Study in Brazil - Portuguese Language & Brazilian Culture (in Portuguese) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Attracting visitors from all over the world, São Paulo is a diverse international city, but with its own distinct local flare. With street art on nearly every corner, the city is brimming with creativity, color, and energy.
• Gain a unique perspective on Brazilian culture while taking coursework in Portuguese in area studies and international relations at FAAP, one of the most important academic and cultural institutions in the country.
• Develop meaningful relationships with your peers by joining a club, attending an educational event hosted by the campus museum, or participating in FAAP’s buddy program that connects incoming and local students.
• Take part in the city’s most popular sport by joining a futebol team and competing with natives who live and breathe the sport. Or try the brand-new sport of beach tennis, a mixture of beach volleyball, tennis, and badminto on one of the on-campus sand courts.
LIFE ABROAD
With a population of almost 12 million inhabitants that are made up of over 70 nationalities, São Paulo is a dynamic international city that offers endless global cultural experiences. Soak in the unmatched energy of the city by attending a local sporting match or iconic events including Carnaval, São Paulo Fashion Week, or the largest Pride parade in the world.
LIVE
Share a room with one other student in an off-campus apartment that has an en-suite bathroom and furnished kitchenette in each unit. Make friends from all over the world while spending time in the apartment’s common areas including a coworking space, game area, pool and volleyball court.
DINE
Dig into São Paulo’s rich street food culture and try Brazilian delicacies such as feijoada (black bean and pork stew), pastel (pastries with meat or jams), brigadeiro (chocolate truffle balls), and so much more! When you feel like preparing something for yourself, multiple grocery stores are conveniently located within walking distance of your apartment where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and more. If you are participating on an ISEP Exchange, you will receive a meal stipend.
EXPERIENCE
FAAP fosters meaningful connections through cultural excursions, volunteer opportunities, and a university buddy program, with past activities including a newcomer’s party, Capoeira class, cooking classes, jewelry workshops, and samba and forró dance lessons. Beyond campus, weekends are perfect for exploring São Paulo’s bustling markets and food scene, from the Japanese specialties of the Liberdade street market to Paulista Avenue on Sundays, when it becomes a lively pedestrian hub. The city’s creative energy shines through outdoor galleries like Batman’s Alley and iconic institutions such as the São Paulo Museum of Art, home to more than 8,000 works displayed in a building that seemingly hovers above the ground. When you’re craving connecting with nature, relax in Ibirapuera Park or hike Jaraguá Peak for sweeping views of the city.
EXPLORE
São Paulo offers a robust metro line and is home to the largest international airport in South America, making visits to bucket list destinations like Monte Verde, Embu Das Artes, and Campos do Jordão easily accessible! Whether you are trekking through the Amazon Rainforest, admiring the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, or visiting a local coffee farm, your experience is sure to be filled with new adventures!
What We Love About São Paulo
São Paulo is the perfect base for you to enhance your Portuguese language skills while experiencing everything this dynamic city has to offer. Whether you are a sports fanatic, art enthusiast, or love learning about the history of a new city, São Paulo offers something for everyone.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
This program offers a relatively structured course outline focusing on learning Portuguese through the study of the language and the culture in which it is embedded. Classes include a language class aligned to appropriate language skill levels (including beginners) accompanied by 2 additional courses exploring the history, literature, culture and identity of the people of Brazil. Students can also engage in a theater workshop and multiple integrated, hands-on activities in the community.
If their schedule allows, students may enroll in additional classes offered in English in FAAP’s English Language Institute for an additional fee. This includes interesting options such as Fashion Trend Analysis, Luxury Management or the Start Up Experience as well as more traditional classes in international relations, business or public relations.
Credits Earned
Students who complete the program in good standing can expect to earn 285 hours in an 18-week program, which ISEP recommends is the equivalent of 18-19 U.S. Credit Hours. Students will earn a certificate of program completion. Additional classes through the institute are generally 36-45 hours per class/ 2-3 US credit hours.
If you use financial aid, please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your academic obligations and the requirements for using financial aid.
Sample Classes Available:
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Foreign Language (Portuguese) |
Area Studies (in Portuguese)
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Level 1 (Basic) |
Brazilin Foreign Policy |
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Level 2 (Intermediate) |
International Institutions, Regimes, and Organizations |
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Level 3 (Advanced) |
International Environmental Issues |
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Brazilin Culture and Identity |
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
On your ISEP course list, please simply list “Extensive Portuguese Course”. FAAP will contact you to determine your exact level of proficiency, and decide what level course you should enroll in. Course availability is subject to minimum enrollment.
Students who already have an intermediate level of Spanish may enroll for an additional fee in the pre-session Intensive Portuguese I for Spanish Speakers to fulfill the requirements of Extensive Portuguese I, and then continue with Extensive Portuguese II during the semester.
Students may also concurrently enroll in one or more courses within the Study in English program during the semester for an additional fee.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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