When you study abroad in Brazil you embrace an entire culture devoted to deep-rooted literary, musical, and artistic traditions. You can enjoy a variety of food delicacies that range from seafood and seasoned duck to sheep and chili peppers. Brazil is home to Brazilian beer, which is considered the best in the western hemisphere by international travelers, as well as the producer of up to 35 percent of the world’s tastiest coffee.
And of course, more than half of it is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest on the planet and home to thousands of exotic animals. Study abroad in Brazil and become immersed in a rich culture!
Expand Your Education When You Study in Brazil
There are two major universities that are members of the US - Brazil Higher Education Consortia Program: the Federal University of Paraná and the Federal University of Santa Cantarina. The Federal University of Paraná is the oldest university in Brazil, and it’s values are focused on artistic expression and scientific discovery.
The Federal University of Santana Cantarina is a liberal arts school that caters to a wide array of international students. Since all the courses for these two universities are taught in Portuguese, study abroad students have to complete a course in Brazilian or Latin American studies and a high level of Portuguese or Spanish language skills to attend.
You can find more study abroad Brazil and study in Rio de Janeiro information in the Universities section of Study Abroad Domain. And find ways to help pay for your Brazilian visit in the Financing Your Experience or the Study Abroad Loans section.
How To Get Around When You Study Abroad in Brazil
Brazil is slightly bigger than the entire United States, so it is an amazingly large travel area to cover. There are many ways to get around the country, and most of them include fun ways to take in the beauty of the environment. The most economical way to get around Brazil is to take intercity buses. These buses are continuously en route to Brazilian destinations, they are comfortable to ride in, and they often provide you with a pillow and blanket for your relaxation. The only down side to intercity buses are that they are very slow and make many stops, so if you have a lot of time to enjoy your bus ride, then an intercity bus is your best mode of travel.
Other modes of transportation include city taxis and subways. Taxis are very easy to get while in the city, and they operate on a metered rate. You usually don’t have to tip the driver like you do in the States, but if they handle your heavy luggage it’s nice of you to give them some extra money.
The subways in Brazil are very unlike the subways in America. They are clean, not congested, and they are very quick ways to get from one place to another. Regardless of how you get around the Brazilian countryside, always follow safety guidelines to keep from getting injured or lost.
Study Abroad Brazil Currency
No matter what country you visit in your study abroad program, you will need to know its currency. Brazil’s currency operates under the real, which is made up of 100 centavos. Here’s how the currency works:
- One hundred centavos equals one real. Centavos come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50
- There are eight different banknote denominations for the real including: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
It’s best to carry around small real banknotes because it will be much easier to make everyday purchases and get change back from vendors. Also, since the 1 centavo is very rare to find, many places round off your purchase to the nearest 5 centavos. You can check out our banking abroad or finance sections for more study abroad money advice.
Places to Visit While You Study Abroad in Brazil
As Brazil’s second largest city, Rio de Janeiro is home to over 8 million people and is the cultural and tourist center of Brazil. It is known for its beautiful beaches, bountiful forests, and breathtaking mountains. The most famous landmarks in the area are Sugarloaf Mountain which rises 1,299 feet above sea level and forms the largest urban climbing areas in the world, and a statue of Jesus Christ known as Christ the Redeemer, which weighs 700 tons and has become an iconic symbol of Christianity in Brazil.
You wouldn’t have a complete study abroad Brazil experience without getting a glimpse of the Amazon Rainforest. Bordered by eight South American countries, this ecological wonder is home to over 30% of the world’s animal species and over 480 types of trees. You can get to the Amazon by boat, bus, or chartered flights.
Other attractions include Iguazu Falls, which has over 260 cascades and waterfalls, and the historical city of Ouro Preto, which is a popular tourist destination known for its mixing of colonial architecture and modern urban lifestyles. Whether you’re enjoying a game of Brazil’s most popular sport, soccer, or tasting the country’s favorite feijoada bean-type dish, your study abroad Brazil experience will be full of natural wonders and exciting interactions with native countrymen.
Important Information for Your Study Abroad Brazil Experience
When you study abroad in Brazil you should always have important numbers handy in case of an emergency. These numbers will provide you valuable information for getting around the country: