business, economics + culture

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015
• Calendar year 2014

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Program Overview

If you want to be a participant in, and not merely an observer of, the dynamic and rapidly evolving business and cultural landscape that is Brazil, you need to be in Rio.

The Business and Economics study abroad program in Rio de Janeiro aims to enhance your knowledge and skills in modern business and contemporary economics from a local, national, and regional perspective, and develop your technical, cultural, and linguistic skills for future leadership in the global marketplace.

Study abroad in Rio and you will:

• Study with a local institute whose respected academic departments of economics and business administration have strong ties to the business sector and centers of economic policy and influence on both local and national levels
• Live in a vibrant city and business center which is home to Brazil’s telecommunications giant, Globo, as well as the headquarters of other major Brazilian and international companies
• Visit various points of interest around Rio and Brazil, and take part in individual and group community engagement activities with various organizations and communities throughout the greater Rio area

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

With study abroad in Brazil, you’ll take advantage of a robust course selection at one of the most prestigious universities in the country. Courses and subjects at PUC-Rio include business administration, international economics, institutions law, political economy, socio-economic development, and more.

Site Visits

As a Business, Economics, and Culture participant, you'll benefit from local field-based activities including faculty-led visits to local businesses and company headquarters. Rio de Janeiro is home to the headquarters of Brazil’s three largest companies: Petrobras, BR Distribuidora, and Telemar.

Site visits to company headquarters or production centers in the Rio de Janeiro area give you an inside look at commercial processes in Brazil, and insight into the vitality of global interdependency from a perspective outside of the U.S. You'll also spend a morning visiting the American Chamber of Commerce Rio de Janeiro chapter learning about how the chamber advocates for American business interests and investment in Brazil. In addition, CIEE will organize an academic day trip to Macãe, once a sleepy village and now an offshore oil boomtown on the northern coast of Rio De Janeiro state, where 4,000 companies have been established and Brazil has teamed up with Chinese investors to build the largest port in the world.

Excursions

The academic program is supplemented by field trips and excursions to various points of interest around Rio and Brazil and may include visits to sites of historic and cultural importance to Rio and its environs. These activities, which vary each semester to take advantage of seasonal and current attractions, may include a tour of the city of Rio, guided visits to the city’s numerous national museums, tours of historical neighborhoods, attending soccer matches, participating in Carnaval activities, and taking advantage of Rio’s rich and diverse arts culture.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$18,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$14,598

Housing ***

$3,850

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,000

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$750

Books & Supplies

$200

Visa Fees **

$270

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$1,300

Other ***

$200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** local government registration

Spring 2014 (25 wks)

10/01/2013

01/04/2014

06/27/2014

$18,850

Program Date Notes

Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$14,598

Housing ***

$3,850

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,000

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$750

Books & Supplies

$200

Visa Fees **

$270

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$1,300

Other ***

$200

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** local government registration

Spring 2015

10/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$35,800

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$27,698

Housing ***

$7,700

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,000

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$1,500

Books & Supplies

$400

Visa Fees **

$270

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$2,600

Other ***

$200

Expenses during break ****

$1,400

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** local government registration

**** academic year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break, which is approximately two months

Calendar year 2014

10/01/2013

01/04/2014

TBA

$35,800

Program Date Notes

Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$27,698

Housing ***

$7,700

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** includes breakfast

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,000

International Airfare *

$1,450

Local Transportation

$1,500

Books & Supplies

$400

Visa Fees **

$270

Potential travel to consulate for visa

$500

Personal expenses

$2,600

Other ***

$200

Expenses during break ****

$600

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** average cost

*** local government registration

**** calendar year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 2 semesters of Portuguese or 4 semesters of Spanish ( or equivalent)
• 1 semester business or 1 semester economics required

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester study abroad program is 18-20 semester/27-30 quarter hours. PUC-Rio courses typically comprise 60 contact hours, and 4 semester / 6 quarter credit hours.

The Intensive Language and Culture course is 90 contact hours and recommended credit is 6 semester / 9 quarter hours. The semester Portuguese Language courses are 90 contact hours at the Beginner / Intermediate levels (for 6 semester / 9 quarter hours) and 60 contact hours (4 semester / 6 quarter hours) at the Advanced level. Most regular university content courses are 60 contact hours and recommended credit is 4 semester / 6 quarter hours per course.

Program Requirements

The program requires all students to enroll in:

• Six credits, Intensive Portuguese in the pre-semester ILCP
• Four to six credits, Portuguese as a Second Language course during the semester
• Eight credits, two direct enrollment courses (four credits each) instructed in Portuguese during the semester

About The City

Rio de Janeiro ("January River”) is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. The city was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries during the Portuguese colonial era. Rio is nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa or "Marvelous City" thanks to its dynamic urban vibe, expansive beaches, and abutting rain forest. Rio represents the second largest GDP in the country and is the headquarters of major Brazilian companies. It's home to many universities, and the second largest center of research and development in Brazil.

Rio is the most visited city in the southern hemisphere and is known for its natural setting, Carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, and renowned beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio’s iconic landmarks include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and Maracanã stadium, one of the world's largest football stadiums. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Summer Olympics, the first South American city to host the event, as well as the championship match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Meet The Staff

Matt Ryan

Matt began his work with CIEE in 2003, working with incoming high school and university programs. In April of 2008 he joined the CIEE Brazil team in Salvador-Bahia where he has worked on everything from community service programs, cultural activities, local enrollment and advising for CIEE students. He has been instrumental in the conception and creation of the Rio study center and programs. Before joining CIEE in 2003, Matt lived in Rio de Janeiro teaching English both as a volunteer and for a local school. He is originally from Rochester, New York and graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a B.A. in Sociology.

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Where You'll Study

The Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio)

The Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is a private, non-profit Catholic university created in 1941. It is one of the largest and most prestigious Brazilian universities, ranked by the Brazilian Ministry of Education as the best private university in the country in 2009. PUC-Rio has approximately 12,000 undergraduate students, 2,500 graduate students, and 4,000 extension students. PUC-Rio is widely acclaimed for its excellent law, engineering, computer science, psychology, economics, business and international relations programs. The University is also known for bringing in the broadest types of students in order to foster and develop diversity amongst its student body. PUC-Rio has numerous bilateral relationships with U.S. universities however it does not presently work with any third party providers. The University is located on a former coffee farm in Gávea, a neighborhood located in the south zone of city at the edge of the Tijuca Forest.

The forested campus has a student community area with restaurants and coffee shops, banks, free wireless and a major public bus stop. PUC-Rio has three sports areas where many sports such as football (soccer), volleyball, and capoeira are played. In addition, both international and regular students are allowed to swim at one of the most famous clubs in town, the Flamengo Football (soccer) Club which is located within walking distance of campus. Gatherings are organized specifically for international students in order to help them integrate into the university community. Students can also participate in other extracurricular and cultural activities.

Housing & Meals

Students have the choice of two housing options, and breakfast is included with both.

• Family Homestays—CIEE works with homestay families in Rio. Homestay families live in a radius of three to four miles from campus which can be accessed using public transportation. Sharing in the life of a family through a homestay provides an excellent opportunity for interested students to deconstruct stereotypes and observe real life in action. It also creates opportunities for dialogue about issues raised in their courses and to practice their Portuguese language skills.
• Group Homestays—the group homestay option is best for students who prefer to live with another student or a small group of students in a secure and friendly environment. Participants share rooms in homes along with a Brazilian family or overseen by a local Brazilian resident assistant. Students enjoy independence and student camaraderie in a convenient urban location.

Although every attempt is made to grant each student’s preference, roommate and housing assignments are based upon availability and other factors. Therefore, housing preferences cannot be guaranteed.

Housing is not provided between semesters. Calendar- and academic-year students who remain in Brazil during this period are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing and meals during this time—approximately one month for the calendar-year program (July) and two months for the academic-year program (December to February). In all housing, CIEE requires a Portuguese language commitment at all times to encourage the development of language skills and facilitate student integration into and knowledge of Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian culture.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Rio de Janeiro by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Once on-site, a three-day orientation session at the beginning of the program will introduce you to the city of Rio, PUC, Brazilian culture, and your academic program. The orientation includes specially-designed sessions on health and safety, local transportation, living logistics, and community engagement opportunities.

Safety

The CIEE program orientation includes several sessions on local safety and security issues. Although violent crime is rare, you must take care when traveling around Rio. Rio is a major tourist destination with a significant population of poor residents. Even though safety and security are improving rapidly and noticeably in tandem with economic development and the spotlight on upcoming major international events, you must be aware of and prepared for safety issues. CIEE staff not only discusses security and safety concerns in depth before and during the program, but also prints safety information and holds learning activities in the field to review safety issues and behavioral advice.

Health

There are no major health concerns in Rio. Brazil has an adequate health care system and there are numerous quality clinics and hospitals available to you in Rio in the event of illness or emergency.

Transportation

The CIEE study abroad program orientation includes information on using public and private transportation (local buses, subway and taxis) safely and effectively. Local transportation can be used to safely travel around Rio and within Brazil.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Many host families have Internet access in their homes in some form but you need to be aware that this is not a guaranteed feature of homestays. You will have access to the Internet (wireless and broadband) in computer labs at PUC-Rio and at Internet cafés, often called LAN houses, throughout the city. Internet reliability and access is not always available at the same level as in the U.S.; however, Brazil enjoys an advanced telecommunications infrastructure and major cities typically provide for ubiquitous access.

Students with Disabilities

If you have special needs, you should consult with CIEE prior to applying to this program.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

The academic program is supplemented by field trips and excursions to various points of interest around Rio and Brazil and may include visits to sites of historic and cultural importance to Rio and its environs. These activities, which vary each semester to take advantage of seasonal and current attractions, may include a tour of the city of Rio, guided visits to the city’s numerous national museums, tours of historical neighborhoods, attending soccer matches, participating in Carnaval activities, and taking advantage of Rio’s rich and diverse arts culture.

You will benefit from local field-based activities including faculty led visits to local businesses and company headquarters. Rio de Janeiro is home to the headquarters of Brazil’s three largest companies: Petrobras, BR Distribuidora and Telemar. Site visits to company headquarters or production centers in the Rio de Janeiro area will allow you to get an inside look at commercial processes in Brazil, and to gain a firsthand look at the vitality of global interdependency from a perspective outside of the U.S. You will also spend a morning visiting the American Chamber of Commerce Rio de Janeiro chapter learning about how the chamber advocates for American business interests and investment in Brazil. In addition CIEE will organize an academic day trip to Macãe, once a sleepy village and now an offshore oil boomtown on the northern coast of Rio De Janeiro State where 4,000 companies have been established and Brazil has teamed up with Chinese investors to build the largest port in the world.

In addition to these shorter and local co-curricular activities, there will be one overnight excursion each semester to Sao Paulo, the largest city and economic capital of Brazil and the Americas and the 6th largest city in the world by population. In addition to a guided tour of the city, you will make a special visit to the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange, the world’s second largest stock market in terms of market value, and have plenty of free time to explore Sao Paulo’s famous night life, culinary wonders, and unique urban setting. One or two company visits will be integrated into the excursion, as will opportunities to network, interact, and share experiences with CIEE and other business and economics students in Sao Paulo.

A rising middle class, together with the international spotlight and investment, are creating a fertile landscape to innovative entrepreneurial undertakings throughout the city. The CIEE Study Center will host activities that will include local microentrepreneurs and experts to share their experience and encourage discussion. The panorama of trips, events, and activities will be chosen to provide you with a good overview of the geographic, cultural, and economic diversity in Rio and coastal Brazil, and to complement the academic themes of the study abroad program.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is an important cultural and educational component of this program, and Rio de Janeiro has a rich culture of volunteerism and community service. As part of the program, CIEE staff will arrange individual and group community engagement activities with various organizations and communities throughout the greater Rio area. The projects will be designed to give you a firsthand look at the challenges facing Rio and its surrounding areas today. Through local contacts and its partnership with PUC-Rio, CIEE will establish a dynamic network of community partnerships with local NGOs, schools, and other organizations.

You will participate in a group project that works with a local small scale entrepreneurship project from a local underprivileged community. The group will use their business education background and creativity to assist a local group in their effort to achieve goals related to income generation and community development.

In addition to the group volunteer project, the CIEE study center will host English lessons by CIEE business students to adolescents and young adults that are interested in business careers or entrepreneurship. English is increasingly important in a global interdependent world on all levels of business negotiations. English lessons suited to business and economic themes will provide a valuable service to local Brazilians who couldn`t normally afford it. In addition, you will have a chance to meet and interact with aspiring workers and entrepreneurs while honing your public speaking skills, increasing your cultural exposure, and developing new friendships.

Community engagement and service activities will be linked to the subject matter and learning goals of the program (i.e. micro- and small-business development, local community income generation, and larger economic development projects). While these activities will be optional, they will be included in the program fee in order to foster higher levels of participation. Where possible, these activities will be linked to the subject matter and learning goals of the more commonly attended classes at PUC.

Academics

The CIEE Study Center office will be based on or near the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Rio de Janeiro campus. Prior to the full academic term, the semester program begins with an Intensive Language and Culture Program (ILCP) lasting four weeks. The ILCP is also offered as a stand-alone program for study abroad students wanting to study intensive language for one month during the winter intersession and summer break. The ILCP includes intensive Portuguese classes according to students’ individual levels, homestays with local families, and cultural activities. These aspects of the pre-semester program are designed to provide students with the linguistic and cultural foundation for their semester or year in Brazil.

CIEE students will enroll in a 23-week extended academic term. Instruction for all classes is in Portuguese. CIEE students will study alongside local PUC students and should expect significant cross-cultural and academic exchange with host university students.

Through extensive available elective coursework, students are afforded the opportunity to study various aspects of local and regional economics, the host country business environment, management practices, entrepreneurship, and other business administration topics within a university environment. Students completing the program will be able to demonstrate deeper knowledge and literacy about historical and current trends and realities of the Brazilian and Latin American business arena, as well as the integration and role of Brazil within the regional and global marketplaces. Students will also develop their capacity for intercultural understanding and the capacity to communicate across cultures with a focus on business-communication tools and skills.

As a required component of the program, students will be placed in two intensive language classes according to their ability as determined by a placement exam at the outset of the program. One intensive course is offered prior to the start of the regular semester, and another during the regular semester. Courses are available for students at all language levels; however, students are expected to arrive in Brazil with sufficient background in Spanish or Portuguese such that they will be able to enroll in their desired content courses following the month-long ILCP program.

Academic Culture

Brazilian universities tend to convey knowledge through different strategies and methods; innovation, design, participation, memorization, and expositive lectures are all part of the in-class academic culture. In most classes, a great deal of emphasis is placed on note taking. It can take a while to learn how to study effectively in the Brazilian system, especially in terms of acquiring reading material and understanding professors’ expectations.

Nature of Classes

Courses are taught by local faculty with postgraduate degrees (M.Sc., M.A., and PhD), most of whom are instructors at PUC-Rio or other top Brazilian universities.

Grading System

Assessment for courses is typically based on a combination of written and oral assignments and a final paper or examination. The Brazilian grading scale goes from one to 10, with five being a passing grade and seven considered satisfactory in general. The CIEE Study Centers in Brazil convert grades and credits to the U.S. system according to a predetermined scale.

Language of Instruction

Portuguese

Course Description

Program Blog

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