São Paulo

Location

São Paulo is a vibrant multi-cultural city of more than 17 million people. It is the second largest urban area in the Americas and an important South American economic and cultural center. São Paulo has a modern subway system, well-designed shopping malls, beautiful parks, nightlife, and open air fruit and flower markets. However, the contrast between extreme wealth and serious poverty visible in parts of the city reveals much about the Brazilian experience.

São Paulo is often compared to New York City because of its distinct ethnic neighborhoods and excellent restaurants, museums, shops, and other cultural events. The city offers numerous entertainment opportunities (such as samba, salsa, reggae, tango shows, and a pulsating Carnival scene) and is only two hours from Brazil's beautiful beaches.

Program of Study

The Office of International Study Programs (ISP) offers this option in conjunction with CIEE. The program was established in 1973 and has been administered by CIEE since 1989. The semester program begins with a five-week Intensive Language and Culture Program (ILCP), held in Salvador da Bahia for the fall semester and in São Paulo for the spring semester. During this five-week period, students are introduced to the country, culture, and academic program and receive practical information about living in Brazil. The ILCP is designed to develop linguistic skills as well as promote greater comprehension of contemporary Brazilian realities and prepare students for academic work at the University.

During the ILCP, students are placed in intensive Portuguese language classes at an appropriate level. Students who are near native speakers of Spanish may be placed in a Portuguese for Spanish speakers course offered based on enrollment. In addition, students enroll in the CIEE course, Contemporary Brazil.

For the remainder of the semester, students must enroll in two required courses: a Portuguese language course and the CIEE core course, Brazilian Issues and Realities. The interdisciplinary core course has lectures and discussions on Brazilian history, literature, economics, race relations, and current social movements. In addition to the two required CIEE courses, students choose two or three electives drawn from the wide range of courses offered at PUC for which they meet the prerequisites.

Students must enroll in Portuguese language study throughout their study abroad experience, including academic and calendar year students in their second semester. Academic and calendar year students are exempt from the CIEE core class, Brazilian Issues and Realities, during their second semester in São Paulo. However, academic and calendar year students continuing from the CIEE Salvador da Bahia program must enroll in this course during their semester in São Paulo.

Host institutions:

Pontificia Universidad Católica de São Paulo

The Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC), established in 1946, is ranked among the top universities in Brazil and has 29,000 students (19,000 undergraduates) studying in 9 departments. In terms of research and development, PUC is ranked first in the state of São Paulo in obtaining external funding for research. PUC maintains a strong research tradition, a unique characteristic among private institutions of higher learning in Brazil. Among PUC's well-known intellectuals are Paulo Freire (a famous educational theorist) and Florestan Fernandes (sociologist who was instrumental in the creation of the Worker's Party).

The PUC International Office offers strong student services to all international students. The PUC campus is located in a residential area near downtown São Paulo's famous Avenida Paulista with good transportation access. The University neighborhood provides numerous services and facilities for students such as gyms, bookstores, and cafés. The CIEE office is located two blocks from the PUC campus.

Calendar

NOTE: The academic calendar below is an approximation based on previous schedules and observances. Specific dates may vary.

Fall Semester:
July: a month-long, intensive orientation course
Semester 1: early August - mid-December

Spring Semester:
January: a month-long, intensive orientation course
Semester 2: late February - early July

Eligibility for the Program

At least two years of college-level Spanish or one year of Portuguese or the equivalent. Students are strongly encouraged to complete three semesters of Portuguese before participating in CIEE programs. Overall GPA of 2.75 is required.

Click HERE for a recommended sequence of classes for the CIEE programs.

The application deadline is November 15th for the Brazilian July semester or January semester.

Additional Information

There is much more we can tell you — about this location, vibrant religious, cultural and recreational life of this community ... about the student housing, transportation, health care and much, much more. It is, after all, the details that make this program so appealing. Interested? Just click here for additional information.