Brazil is one of the largest countries in the world, and for those seeking hands-on academics and a vibrant experience full of culture and fun, it’s hard to beat it! Notre Dame Global offers study abroad programs during the semester and the summer. In these programs, students can take courses in Portuguese, and in some cases, in English, on a range of academic disciplines. Currently, our program offerings in Brazil include:
Academic Year and Semester Program
The São Paulo program allows students to embark in one of two tracks, depending on their major and level of Portuguese proficiency.
Track 1: Liberal Arts (Portuguese Required)
For students with Portuguese proficiency, we recommend the Liberal Arts track, where students may take courses in either the University of São Paulo (USP) or the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP). Students do not need to specify in their study abroad application which institution they want to attend, only the track they are interested in. Both USP and PUC-SP offer students the ability to be part of vibrant student communities, and all will be invited to events and trips organized by Notre Dame São Paulo during their time abroad.
Track 2: Business (No Portuguese Required)
For students without any Portuguese proficiency, we recommend the Business Track in the Foundation Getulio Vargas Foundation, FGV, the most prestigious, AACSB-accredited business school in the country. In this track, students may take up to 3 courses in Finance, Marketing, and /or Business Analytics, a 3-credit internship course for credit, and an intensive Portuguese course to satisfy their language requirement. Previous students have interned, for credit, at EducationUSA, Guiabolso, Gaveteiro, among others. Students in this track will be continuously invited to events and trips organized by Notre Dame São Paulo during their time abroad.
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Summer Programs
Brazil Summer
In this study abroad program, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the social, ethnic and cultural mosaic that makes up Brazil. History, architecture, arts, language, movies and sports will come together to highlight some of the most vibrant and dynamic societal aspects of this fascinating South American country. By the end of the course, students will be able to elaborate sophisticated reflections on Brazilian contemporary society through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses diverse fields in Humanities and Social Sciences. This program takes place in Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
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Global Professional Experience
Notre Dame Global offers undergraduate students an international experiential learning opportunity to experience firsthand within an immersive environment how businesses and organizations operate in selected locations throughout the world. The Global Professional Experience Program places students with selected global and local companies and organizations in Asia (China, India, and Japan), Europe (Greece and the United Kingdom), and Latin America (Brazil and Chile).
This seven-week program includes three main components:
- A one-credit course offers an exploration of historic, social, and economic dimensions related to each of the program’s regions, in addition to providing a forum to reflect upon new international perspectives, inter-cultural knowledge, collaborative skills, integrative competencies, and career discernment.
- A one-week on-site orientation provided by Notre Dame's global network and selected service providers. The on-site orientation helps students better understand the local cultures and includes cultural excursions and basic language training.
- A six-week placement within a business or organization that will provide students with professional experiences related to their academic and professional interests. Host businesses and organizations include media, startups, technology, healthcare, finance, NGOs, and think tanks, among other sectors.
Learn more Study Abroad website