Brazil - Summer Cultural Exploration
Programs in Brazil
Program Summary
- Dates: July
- Accommodation: Dormitory
- Academics: Portuguese language and culture classes
- Language: No language requirement
- Age: 15–18 years old
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2009
- Cost: $5,850 (2009)
Full Brochure
Explore
Brazil is an exciting country full of diversity. Its territory covers almost half of South America and it is the fifth largest country in the world! Beautiful beaches, the Amazon rainforest, mountains, modern cities and old colonial towns all add to Brazil's beautiful landscape. Brazilian culture is a blend of Amerindian, Portuguese, African and Asian influences that can be experienced through the country's unique language, music, cuisine and festivals. Join Intrax Study Abroad and Global Leadership Adventures on a unique and exciting service-learning adventure to northeastern Brazil. Based in Fortaleza, the group will stay together on a school campus which will be the base for meaningful service projects, lively seminars about important global issues and exciting excursions in and around this beautiful city.
Learn
The leaders of the group will add depth and context to the students' experience by leading discussions on the nature of community service, leadership and how these notions tie into local Brazilian culture and the specific projects in which the group is engaged. Local leaders will also act as guest instructors, leading seminars on issues which range from dance and music to globalization and social change. In the past, our groups have met with leaders of a groundbreaking micro-credit institution which fights poverty and spurs local economic development by helping local entrepreneurs open small businesses. In addition, all students will receive instruction in Portuguese to allow them to interact more meaningfully with their Brazilian counterparts.
Experience
Intrax believes in cultural learning through meaningful local interaction and guided exploration of and reflection on the cross-cultural experience. In Fortaleza, our group engages with local youth in poor neighborhoods in projects designed to provide them with better educational opportunities and to give our students first-hand insight into a way of life drastically different from their own. Some example projects that past groups have worked on include helping develop educational arts and crafts activities, teaching English, and painting murals to beautify these largely neglected and marginalized communities.
Travel
The northwestern region of Brazil where Fortaleza is located is an area of unrivaled natural beauty, and we make sure that our students get to see and experience as much of it as possible during the program. On day and weekend excursions you will have the opportunity to visit pristine beaches, go on hikes in the untouched wilderness of the countryside, and sandboard down dunes near the ocean. Learning to dance samba and forro, playing capoeira on the beach, and spending time with new Brazilian friends will add depth to the cultural experience and truly bring Brazilian culture to life.
Housing
The group is housed on a school campus on the outskirts of Fortaleza where students and staff live in shared rooms. Students will have access to a swimming pool, classrooms, an open air cafeteria and a soccer field.
Requirements
- 15–18 years old (19 year old students may be considered on a case by case basis).
- 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
- Desire to learn Portuguese
- Flexible personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences
Program Information
| Length | Cost | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $5,850 (2009) | March 31, 2009 |
Factors to Consider
In order to apply for a Brazilian visa, students may be required to apply in person at one of the eight Brazilian consulates in the United States. Depending on where you live, this may require travel. In order to find the Brazilian consulate that covers your region in the United States, go to http://www.brasilemb.org/consulado/consular_jurisdictions.shtml. It is also important to note that the visa application process can take up to 4 weeks to complete.
In addition to obtaining a visa, students will have to register with the Brazilian government upon arrival. The fee for a Brazilian identification card is approximately $75.
Vaccinations may be required prior to departure.
