Even though Brazil may not be the first country you think of when if you want to study abroad, there are many courses that Brazil has to offer that are really unique. And you will also get a cultural experience like no other getting to see incredible tourism destinations in your spare time.
When you study abroad in Brazil you embrace an entire culture devoted to deep-rooted literary, musical, and artistic traditions.
You can enjoy a variety of food delicacies that range from seafood and seasoned duck to sheep and chili peppers. Also Brazilian beer, which is considered the best in the western hemisphere by international travelers, as well as the producer of up to 35 percent of the world’s tastiest coffee.
Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest on the planet and home to thousands of exotic animals. Study abroad in Brazil and become immersed in a rich culture!
Courses
Many study abroad programs have been designed specifically for those international exchange students who are interested in achieving a level of expertise in the area of the Portuguese language. These courses will also allow you to attain an appreciation of the culture, life and society of Brazil.
Another area where Brazil seems to excel in is shipping, fisheries and sailing. This expertise is mainly due to the fact that Brazil has many ports like Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Miramar and others and has a long history of trade with other countries in the past.
Most of these courses lend themselves to summer study abroad since they are generally less than a year and can be competed in a single term or semester. And most of the study abroad programs that are offered by various universities in Brazil ensure that the foreign student obtains an all-around perspective of the country and therefore have field trips, home visits and the like to acclimatize the visitor.
Education System in Brazil
High school study abroad involves a full academic year that typically starts in mid February after the summer vacation. This is diametrically opposite to the schedule followed by the United States since the seasons are opposite in these countries.
The academic year closes by the end of November where the students are allowed to go for holidays during the months of December and January.
Most schools start as early as 7am and close at noon and study abroad students are also required to take the regular courses like Portuguese, biology, chemistry, Portuguese literature, physics, mathematics, history, civics, English, geography and physical education.
Best Universities in Brazil for International Students
There are two major universities that are members of the US – Brazil Higher Education Consortia Program: the Federal University of Paraná and the Federal University of Santa Cantarina.
The Federal University of Paraná is the oldest university in Brazil, and it’s values are focused on artistic expression and scientific discovery.
The Federal University of Santana Cantarina is a liberal arts school that caters to a wide array of international students. Since all the courses for these two universities are taught in Portuguese, study abroad students have to complete a course in Brazilian or Latin American studies and a high level of Portuguese or Spanish language skills to attend.
Free Time and Sightseeing
While enjoying a study trip in Brazil, you will get lots of time to travel. Do try to visit the largest tropical forest in the Amazon with its unimaginable diversity of flora and fauna. You will find amazement in the manner in which the whole ecosystem is naturally balanced for all the creatures and plants alike.
Rio de Janeiro, also known as cidade maravilhosa (meaning the marvelous city) has pristine beaches and glorious tourist attractions just waiting to be explored. The city boasts a vibrant culture and people who enjoy dancing, drinking, relaxing on the beaches and engaging in sports.
The Iguaçu falls, the churches at Salvador and the Museu de Arte de Sáo Paulo are also places that should not be missed.
Brazil is slightly bigger than the entire United States, so it is an amazingly large travel area to cover. There are many ways to get around the country, and most of them include fun ways to take in the beauty of the environment.
The most economical way to get around Brazil is to take intercity buses. These buses are continuously en route to Brazilian destinations, they are comfortable to ride in, and they often provide you with a pillow and blanket for your relaxation. The only down side to intercity buses are that they are very slow and make many stops, so if you have a lot of time to enjoy your bus ride, then an intercity bus is your best mode of travel.
Other modes of transportation include city taxis and subways. Taxis are very easy to get while in the city, and they operate on a metered rate. You usually don’t have to tip the driver like you do in the States, but if they handle your heavy luggage it’s nice of you to give them some extra money.
The subways in Brazil are very unlike the subways in America. They are clean, not congested, and they are very quick ways to get from one place to another. Regardless of how you get around the Brazilian countryside, always follow study abroad health safety info guidelines to keep from getting injured or lost.
Visa
To apply for a student visa, you will need to apply and appear in person at one of the Brazilian consulates in your country. A visa application form will be provided by the consulate and you need to provide 2 passport sized photos, your passport and a copy of the enrollment form from a Brazilian institute.
Students also need to obtain a notarized letter from their parents indicating that they have the means to provide for the education abroad, or an approved copy of a study abroad scholarship. Please note that this process may differ slightly depending on the country of your origin. The total cost of the visa is around $40. If you are part of a study abroad program that involves exchange students, a copy of the approval of the sponsoring institute also needs to be attached.
In a nutshell, Brazil has a lot to offer in its specialized fields in study abroad programs. It also has alluring beaches beckon you to experience the country for yourself. If you are keen to experience living and studying in South America, you will love Brazil!