January in Sao Paulo
Unique Experiences
Savor São Paulo’s flavors
with hands-on workshops making feijoada, pão de queijo, and caipirinhas
Experience the rhythm of the city
by visiting a samba school rehearsal as they prepare for the world’s biggest carnival celebration
Discover iconic spots
with a picnic at Ibirapuera Park followed by an afternoon exploring the vibrant street art of Beco do Batman, the city’s most Instagrammable alley
Your Destination
São Paulo is Brazil’s dynamic cultural and economic hub, known for its warm climate, vibrant nightlife, and diverse mix of global influences. January is the perfect time to experience the city’s energy – explore world-class museums, sample authentic Brazilian cuisine, and enjoy summer festivals that fill the streets with music and color. Whether you’re majoring in business, economics, communications, psychology, liberal arts, or language, São Paulo is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in São Paulo will open doors for you to explore Brazil’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Explore the Atlantic Coast with a day trip to São Paulo’s North Coast, where lush Atlantic Forest meets the sea in breathtaking landscapes
- Discover art and culture through visits to iconic museums such as MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art) and the Museu da Língua Portuguesa
- Experience location celebrations in January when pre-Carnaval events fill the streets every weekend, giving you a true sense of São Paulo’s festive spirit
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Top 5 São Paulo Study Abroad Programs
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What to Do in São Paulo While Studying Abroad
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Top 10 Brazilian Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases
If you’re getting ready to study abroad in Brazil, you’ll quickly realize that the most authentic conversations don’t come from a textbook; they’re full of gírias (slang in Brazilian Portuguese)... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE São Paulo offers housing to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. All housing is located within walking distance of CIEE São Paulo , just a short walk from Ibirapuera Park, and in the heart of Jardins, São Paulo’s most desirable neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets, trendy cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural attractions.
Standard Housing: Includes a private bedroom with a shared bathroom in a dorm. The building offers state-of-the-art amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, co-working spaces, laundry, and social lounges.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Meals are not included in the program. Student housing is within walking distance of several restaurants and a supermarket. Students who prefer to cook can also take advantage of the fully equipped shared kitchens available in the housing.
Academics
CIEE São Paulo: Study in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest and most diverse city. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, dive into the city’s world-class arts and music scene, and experience the nonstop energy that makes São Paulo a cultural powerhouse.
Course Information
Social Sciences
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2027 3 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Frederico Lopes Pires de Morais
Center Director
Originally from Belo Horizonte, Frederico has called São Paulo home since 2010. With 20+ years in international education, he’s passionate about cultural exchange. He’s worked with top U.S. and UK...
Heloisa Santarelli
Program Coordinator
With a background in International Education, Heloísa specializes in sales, events, and customer service, building meaningful connections between students and global learning opportunities. She holds a degree in Business Administration...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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