Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in São Paulo lasts 12 weeks and provides an in-depth look at how Brazil's largest city is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in São Paulo while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in São Paulo!
Unique Experiences
Explore smart mobility solutions
with urban planners and tech experts to tackle traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions
Contribute to sustainability innovations
by working on waste management, clean energy, and circular economy projects
Support community-led environmental initiatives
through urban farming, water conservation, and solar energy projects
Your Destination
São Paulo is Brazil’s sustainable smart city, celebrated for its innovation, urban development, and focus on sustainability. As a leader in Latin American business and tech, the city offers smart mobility solutions, green initiatives, and a vibrant entrepreneurial scene. Explore iconic neighborhoods, world-class museums, sprawling parks, and diverse cuisine. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, São Paulo is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
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 São Paulo’s innovative green infrastructure, including eco-friendly rooftops, permeable streets, and urban reforestation projects
- Visit a sustainable farm outside São Paulo to learn how agroforestry and regenerative agriculture are transforming food production while restoring ecosystems
- Partner with community-led environmental programs to support conservation efforts in urban green spaces or waterway restoration projects
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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
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Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE São Paulo offers diverse housing options to ensure you are comfortable in your home away from home. All housing options are located in central neighborhoods with easy access to campus, public transportation, grocery stores, cafés, parks, and cultural attractions. From residence halls to homestays, you will enjoy fully furnished housing situated under 60 minutes from campus by public transit.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay or residence hall.
- Homestay: Homestays include a private room (single or double placement with another CIEE student) in the residence of a host family. All homestays are carefully selected and are typically located within 40-60-minutes of campus. Homestays feature weekly laundry, Wi-Fi access, and two meals per day.
- Residence Hall: Single accommodation in a residence hall. Students will live in a fully furnished bedroom, with ensuite bathroom, mini-fridge (mini-bar), and air conditioning. The building also offers access to shared social spaces, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security. All utilities are included. This option is ideal for students who value privacy and a quiet atmosphere, with a convenient location to the campus.
Select Housing: Single accommodation in a residence hall. Students will live in a fully furnished private room with a kitchenette (microwave and cooktop). All utilities are included. The building also offers access to shared social spaces, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security. Select Housing is perfect for students who prefer more autonomy, with private cooking space and a modern, self-contained room, in a convenient location to the campus.
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
- Homestays: In homestays we provide 2 meals a day.
- Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
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.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 6-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
São Paulo's dynamic work scene offers extensive internship opportunities with major companies, financial institutions, and tech startups across finance, technology, marketing, and international businesses. As Brazil’s economic hub, the city is home to multinational corporations and leading industries that provide hands-on experience in a fast-paced and innovative environment. São Paulo's diverse and globalized workforce fosters collaboration and networking, supporting professional growth in Latin America’s largest business center.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
- Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship
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 Spring 2026 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $14,950 |
| Program Fall 2026 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
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.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $10,806 ** |
| Housing | $3,650 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $600 |
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.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,200 † |
| International Airfare | $1,100 †† |
| Local Transportation | $110 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Personal expenses | $205 |
| Total Costs | $2,630 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††one round trip a day for the semester by subway
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...
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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