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featured programs

Study Abroad with CIEE in Australia Study in Australia
wollongong—arts + sciences

Study Abroad with CIEE in the Caribbean Study in Bonaire
bonaire—tropical marine ecology

Study Abroad with CIEE in China Study in China
shanghai—advanced chinese studies

Study Abroad with CIEE in China Study in China
shanghai—business, language, + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Germany Study in Germany
berlin—language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Italy Study in Italy
naples—liberal arts

Study Abroad with CIEE in Italy Study in Italy
naples—classical studies

Study Abroad with CIEE in Peru Study in Peru
lima—business + society

Study Abroad with CIEE in Peru Study in Peru
lima—language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Sweden Study in Sweden
uppsala—arts + sciences

Study Abroad with CIEE in Taiwan Study in Taiwan
taipei—chinese language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Vietnam Study in Vietnam
ho chi minh—language + culture

Is this program right for you?

This program is targeted to students with at least two years of college-level Spanish or one year of Portuguese or the equivalent who want to improve their Portuguese language skills and knowledge of contemporary Brazil while at the same time being able to matriculate in a broad range of course offerings in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Participants should be interested in living in a large, cosmopolitan South American city.

Program Snapshot

  • Take part in the language and culture pre-session to prepare for direct enrollment
  • Experience the unique atmosphere of PUC, a traditional University with an urban campus that mixes academic excellence with the richness of a diversified student body
  • Live in São Paulo, a cultural and economic center shaped by globalization, diverse economic heritages, and influential social movements
  • Volunteer in social projects coordinated by the community center of PUC, a nonprofit private institution with a tradition of socially engaged services

Subject Areas

  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Brazilian Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Latin American Studies
  • Literature
  • Performing Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese Language
  • Religion
  • Sociology
  • Tourism

About São Paulo

São Paulo is a multi-cultural city of more than 19 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, shopping malls, beautiful parks, nightlife, and open-air fruit and flower markets. São Paulo is often compared to New York City because of its distinct ethnic neighborhoods and excellent cultural venues. The city offers numerous entertainment opportunities including theater, plays, cinema, museums, and Carnival samba schools.

Where You'll Study

Pontificia Universidad Católica de São Paulo

The Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC) is ranked among the top universities in Brazil and has 19,000 undergraduates. PUC maintains a strong research tradition—a unique characteristic among private institutions of higher learning in Brazil. The PUC campus is located in a residential area not far from São Paulo’s famous Avenida Paulista with good access to public transportation. The University neighborhood has gyms, bookstores, and cafés. The CIEE Study Center is located two blocks from the PUC campus.

Thoughts From Abroad

The word “monotony” doesn’t exist in São Paulo, a city in a constant state of transformation. I have lived in São Paulo for 22 years and find myself always wishing for more free time to explore and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Each day offers many possibilities: relaxing or playing sports in the city’s parks; exploring ethnic neighborhoods, each with its own special cuisine; enjoying the vast array of street food vendors; discovering the museums throughout the city; and taking the opportunity to see international films and plays. No matter what your musical taste, São Paulo has a concert venue or a balada (nightclub) for you and offers a wide array of dance classes, including samba schools. Paulistanos are also famous for their dedication to soccer and being loyal to one of the many local teams.

The CIEE Liberal Arts program in São Paulo is for individuals who enjoy a big-city atmosphere and want to be challenged to explore and deepen their understanding of the city’s many striking contrasts, including its poverty and wealth, high rises and large city parks, and street markets and glitzy malls. Through living and studying here, you will enjoy a distinctive Latin American educational experience that also offers outstanding research opportunities through the specially designed CIEE classes and contact with Brazilians in your daily life. Bem vindos!

— Ana Luiza de Lima Coimbra, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Ana Luiza de Lima Coimbra, Resident Director, holds a B.A. in Portuguese and English Language and Literature from Universidade de São Paulo and has worked with CIEE since 1989. She has an M.A. in Oral History at the Universidade de São Paulo, with experience in international education. Prior to CIEE, Ana volunteered for American Field Service and taught Portuguese and English in secondary public and private schools from 1964 through 1986. Her present academic research focuses on the perception of Brazilian Studies in the United States.

Mauricio Zanolini, Resident Coordinator, joined CIEE in 2004. Mauricio received a B.A. in graphic design in 1998 and
recently completed additional coursework in educational administration. He helps with both administrative issues and the organization of program activities.

Recommended Credit

fall semester: 20–24 semester/30–36 quarter hours
spring semester: 18–22 semester/27–33 quarter hours
academic year: 36–43 semester/54–64.5 quarter hours  
calendar year: 32–38 semester/48–57 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish and/ or 2 semesters of college-level Portuguese or equivalent
  • Portuguese or Spanish language course within the past year recommended

Program Dates

Academic Year 2009-106/26/2009 - 6/26/2010

Note: Transfer from Salvador da Bahia to São Paulo on 2/3/2010.
Spring 20101/9/2010 - 6/26/2010  Alternate End Date: 6/26/2010

Note: Transfer from Salvador da Bahia to São Paulo on 2/3/2010.
Calendar Year 20101/9/2010 - TBA

Note: Transfer from Salvador da Bahia to São Paulo on 2/3/2010.
Fall 20106/26/2010 - 12/4/2010
Academic Year 2010-11Available: 2/15/2010

Important! Students should not purchase plane tickets based on these dates. Please check with your Enrollment Officer regarding travel plans.

Application Deadlines

Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009
Calendar Year 201010/15/2009
Fall 20104/1/2010
Academic Year 2010-114/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Academic Year 2009-1049 weeks
late June - late June
Spring 201024 weeks
early January­ - late June
Calendar Year 201045 weeks
early January - early December
Fall 201023 weeks
late June - mid-December
Academic Year 2010-1149 weeks
late June - late June

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Academic Year 2009-10 $26,650
    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, all meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing and Meals$9,400
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$17,176
    Total$26,650

    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, all meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,350
    Books and Supplies$300
    Personal Expenses*$2,800
    Local Transportation$1,500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Total$6,150

    *Academic year students following the June–July program are responsible for housing and meals during the December–February break. A minimum budget of $700 per month during this period is recommended. These costs are not included in the Estimated Additional Costs listed above.


  • Spring 2010 $14,900
    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,336
    Housing and Two Meals Daily$4,490
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$14,900

    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Additional Meals$950
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Transportation$750
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,350
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Personal Expenses$1,400
    Total$4,800


  • Calendar Year 2010 $28,400
    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$20,136
    Housing and Two Meals Daily$8,190
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$28,400

    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$300
    Local Transportation$1,500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,350
    Additional Meals$1,900
    Personal Expenses*$2,800
    Total$8,050

    *Academic and Calendar Year students are responsible for housing and meals during the break between semesters. For the January to December (Calendar Year) program, this is approximately four weeks and costs are estimated at $700. For the June to July (Academic Year) program, this is two months and costs are estimated at $1400. These additional expenses are not included in the Estimated Additional Costs listed above.


  • Fall 2010 $15,400
    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.  

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing and Two Meals Daily$4,700
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,626
    Total$15,400

    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.  



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)*$1,500
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Transportation$750
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Personal Expenses$1,400
    Additional Meals$950
    Total$4,950

    *Additional round-trip to Salvador de Bahia for the intensive language and culture pre-session


  • Academic Year 2010-11 $29,300
    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing and Two Meals Daily$9,400
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$19,826
    Total$29,300

    The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, two meals per day, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, immersion activities, comprehensive student handbook, pre-departure advising, in-country documents, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Additional Meals$1,900
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)**$1,500
    Books and Supplies$300
    Personal Expenses*$2,800
    Local Transportation$1,500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Total$8,200

    *Academic year students following the June–July program are responsible for housing and meals during the December–February break. A minimum budget of $700 per month during this period is recommended. These costs are not included in the Estimated Additional Costs listed above.

    **Additional round-trip to Salvador de Bahia for the intensive language and culture pre-session


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.