climate and amazing beaches. Dune buggy in the far north village of Jericoacoara or watch a futebol(soccer) game at the largest stadium in South America, Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro! Expand your understanding of Brazil and see as much of it as you can.
Understanding and Surviving Culture in Brazil
Portuguese, not Spanish. In Brazil, it is important to remember that there is a huge language difference between the Portuguese spoken in Brazil, and the Spanish spoken in the rest of Latin America. Spanish can help a student learn Portuguese but it should never be relied upon when talking to a Brazilian in normal conversation. Some travel guides even remark that Brazilians have become offended when foreigners speak to them in Spanish. Just do your best to get your point across in Portuguese.
Visa. Brazil has a reciprocal system of assigning visas. This means that whatever the counterpart country charges Brazilian citizens for visas, the Brazilian government will do the same for the counterparts citizens. For example, the Brazilian consulate charges a $140.00 reciprocity fee to Americans applying for a tourist visa in response to the American government charging Brazilians the same amount of money.
Personal Space. If you have a personal bubble that no one can pop, get ready to have a big change in your life! Brazilians are a very loving, affectionate people who kiss each other on the cheek when greeting each other. Actually, women always kiss when greeting other people, while men shake hands when greeting other men. After a while, students get used to it and realize that the loss of personal space actually breaks the ice with new friends!
Don’t Litter. You may see others littering in cities or wherever, however it is unwise to litter no matter what. Even if littering seems like it is a part of the culture it only perpetuates the vicious circle of polluting the world. Also, even though Brazilians may litter, if a foreigner leaves a piece of trash somewhere, it could come off as not caring for the natural beauty of Brazil.
Dining Etiquette. At any meal in Brazil, it is of utmost importance to be polite, always ask for food to be passed to you, chew with your mouth closed, etc… Just remember that you are in someone else’s house and culture and it is essential to be as polite as possible when eating. Also, if you are invited to dinner it is generally acceptable if not expected to be 30 minutes late. And if you are invited to a party, it’s probably a good idea to show up about an hour late. Tardiness is usually common in these situations.
Dress Code. Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well. So never feel bad about over dressing, in fact you should aim to over dress in most situations. Casual wear in Brazil is actually held to a higher standard than most places in the world, so always try to look your best!
- Pão de Queijo (cheese bread)
- Brigadeiro (chocolate candies)
- Arroz e Feijão (a staple of Brazilian meals, rice and beans)
- Pastel (similar to an empanadilla, these fried pastries are filled with meat or cheese depending on their shape, half-moon = cheese, and square = meat.)
- Viniagrete (a kind of Brazilian twist on bruschetta that can be put on top of bread, in the middle of little French bread loaves, or with rice and beans!)
- Coxinha (chicken croquette)
- Quibe (originally Lebanese, it is a stuffed, fried croquette with rice and meat)
- Açai (a purple superior palm heart that can be blended to create an amazing smoothie that goes great with granola and banana)
- Moqueca (traditional Brazilian seafood stew)
- Acarajé (fried black eyed pea ball stuffed with a spicy vegetable and shrimp paste, typical street food in Salvador)
Study Abroad in Brazil and observe the beautiful Foz de Iguaçu
Should you choose to Study Abroad in Brazil you will obtain the chance to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re looking to blog about your Volunteer Abroad Program or want to connect with other like-minded travelers, then sign up to the GoAbroad Network!
Be sure to pack your patience and flexibility alongside the soccer ball, sunscreen, and camera. Have the time of your life…see the world!