Rio de Janiero

Location

With 170 million people, Brazil surpasses the size and population of any other country in Latin America and is sixth in the world in terms of population size. Brazil is also the tenth-largest economy in the world. Among its many natural wonders, are the Iguaçu Falls, the world's most vast rain forest, and a beautiful Atlantic coastline. With exceptionally diverse ethnic and cultural heritage, Brazilians themselves are one of Brazil's greatest treasures. From their cuisine, to their music, dance and religion, Brazilians have made the best of this diversity.

The Marvelous City (Cidade Maravilhosa) of Rio de Janeiro is home to the Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). PUC-Rio is located in the Gávea neighborhood, sandwiched between the Leblon beach neighborhood, the mountainous Tijuca Forest and the beautiful Lagoa (lagoon). Cariocas (the people of Rio), known for their easygoing spirit, engage in outdoor athletic and cultural activities wherever they are. Cariocas also benefit greatly from their central location and proximity to various other urban centers, including São Paulo, where the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) is located.

Program of Study

The Office of International Study Programs (ISP) offers this option in conjunction with Brown University. The exchange program between Brown and the Pontifica Universidade Católica provides students a unique opportunity for complete immersion in the Brazilian culture. At the Pontificía Universidade Católica you will be able to enroll in the regular academic program.

The Program begins with a month-long, intensive orientation in July. The orientation course includes instruction in Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, with three hours of scheduled classes every day, and additional lectures by various noted specialists twice a week. Four field trips are planned for the weekends. At the end of the orientation course students take a final examination on the material covered during the month.

During the academic semester/year Brown in Brazil students enroll in a maximum of four regular courses per semester at PUC (sixteen semester credit hours) from the offerings of any of the various departments, provided that the necessary prerequisites can be met. All courses are taught in Portuguese. Subjects available to Brown participants include: History, Political Science, Literature, Anthropology, Economics, Sociology, Art History and Studio Art.

With permission from the Resident Coordinator an independent study course may be substituted for one of the university courses. In the past students have studied such topics as, "The History of Slavery in the Americas," "Race and the relationship with the politically left," and "the Agrarian sector in Brazil."

Host institutions: Brazil's leading and largest Catholic university in this predominantly Catholic country (80%), PUC-Rio offers some of Brazil's most sought-after undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1941 by the Jesuits, PUC-Rio now has 10,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students in 17 different schools. PUC-Rio is also internationally recognized as one of Brazil's leading research centers.

Calendar

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

July: a month-long, intensive orientation course
Semester 1: early August - mid-December
Academic Year: July - June 30

Eligibility for the Program

Students should plan to attend the program during their sophomore or junior years, although seniors may apply under special circumstances, with the permission of their deans. Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 or better GPA). In addition, they must have completed at least three semesters of Portuguese at the university level or the equivalent, and a related course on Brazil in Literature, History, or the Social Sciences. Once students are accepted by ISP, applications will be forwarded to Brown University for final approval.

Click HERE for a recommended sequence of classes for the Brown in Brazil program.

The application deadline is November 15, 2005 for the Brazilian July 2006 semester. This program is only offered during the fall 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.