Liberal Arts
Unique Experiences
Participate in exclusive workshops with local scholars and artists
to explore the rich heritage of Afro-Brazilian traditions, from Capoeira to Candomblé
Learn Portuguese through music in a hands-on Brazilian popular music (MPB) workshop
to analyze lyrics, explore regional dialects, and practice Portuguese while jamming with local musicians in a vibrant cultural center
Explore literary São Paulo through a Portuguese-language book club and walking tour
and dive into the works of Brazilian authors like Mário de Andrade and Clarice Lispector in a student-led book club
Your Destination
São Paulo is Brazil’s dynamic, multicultural metropolis where Portuguese comes to life in a vibrant, fast-paced setting. Whether you're practicing with locals in bustling street markets, engaging in conversations at traditional cafés, or exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods, every experience deepens your connection to the language and culture. Home to world-class museums, cutting-edge architecture, and a thriving arts and music scene, São Paulo offers endless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, this electrifying city is the perfect destination for students eager to expand their linguistic skills and cultural horizons.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in São Paulo will open doors for you to explore Brazil’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Experience Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian heritage on a weekend getaway, exploring Pelourinho’s cobblestone streets, enjoying live Capoeira, and savoring authentic Bahian cuisine at São Joaquim Market
- Escape the city on a hike through the Serra da Cantareira, one of the world’s largest urban forests, where you’ll discover hidden waterfalls, wildlife, and learn about São Paulo’s vital role in Brazil’s conservation efforts
- Dive into São Paulo’s art scene on a guided street art tour of Beco do Batman, meeting local artists, exploring graffiti’s political roots, and finishing the day with live samba at a local club
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE São Paulo offers residence hall housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From single to shared rooms, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a double room in a residence hall, located under 30 minutes from campus and 15 minutes from the city center by public transportation. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Meals are not included.
- Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall. Residence halls are located within walking distance of campus and 15 minutes from city center. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Meals are not included. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE São Paulo: Study in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest and most diverse city. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, dive into the city’s world-class arts and music scene, and experience the nonstop energy that makes São Paulo a cultural powerhouse.
Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC): Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP) is one of Brazil’s most prestigious private universities, known for its strong focus on social sciences, humanities, law, and sustainability studies. Founded in 1946, PUC-SP is in the Perdizes neighborhood of São Paulo, a vibrant academic and cultural hub. The university has a long-standing tradition of social justice, environmental responsibility, and innovation, making it an ideal setting for students to engage with sustainability-focused research and community projects.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Sao Paulo
List of Sample Courses at PUC:
Economic Sciences:
- General Economic History
- Sociology
- Patterns of Capitalist Development
Literature:
- Education, Citizenship and Human Rights
- Brazilian Literature: Modern and Contemporary Narrative
International Relations:
- Brazilian Foreign Policy I
- Brazil’s International Insertion
- Spatiality and Territoriality in International Relations
Social Service:
- Class, Race and Ethnicity
- Foundations of Social Service I
- Social Psychology
Advertising:
- Digital Graphic Design: Creativity and Culture Lab I
- Practices in Visual Languages: Media Lab Creativity and Culture
- Circular Economy and Smart Consumption: Media Lab Consumption
History:
- Portuguese America: 16th–17th Centuries (Brazil I)
- American History Before the European Conquest (America I)
- Afro-Brazilian and African Culture: Diaspora
- Modern Europe
- The 18th Century in Portuguese America and the Crisis of the Colonial System (Brazil II)
- Africa, Africas: Ethnic-Cultural and Ethnic-Racial Issues
Socio-Environmental Sciences:
- Culture and Diversity
- Human Rights
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Agricultural Space in Brazil
- Brazilian Environmental Legislation
- Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy
- Civil Society and State, Social Movements and Social Control
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 20 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Alejandra Herrera
Regional Director of Operations for Latin America, Interim Center Director, Santiago Chile
Alejandra is a passionate and experienced educator in higher education in Chile with more than 10 years in the field of International Education.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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