Study Abroad in Brazil

Semester Programs

YFU students can choose to begin their semester exchange program in either January or August. During your time in Brazil, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Brazil is a large and diverse country and while YFU students may be placed anywhere in the country, all students are sure to expect warm and welcoming host families.

School

You’ll find that your school in Brazil will be academically challenging, but also a great place to make friends! Because Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, school begins in February and goes on until the following January. Students starting their program in August will begin at the second-semester mark. Students enrolled in a private school may be required to pay an additional enrollment fee. YFU will contact the student and natural parents prior to enrolling a student in a private high school with tuition.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July (or early December for Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

While in Brazil, students will have an arrival orientation, a mid-year orientation, and at the end of the program, students come together for a re-entry orientation to reflect on their experiences. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

As high schools in Brazil do not typically offer extracurriculars, students are encouraged to join private institutions that offer courses such as languages, sports, karate, aerobics, musical instruments, drama, etc.

Optional Excursions

Semester program students may have the option of participating in educational trips and excursions during their stay, for an additional cost.

Cultural Trip: A few trips are arranged by a travel agency that specializes in excursions for exchange students and has included tours of Pantanal and Bonito, the Northeast coast, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Iguaçu Falls, southern Brazil, and the Amazon. Each trip varies in cost, depending on the distance and length of the trip, and requires your host family’s permission, but most are generally offered during school holidays. All will offer you the opportunity to see a unique and different part of Brazil from your homestay location, enriching your experience and offering a deeper understanding of the country. More information about these trips will be provided upon arrival in Brazil.

Language

Portuguese. Previous language study is not required.

Summer Programs

During your “summer” in Brazil, you will live with a host family and take online language classes.  YFU students may be placed anywhere in the country for the summer program, but all students are sure to expect warm and welcoming host families. Students will be arriving in Brazil in early July, just in time for Brazil’s “winter” school break. For an additional cost, student’s may also enroll in a structured trip to Rio de Janeiro. Additional details and tentative schedule listed below!

Discover Brazil

On this summer program (which is winter in Brazil), students live with a local volunteer host family and immerse themselves in Brazil’s unique culture. Students are enrolled in an online Portuguese language course according to their level.

Orientations

All summer students will participate in an online pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June. Students also have a 1 day orientation upon arrival in Brazil.

Extracurriculars

Outside of regular classes, you can choose to play sports or take computer or art classes.

Optional Excursions

For an additional cost, summer program students will also have the option of participating in a trip to Rio de Janeiro with their fellow YFU participants. Included in the cost are accommodation in a hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as tickets to the tour visits.

Day 1. Arrival

Day 2. Cultural tour (historical Rio de Janeiro) / Sambódromo / Maracanã Stadium / Sugar Loaf

Day 3. Museum of Tomorrow / Fort of Copacabana

Day 4. Christ the Redeemer / Ipanema Beach / Samba and Funk class

Day 5. Departure

Language

Portuguese. Previous language study is not required. Students will attend online language classes while on program.