São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil

Sustainable Smart Cities

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

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!

Explore our sustainable smart cities courses

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

Experience
  • São Paulo

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.

Sao Paulo

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. 
Sao Paulo

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

From CIEE

Top 5 São Paulo Study Abroad Programs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If your study abroad era needs more color, rhythm, and flavor – São Paulo is calling your name. Think skyscrapers, street art, samba beats, and startup culture. It’s where creativity... keep reading

From CIEE

What to Do in São Paulo While Studying Abroad

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Studying abroad in São Paulo is an unforgettable experience! Brazil’s largest city is packed with culture, energy, and endless opportunities to explore. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s always... keep reading

From CIEE

Top 10 Brazilian Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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
Academics

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.    

Courses

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 

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.

Internships

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.

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

Female finance intern presenting to coworkers at a whiteboard in a conference room

Finance

Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.

A female intern listens to instructions from her teacher

Manufacturing

Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

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

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.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

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. 

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.

4

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!

Request Info