Study

Short Term Cultural Exchange Program in Brazil

  • What?
  • Why?
  • Who?
  • How?
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  • The Program was designed for Elementary/High School students and teachers who wish to have a mini-experience of cultural exchange in Brazil.

     

    It is neither a vacation program, since it includes attendance to an Elementary/High School, nor a school to school program, where students do not study Portuguese.

     

    Duration and Program Dates

     

    The Program takes place during the Brazilian academic year which starts in Late January/early February and ends in the middle of December with a one-month holiday period in July and a nearly two-month holiday period in December/January.

     

    Participants usually come between the months of February and May or between August and November. They will choose their program duration from two to six weeks.

  • It contains everything a regular cultural exchange program offers but in a more concentrated format: the students and teachers attend a local school, live with Brazilian families, study Portuguese and take part in a varied schedule of activities.

     

    Besides getting to know a different educational system, the participantes immerse fully in the local culture!

  • Students from 12 to 18 years-old can take part in the Program.

     

    They come from the same school in home country and belong to the same or to close levels of study. Knowing Portuguese is not mandatory.

     

    The Program is offered for groups of minimum 5 students (maximum 10) escorted by 1 or 2 teachers from the same school.

  • Host School

     

    Students and teachers will be placed in a private Brazilian host school selected by Via Mundo according to their profile. Via Mundo works in cooperation with several schools which are able to welcome students from both Elementary and High School. Participants will attend classes in the morning shift, from approximately 07:30 to 12:30/13:00, and follow the national Brazilian curriculum. The schools that participate in the Program are all recognized by their good level of education and structure.

     

    Accommodation

     

    Participants will be hosted by Brazilian families from the same school they will attend. Sometimes, other families can also join the Program. Our host families are carefully selected and personally visited and interviewed. They will participate in the family's routine, have their basic meals, and practice Portuguese by talking to their hosts, the best way to immerse in the local culture!

     

    Portuguese lessons

     

    Throughout the program, participants will attend Portuguese lessons three times a week, in the afternoon. This will help adapt faster by learning the basics to start communicating in school and with host family and friends. Portuguese language is taught by qualified teachers and studied through a specific method of Portuguese as a Foreign Language.

     

    Activities

     

    Participants will join activities in school and host family. But they will also follow a diverse activity schedule twice a week in the afternoon as to experience some aspects from the local culture. These activities may include: dancing lessons, soccer, beach volleyball, slackline, surf, kite surf, Capoeira, social projects, arts or percussion workshops, visits to the historical center, to museums, etc.

     

    Support

     

    During the whole Program, participants will be assisted by Via Mundo's Inbound Team. In case of any emergency, participants may also reach us through our 24/7 emergency phone.

  • Application Process

     

    Candidates must fill out the Application Form through a partner agency in home country or directly with Via Mundo’s office (in case there is not a partner agency in your country). After receiving the Application Form, the Program team will review it, check for pending information and issue acceptance and placement letters.

     

    Visa Application

     

    Brazilian government requires a temporary visa for studies in the country. Visa requirements must be confirmed at a Brazilian Consulate/Embassy in home country. Via Mundo will issue some of the necessary documents for visa application and send them to its partner agency or directly to participants in advance.

Fees

Information about fees and quotations

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