Study Abroad in São Paulo
College Study Abroad
Explore São Paulo with CIEE
Dive into the energy of Brazil’s largest city when you study abroad in São Paulo, a place where street art meets skyscrapers and every neighborhood tells its own story. Wander through Beco do Batman (one of the most photographed alleyways in the world), relax in the lush beauty of Ibirapuera Park, and discover the city's nonstop cultural calendar of film festivals, underground theater, and legendary nightlife. From the iconic F1 Grand Prix to the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride parade, the city is bold, creative, and alive 24/7. With world-class universities, cuisine, and industries, São Paulo study abroad is perfect for students ready to grow both personally and professionally.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in São Paulo, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including finance, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in São Paulo with CIEE
Every CIEE São Paulo study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In São Paulo, excursions may include:
- Visiting Ibirapuera Park, a green oasis in the middle of the urban buzz, where you can relax, picnic under the trees, and stay active with soccer, tennis, beach volleyball, or pickleball
- Going on a food tasting tour to discover the city's 50+ types of cuisine, from Japanese to Lebanese and Italian to Brazilian regional dishes
- Exploring the city's rich art scene from São Paulo’s world-class cultural circuit (São Paulo Museum of Art, the Museu da Língua Portuguesa, the Pinacoteca, and the majestic Sala São Paulo) to its open-air masterpieces of Eduardo Kobra, one of Brazil’s most celebrated street artists
Academics in São Paulo
CIEE São Paulo
Our location in São Paulo places students in the heart of Brazil’s largest and most dynamic city, renowned for its cultural diversity, global business influence, and unique arts scene.
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 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Internships in São Paulo
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in São Paulo. As a major global hub, São Paulo's dynamic work scene blends sustainability, social innovation, and community engagement across one of the world’s most diverse cities. Home to multinational corporations and a growing startup ecosystem, São Paulo offers opportunities to work with grassroots initiatives, nonprofits, and organizations focused on environmental awareness, urban development, and social impact. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Architecture + Construction
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology + Communications
- Business Management + Administration
- Consumer Goods + Retail
- Education + Training
- Finance
- Government + Public Administration
- Health Science
- Hospitality + Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections + Security
- Marketing, Sales + Service
- Science, Technology, Engineering + Mathematics
Community Impact Initiative in São Paulo
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with São Paulo by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In São Paulo, your service work may include:
- Supporting community-based programs focused on education, economic mobility, and social innovation in underserved neighborhoods with Gerando Falcões
- Assisting with housing and infrastructure initiatives that improve living conditions and promote social inclusion in informal settlements through TETO Brasil
São Paulo Study Abroad Programs
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Study Program
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Full-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Full-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to São Paulo
Currency
The Brazilian Real
Spoken Language
Portuguese
Available Transportation
Buses, metro, taxis, trolleybuses
Famous Local
Eduardo Saverin – the wealthiest Brazilian and co-founder of Facebook
Climate
Mild winters; humid, warm summers
Did You Know?
São Paulo has the most helicopters in the world, per capita, because of traffic
Airport
São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Social Norms
Brazilians are comfortable with close personal space and touching while talking
What to Pack
Breathable clothing, bathing suits, water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of study abroad in São Paulo varies depending on the program you choose and how long you plan to go for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each of the individual São Paulo study abroad programs.
For costs not included in the outlined fees, you'll want to consider factors surrounding your journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
The program fee for study abroad in São Paulo typically includes:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Pre-departure advising
- Orientation
- On-site staff + 24/7 emergency on-site support
- Cultural and co-curricular activities
- Travel protection
However, you’ll want to do your research on each individual CIEE program page to learn what’s included in the program fees.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in São Paulo to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
Merit Scholarships
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
Other Scholarships
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
São Paulo Study Abroad Blog
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