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Is this program right for you?

This program is targeted to students who have at least two years of college-level Spanish or one year of Portuguese or the equivalent and want to improve their Portuguese language skills and knowledge of contemporary Brazil, especially the Northeast region with its distinctive cultural patterns.

Program Snapshot

  • Learn Portuguese through a four-week intensive language and culture program prior to the semester, followed by semester-long language courses at various levels
  • Enroll in CIEE courses in Afro-Brazilian studies, with a focus on race, class, anthropology, and culture
  • Participate in cultural and educational activities, including visits to a Candomblé ceremony, and an excursion to Rio de Janeiro

Subject Areas

  • Afro-Brazilian Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Brazilian Studies
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Development & Planning
  • Economics
  • Fine Arts
  • Geography
  • History
  • Law/Legal Studies
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Portuguese Language
  • Religion
  • Sociology
  • Theology

About Salvador da Bahia

Salvador da Bahia, located on the Atlantic coast in northeastern Brazil, has 2.8 million inhabitants. Due to the strong slave presence during the Colonial period, Salvador has a strong African influence, including religious and spiritual practices, cuisine, and ethnic dynamics. Today, Salvador is a booming city, and its historic and ethnic diversity can be noted in the city’s architecture and layout: old parts of the city are located next to modern complexes. The CIEE Study Center is located on a bustling square—2 de Julho near Pelourinho, the historic center of the city.

Where You'll Study

Universidade Catolica do Salvador (UCSal)

Established in 1961, Universidade Católica do Salvador (UCSal) is the highest ranking private university in northeast Brazil. The University offers courses in many departments including biology, communications, education, geography, history, mathematics, and music. The UCSal campus is housed in renovated monasteries and modern-day buildings.

Universidade Federal da Bahia

Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), one of Brazil’s top ten universities, has 58 departments for undergraduate majors and 18,000 students. UFBA is situated near the downtown area and Pelourinho.

Thoughts From Abroad

My interest in anthropology comes from my ties with Salvador, having spent my whole life in this city. When I was younger, I lived in a typical neighborhood that in many ways resembled some of the places portrayed by Brazilian author Jorge Amado, a native of the region. While I used to play soccer and study theater, I eventually came to the conclusion that it was much more interesting to learn more about the game and drama of people.

Over the years, I have studied and written about numerous types of people from the region—prostitutes, beggars, soccer players, and capoeira practitioners. Recently, I have dedicated myself to studying the anthropology of food and diet, specifically, the study of Bahian cuisine and its influence on our regional identity. My most recent book is a biography of Mário Gusmão, one of the most important Bahian black actors.

I look forward to welcoming you to my Bahia!

— Jeferson Bacelar, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Jeferson Bacelar, Resident Director, is a Professor of Anthropology at the Universidade Federal da Bahia. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and a Masters in Social Sciences from the Universidade Federal da Bahia, and is a recognized scholar and author of numerous publications about Afro-Bahian culture. He has written extensively on Afro-Brazilian studies and Bahian affairs, and his most recent publication is the book, Mário Gusmão. Um príncipe negro nas terras do dragão da maldade (Rio de Janeiro: Editora Pallas, 2006).

Flavia Santana, Resident Coordinator, helps with student housing, administrative matters, visa registration, cultural activities, and student issues. Matt Ryan, Program Coordinator, focuses on volunteer and community service, financial administration, cultural activities, and student issues.

Recommended Credit

fall semester: 18–21 semester/27–31.5 quarter hours
spring semester: 16–19 semester/24–28.5 quarter hours
academic year: 34–40 semester/51–60 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • 2.75 GPA 
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish and/or 2 semesters of college-level Portuguese or equivalent

Program Dates

Fall 20096/26/2009 - 12/22/2009
Academic Year 2009-106/26/2009 - 6/22/2010
Spring 20101/9/2010 - 6/22/2010
Calendar Year 20101/9/2010 - TBA

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009
Calendar Year 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200922 weeks
late June - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1053 weeks
late June - mid-June
Spring 201024 weeks
early January - late-June
Calendar Year 201048 weeks
early January - mid-December

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:

  • Fall 2009 $14,100
    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, 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)$10,376
    Housing and Meals$3,650
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$14,100

    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, 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.

    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,850
    Personal Expenses$1,200
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$500
    Total$3,950


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $25,400
    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, 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)$18,026
    Housing and Meals$7,300
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$25,400

    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, 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.

    Personal Expenses*$2,400
    Books and Supplies$400
    Local Transportation$1,500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,850
    Total$6,350

    *Academic year students following the June–June program are responsible for housing and meals during the December–March 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 $14,300
    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, 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)$10,526
    Housing and Meals$3,700
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$14,300

    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, 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.

    Personal Expenses$1,200
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,000
    Total$4,100


  • Calendar Year 2010 $27,200
    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, 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$6,835
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$20,291
    Total$27,200

    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, 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.

    Personal Expenses*$2,400
    Books and Supplies$400
    Local Transportation$1,500
    Visa Fee (average cost)$200
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,000
    Total$6,500

    *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.


Scholarship Information

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