Study Abroad in Brazil for U.S. High School Students

The fifth largest country in the world, Brazil occupies almost half of the continent of South America. It has five distinct regions: north, northeast, southeast, south and central west. The Amazon River weaves through the tropical rain forests of the northern region. When you see it, there is no mistaking this river as being the largest in the world. Tropical grasslands and savannas extend across the less populated central west region. The southeastern region is the most populated and urbanized of the five. Most of Brazil experiences a tropical climate with the exception of the moderate southeast.

Recently, Brazil celebrated its 500th birthday. The Portuguese were the first to colonize Brazil in 1500 and it remained a Portuguese colony for well over 300 years. Today, Brazil is a diverse country -- home to people of African, German, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese and Syrian decent. Brazilians are warm, fun loving and free spirited. They are famous for being out-going and family-oriented. In Brazil, you can experience rich history and amazing landscapes, feel the samba music, taste delicious foods and be a part of the unforgettable festivals. A semester or year abroad in Brazil will be an experience that words cannot describe.

Placement, Host Families, Schools, and Support

The High School Abroad program is the best way for high school students to become global citizens and achieve fluency in Portuguese. With offices throughout Brazil, World Study Intercâmbio Cultural is the organization responsible for the placement and support of the students while in Brazil. CIEE and World Study have enjoyed a strong relationship over the years, collaborating on a number of different programs. World Study carefully selects and screens their volunteer host families. Students will be placed in urban areas, primarily in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Goias, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Amazonas, Espirito Santo and the Federal District of Brasilia. While students may express interest to live in a particular city, it is up to World Study to make the appropriate placement for the student based on the application.

Students will be placed in both private and public schools. Students should be prepared to purchase their schoolbooks. Subjects offered by Brazilian high schools are Portuguese language and literature, foreign language, history, geography, chemistry, physics, biology, health, arts and physical education. Students do not have a choice of subjects. At the end of the program, students will receive an official report card and/or transcript. It is not possible to receive a diploma from a Brazilian high school.

The Brazilian high school system dictates that American students on exchange will most likely be placed in a grade of high school that is different from what they would attend in the United States. Each student will be assigned a local coordinator appointed by World Study. These local coordinators are available to provide complete supervision and support.

Academic Program

Classes are conducted in Portuguese. High School Abroad participants are expected to follow the school curriculum and fully participate in the academic program. Brazilian high schools accept students with the understanding that language skills may present academic challenges in the beginning. Students have the option to attend language courses prior to the start of the school year. The language immersion courses may be taken for an extra fee.

Eligibility Requirements

On the day of departure, students must be between 15 and 18 years old. Students must have a least 3.0 GPA and have completed 9th grade. Previous study of a foreign language is helpful, but not required. A student must demonstrate through the application process their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.

Program Dates & Prices

Prices are subject to change and will be locked in for the participant on the day CIEE receives the completed application and program deposit.

Application Deadlines

Visa

CIEE will provide the documentation necessary from our overseas partners to apply for the visa. The application and fees for the visa are the participant's responsibility.

Program Includes

• Selection, interview and screening of an appropriate Brazilian family
• Room and board with family
• Placement of student in a high school
• Supervision and support throughout the year by a Local Coordinator
• Periodic progress reports
• Transportation to and from a local airport
• Orientation before leaving USA
• Orientation upon arrival in Brazil
• International airfare between US departure city and Brazil
• Health and liability insurance

Program does not Include

• Round-trip domestic travel to US departure city
• Monthly spending allowance
• Textbooks and supplies
• Personal phone charges or other personal items
• Transportation to and from school

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