5 Reasons to Study Abroad in São Paulo

Need a change of pace? How about studying abroad in the largest city in the Western hemisphere? One with more than 20 million residents? 

It’s São Paulo – and it’s a city worth checking out when you’re researching Brazil study abroad programs. 

This dynamic, multicultural city is home to world-class academics, a thriving arts scene, delicious street food, and iconic street art. Get ready to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture with CIEE Study Abroad! 

Why Study Abroad in São Paulo 

Why São Paulo? The better question is why not São Paulo? There are plenty of reasons to enjoy Brazil’s largest city, like: 

• São Paulo boasts 100+ museums, 200+ theaters, and one of the longest Pride parades in the world
• São Paulo is home to 12,000+ restaurants, with diverse culinary influences including Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern dishes
• The São Paulo Metro is one of the busiest in the world, helping commuters navigate the sprawling metropolis
• São Paulo is considered the “graffiti capital,” with streets covered in beautiful murals and colorful art
• São Paulo has massive urban spaces to help offer residents and visitors a way to escape the bustling city life 

In short, São Paulo has it all. 

Keep reading to discover the five major reasons why you should study abroad in São Paulo, Brazil. 

Reason #1: The Art 

São Paulo has dozens and dozens of art and history museums to visit. Some of the more popular ones people visit include: 

• São Paulo Museum of Art: Famous for its striking architecture and impressive collection of European, Brazilian, and African art
• Modern Art Museum: Ideal for contemporary art enthusiasts, this museum showcases Brazilian and international modern art, often featuring experimental and avant-garde pieces
• Catavento Museum: A hands-on science and technology museum perfect for interactive learning, making it a great spot for students
• Afro Brasil Museum: Essential for understanding Brazil’s African heritage, slavery history, and contributions to arts and society
• Soccer Museum: A must for football fans, offering an immersive experience into Brazil’s deep love for the sport through exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays 

And many more!  

Remember to have your camera ready when you visit Beco de Batman, an alley filled with graffiti murals that make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram account. 

Reason #2: The Parks 

If you’re a fan of New York’s Central Park, you’ll want to add Ibirapuera Park to your must-visit list. It’s a popular place to walk or run, and it’s home to a museum, music hall, and even São Paulo Fashion Week. 

• Parque Villa-Lobos, featuring bike paths and an amphitheater
• Trianon Park, which can keep you fit with trails, track, and exercise equipment
• Carmo Park, home to cherry blossoms and a Japanese festival
• Burle Marx Park, a lush green space with walking trails and modernist landscape design
• Horto Florestal, a scenic park with lakes, picnic areas, and rich biodiversity, perfect for birdwatching 

Find a quiet spot in one of them to focus on your classwork – you could find one of the best places to study abroad in Brazil! 

Reason #3: The Food 

You may be a little familiar with Brazilian food if you’ve dined rodizio-style, where servers continually bring you a variety of meats after you’ve enjoyed the salad bar. 

But you must visit the Municipal Market Paulistano, which features hundreds of booths offering fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, and plenty more. It also includes a handful of restaurants. 

No matter where you dine, be sure to sample some common Brazilian dishes, like: 

• Coxinha: Deep-fried dough pockets stuffed with shredded chicken and creamy cheese
• Pastel: A crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, or heart of palm
• Virado à Paulista: A traditional São Paulo dish with rice, beans, fried plantains, pork, and greens
• Feijoada: A hearty black bean and pork stew, often enjoyed on Wednesdays and Saturdays in São Paulo
• Pão de Queijo: Chewy, cheesy bread rolls made with tapioca flour 

With thousands of restaurants, ranging from fine dining to bustling food markets, São Paulo is a paradise for food lovers. 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: São Paulo 

Reason #4: The Nightlife 

São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, meaning the nightlife is hot, hot, hot!  

In addition to specific venues, São Paulo also boasts several nightlife districts. Baixo Augusta and Rua Augusta are home to a variety of establishments ranging from classy to rowdy. Other areas, like Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and Skye, offer a more cultural experience with exhibitions, galleries, and great views. 

In addition to nightlife, you may also get the chance to attend Carnival, a weeklong celebration that occurs right before Lent. It’s held in several cities throughout Brazil, including São Paulo, and it features parades, music, costumes, and is very LGBTQ+-friendly. 

Reason #5: The Academic Programs 

São Paulo is a fantastic place to study every major subject, including business, engineering, science, sustainability, fine arts, and more. Abroad, you can even conduct an optional international internship to gain real-world global experience. And if you’ve studied or learned Portuguese, you’ll get to practice it during your time here. 

Keep reading to explore the study abroad programs you can choose from in São Paulo through CIEE Study Abroad! 

Find a São Paulo Study Abroad Program 

Choose from several options for work and study abroad in Brazil: 

• Arts + Sciences: Enroll in a combination of host institution courses and CIEE x ASU online courses across a wide range of subjects
• Business + Culture: Immerse yourself in São Paulo’s social and economic culture while taking business-focused courses and enrolling in an optional part-time internship in São Paulo’s dynamic economy
• Engineering, Technology + Sciences: Learn how São Paulo approaches engineering, technology, and science in integrated coursework with real-world applications
• Global Internship: Gain industry experience in one of São Paulo’s international workplaces with a full-time internship   
• Intern + Study Abroad: Earn credit and real-world Brazilian work experience with a part-time internship and part-time coursework
• Designed for skilled language learners, this highly immersive program allows you to enroll in courses that align with your major in the Portuguese language
• Semester in São Paulo: Sign up for the traditional study abroad journey and enroll in courses across a broad range of subjects while immersing yourself in Brazilian culture
• Sustainable Smart Cities: Gain in-depth knowledge about how São Paulo is a forward-thinking city that uses urban planning, technology, and policy to positively impact its future residents and environment 

No matter which program you choose, you can’t go wrong! 

Take Your Studies to São Paulo 

Enrolling in a Brazil study abroad program will be an excellent balance of fun and learning. Get ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic city and make unforgettable, lasting memories. Don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

EXPLORE SÃO PAULO STUDY ABROAD