Our goal is to offer every course every term, but sometimes factors like faculty availability, student course rankings, and program enrollment keep us from reaching that goal. If you’re concerned about needing to enroll in one particular course, please contact us!
CET Brazil Study Abroad
CET Brazil: At-A-Glance
SOCIAL Justice
- Fall Arrival: 07/24/2025
- Fall Departure: 11/29/2025
- Spring Arrival: 02/02/2026
- Spring Departure: 06/06/2026
BUSINESS AT FGV
- Fall Arrival: 07/24/2025
- Fall Departure: 12/06/2025
- Spring Arrival: 01/26/2026
- Spring Departure: 06/12/2026
DIRECT-ENROLL AT USP
- Fall Arrival: 07/14/2025
- Fall Departure: 12/06/2025
- Spring Arrival: 01/26/2026
- Spring Departure: 06/22/2026
**Please note: These program dates are tentative and may shift to align with host university academic calendars. Learn more.
SOCIAL Justice
- Recommended Credits: 15-18
- Fee: $19,790
BUSINESS AT FGV
- Recommended Credits: 15-18
- Fee: $20,390
DIRECT-ENROLL AT USP
- Recommended Credits: 15-18
- Fee: $20,390
SOCIAL Justice
- Fall Deadline: April 1
- Spring Deadline: October 1
BUSINESS AT FGV
- Fall Deadline: April 1
- Spring Deadline: October 1
DIRECT-ENROLL AT USP
- Fall Deadline: April 1
- Spring Deadline: October 1
Spend a semester living in São Paulo—one of the world’s biggest and most multicultural cities. From here, take on one of three academic tracks to shape your Brazil experience according to your interests and academic needs. And to top it all off, you live with Brazilian roommates that give you an access point into local life, and even travel to Salvador da Bahia to take on learning by experiencing.
Academics in Brazil
Choose one of three academic tracks to explore Brazil exactly how you want to. Focus on social justice, explore pathways to sustainability for the business world, or challenge your language skills with direct-enroll coursework in Portuguese at one of the best universities in country. And no matter which track you take on, you and your peers take learning on the road with a week-long Traveling Seminar to Salvador da Bahia.
Choose your academic track
Get to know Brazil from all sides
Out-of-class connections. Get into the city with site visits around São Paulo. Head to a Guarani indigenous community to meet with leaders. Attend a politically engaged poetry reading. Hear from members of the Homeless Workers Social Movement.
English and Portuguese. Tailor your curriculum with electives in English or Portuguese. If you’re an intermediate-level Portuguese speaker, you can direct-enroll in an elective at PUC-SP where all of the coursework is done in Portuguese alongside Brazilian undergraduates.
Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. The program is hosted by Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. PUC-SP is a private Catholic university of 23,000 students located in Perdizes, a neighborhood with easy public transportation, plenty of cheap eats, and a lively nightlife.
Social Justice & INEQUALITY
Build a foundation for understanding the dynamics of global poverty and inequality—both in and out of the classroom. Study social movements within Brazil, take Portuguese classes to better engage with the community, live with Brazilian roommates that give you an access point into local life, and even travel to Salvador da Bahia to take on learning by experiencing.
Semester Snapshot
Social Justice
- Pre-requisites: None
- Portuguese language class for all levels
- Electives in English and Portuguese
- Traveling Seminar to Salvador da Bahia
- Out-of-class learning & assignments
- Host University: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP)
Curriculum & Syllabi
You take one core course, a Portuguese language class, and three electives to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits. Intermediate or advanced Portuguese language students can swap CET electives for direct-enroll classes, taught in Portuguese.
Social Justice: Core Course
You take this 3-credit core course, taught in English or Portuguese depending on your language abilities:
Portuguese Language
You are placed into one of these 3-credit courses:
Electives
Beginning Portuguese students choose three CET electives. Intermediate and advanced Portuguese students choose three electives with at least one direct-enroll elective at PUC-SP to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits.
CET Electives
- SP/ECON 320 Economics and Development in Brazil
- SP/INTR 360 Brazil-US Relations (taught in English or Portuguese)
- SP/LAST 340 Brazilian Cinema (taught in Portuguese)
- SP/LAST 350 The Perils of Democracy after Bolsonaro
- SP/POLI 310 Brazilian Politics and Society (taught in conjunction with PUC-SP)
- SP/SOCI 350 Re-Thinking Racial Democracy in Brazil
Direct-Enroll Electives at Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo
Intermediate and advanced Portuguese students can directly enroll in an at least one elective offered at PUC-SP for 2 to 4 credits each*. These courses are taught in Portuguese and are taken alongside Brazilian undergraduates. Some past courses have included:
- Política Internacional Contemporânea (Contemporary International Politics)
- Direito Internacional (International Law)
- Relações Internacionais e Economia Política (International Relations and Political Economy)
- Colonialismo, Guerras e Descolonização (Colonialism, Wars, and Decolonization)
- Meio Ambiente e Capitalismo (Environment and Capitalism)
- Gênero, Raça e Classe Nas Relações Internacionais (Gender, Race, and Class in International Relations)
- Cidades Violentas: Dinâmicas Locais e Globais (Violent Cities: Local and Global Dynamics)
*CET converts final grades from PUC-SP to US letter grade equivalents
Socially sustainable business at fgv
Get a world-class education with an emphasis on social sustainability. You take direct-enroll classes alongside Brazilian undergraduates at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and a core course that explores what role careful ethics and social issues can play in business.
Semester Snapshot
Socially Sustainable Business at FGV
- Pre-requisites: None
- Portuguese language class for all levels
- Electives in English and Portuguese
- Traveling Seminar to Salvador da Bahia
- Out-of-class learning & assignments
- Host University: Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV)
Curriculum & Syllabi
You take one core course, a Portuguese language class, and direct-enroll electives to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits.
Socially Sustainable Business at FGV: Core Course
You take this 3-credit core course, taught in English exclusively for CET students:
Portuguese Language
You are placed into one of these 3-credit courses:
Electives
You add direct-enroll electives to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits. These classes are 2 to 4 credits each and taught at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) in either English or Portuguese. To take a Portuguese-taught direct-enroll course, you are required to take FGV’s language placement test to determine eligibility. Courses vary each term, but electives that have previously run include:
Business & marketing
- Digital Business Strategy
- Entrepreneurial Experience
- Global Marketing
- Corruption and Corporate Misconduct
- Lean Innovation
- Marketing for Low-Income Consumers
- Negotiation
- ESG and Institutional Investment
- Corporate Governance
- People Management
Global & Area Studies
- Global Corruption
- The Brazilian Economy
- Fundamentals of Global Health
- Latin America: A Geopolitical Guide
- Political Science
- International Financial and Monetary Relations
Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Sustainable Accounting and Finance
Information Technology and Data
- Management of Information Technology
- Modeling for Decision Support
CET converts final grades from FGV to US letter grade equivalents.
Gain a new perspective on business
More than just business. With FGV’s diverse course offering in English and Portuguese, there’s something for everyone. Take Sustainable Accounting and Finance, Global Marketing, or something that focuses locally, like Latin America: A Geopolitical Guide. And no matter what you choose, your classes offer an engaging opportunity to explore perspectives and ideas beyond the American higher education system.
Fundação Getúlio Vargas. The program is hosted by Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), an internationally renowned private university known for its excellence in business education. With triple international accreditation (including AACSB International, the same accreditation system that US business schools use), FGV plays a leading role in Brazil. Campus is right by Paulista Avenue, a major business center—making it easily accessible via public transport and filled with plenty to do.
DIRECT-ENROLL AT Universidade de São Paulo
Fully immerse in the Brazilian undergraduate experience at one of Latin America’s most highly regarded public universities. Learn alongside local students to not only challenge and improve your Portuguese skills, but also widen your global perspective.
Semester Snapshot
Direct-Enroll at USP
- Pre-requisites: 3 semesters of Portuguese
- Front-loaded language intensive to help you acclimate
- Direct-enroll coursework in Portuguese
- Traveling Seminar to Salvador da Bahia
- Host University: Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
- Facilitated in partnership with Dickinson College
Curriculum & Syllabi
You take one pre-semester Portuguese intensive, one CET elective, and direct-enroll in two or three courses at USP to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits.
Pre-semester Portuguese Intensive
You take a three-week language intensive that helps you warm up your Portuguese in time for your direct-enroll coursework (3 credits):
- Pre-semester Portuguese Intensive
CET Electives
Choose one 3-credit elective taught exclusively for CET students:
SP/INTR 360 Brazil-US Relations (taught in English or Portuguese)
SP/LAST 340 Brazilian Cinema (taught in Portuguese)
SP/LAST 350 The Perils of Democracy after Bolsonaro
SP/SOCI 350 Re-Thinking Racial Democracy in Brazil
Direct-Enroll Electives at USP
Choose two or three direct-enroll electives to meet the total 15 to 18 recommended credits. These classes are 2 to 4 credits each and taught at Universidade de São Paulo (USP) in Portuguese. Courses vary each term, but students have a vast selection in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
CET converts final grades from USP to US letter grade equivalents.
Learn alongside Brazilian undergraduates
Study like never before. Spend a semester “doing as the locals do” and enroll at Brazil’s top university. Apply your language skills daily with electives taught in Portuguese and engage with your Brazilian counterparts during in-class discussions. And whether you’re interested in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities, you can get both a top-tier education and an immersive experience of a lifetime.
Universidade de São Paulo. The Direct-Enroll at USP track offers the opportunity to attend Universidade de São Paulo (USP)—one of South America’s most prestigious educational institutions. As a student of Brazil’s largest public university, not only can you partake in local campus life, you also have the chance connect with students from all over the country.
interested in SEEING a different academic track in brazil?
Traveling Seminar to Salvador da Bahia
Spend a week learning beyond the big city to explore the African roots of Brazilian culture. During your week-long seminar to Salvador da Bahia, you might:
• Travel to the countryside and visit Kaonge Quilombo, a Brazilian hinterland settlement founded by the descendants of enslaved Africans.
• Spend time at São Joaquim Market, then attend an ethno-gastronomy workshop to recreate African dishes and explore food as a tool of resistance.
• Attend a capoiera workshop and understand its philosophy and Angolan roots from one of the most respected capoeira masters in Bahia.
• Appreciate one of the many forms that Afro-Brazilian expression can take with a moving performance from the Folkloric Ballet of Salvador.
• Enjoy some relaxation time as you board a schooner to island hop while while enjoying live Brazilian music.
Housing and Meals
- Apartment
- Off-campus housing
- Live with CET peers & local roommates
- 5-6 people/apartment
- 2 people/room
- Fully equipped kitchen, living room, shared bathroom per 2-3 students, in-unit washer
- Internet access, linens, towels, basic furnishing, kitchenware, TV, drying rack
Living Like a Local
Local Roommates. Living alongside a local student can teach you everything you need to know about Brazilian college life. Which beach makes for the best road trip? The best coffee/study spots in Pinheiros? What mobile apps to download? Having a local roommate is more than just an opportunity for cultural exchange, it’s a built-in community. It’s no wonder students often tell us that their roommate is “one of the best parts of the program.” Learn more about living with a local roommate.
Eating in São Paulo. For meals, take advantage of the city’s vibrant food scene and try all the local specialties. Coxinha (fried chicken croquette), anyone? Feeling like a home-cooked meal? Grab ingredients at the farmers’ market and have a night in with your roommates. Learn more about accommodating your dietary needs in Brazil.
Life in São Paulo
- Known locally as: São Paulo/Sampa/SP
- Population: 12.18 million
- Local Currency: Brazilian Real
- Famous for: Demographic diversity, international food scene, business opportunities, fewer tourists, nightlife, good public transportation
São Paulo is a diverse and vibrant city, with a busy calendar of events that can satisfy any interest. Go to a weekend festival. Find your favorite café in Perdizes, the tree-lined neighborhood you call home. Spend an afternoon in Ibirapuera Park and enjoy nature as if you were miles outside the city. Explore the robust food scene or find your favorite rooftop view in São Paulo. Walk up and down a car-free Avenida Paulista on Sundays and listen to live music as you shop with local vendors. Attend a soccer match at the stadium. And if you’re studying abroad in the spring, get ready for Carnaval…
Experience São Paulo with CET
Around the city. Each term, the program offers different extra-curricular activities that allow you to explore São Paulo and Brazilian culture. Break a sweat at a samba class or experience local futebol culture at a match. Lunch at a local occupation with your peers (social movement on urban housing) or blow off steam at a karaoke night in the Liberdade neighorhood. And there’s even more to see on your own.
A Weekend Away. Spend the weekend in Paraty, a colonial city in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Take a small boat to Ilha do Araújo and learn about traditional and sustainable fishing from a community of caiçaras—local fishermen of indigenous descent. Then learn about traditional medicine before enjoying a homemade meal. Trek along the beach, then enjoy plenty of free time to explore the area.
Give back to the community. If you opt to volunteer in São Paulo, you might spend your semester helping repair damaged tech for women in need, or support local teachers by designing games and activities for socially vulnerable students.
On-the-ground support
Navigating a new city, country, and culture is a big challenge worth taking—and we’re here to help you along on this adventure. Our on-site team is bilingual, thoughtful about guidance and support, and is passionate about sharing their love of São Paulo (and Brazil!) with you.
Program Fees
$19,790
Of the total program fee, $16,390 goes to tuition and fees, and $3,400 goes to housing and other student life fees.
$20,390
Of the total program fee, $16,415 goes to tuition and fees, and $3,975 goes to housing and other student life fees.
$20,390
Of the total program fee, $16,415 goes to tuition and fees, and $3,975 goes to housing and other student life fees.
What's Included
Tuition
All of your classes and program-related learning are included with your tuition.
Housing
We arrange your housing in a fully-furnished apartment about a 10-minute walk from campus. Your program fees go toward rent, utilities, furnishing, and other management costs.
You also receive a transportation stipend for commute costs between your apartment and FGV/USP.
Traveling Seminar
We take you to Salvador da Bahia for a Traveling Seminar. Just bring a camera and your intellectual curiosity.
Activities & Excursions
The activities and excursions that we arrange are included in your program fee.
Staff Support
From pre-departure to orientation, from on site to re-entry, CET provides you with the support you need every step of the way.
Insurance
You’re provided with a comprehensive insurance plan through GeoBlue that even includes medical evacuation coverage.
Visa Support
We guide you step-by-step through the visa process. You do the legwork, but we’ll make sure you have the documents & information you need, when you need it.
Course Materials
Your textbooks and course supplies are covered and waiting for you on site.
Transcript
At the end of your term, you’ll receive academic documentation as proof of all you’ve accomplished abroad. Depending on your home institution, you will either get a CET grade report or a School of Record transcript from the University of Minnesota.
More on finances
Local Cost of Living. The cost of living in São Paulo is generally lower than that of bigger US cities but higher than most of South America. Produce is cheap (particularly if purchased at farmers’ markets), and you can find lunch for as little as 6 to 7 USD. As with any major city, your spending can vary widely depending on your own habits and lifestyle.
Estimated out-of-pocket expenses:
- Round-trip Airfare: $2,500
- Meals: $2,700
- Visa Fees: $185+
- Personal Expenses: $1,650
- Housing Deposit: $100
additional resources
How to Apply
Timeline for Final Program Dates
Due to the nature of higher education calendars in Latin America, the program dates listed on this page are estimates. Confirmed program dates will be available around the time of the CET application deadline for each term. We expect final arrival and departure dates to be similar to what we’ve listed, but they may shift up to two weeks. Students are advised not to purchase plane tickets prior to the release of finalized program dates.
Eligibility
- • Pre-requisites: None for Social Justice and Business at FGV tracks. For Direct-Enroll at USP, students must have at least 3 semesters of Portuguese.
- • Must be 18 or older at the time of program participation.
- • Open to students from any US college or university
- • GPA: 3.0 or higher is recommended, students with lower GPAs will be asked for a faculty recommendation to supplement their application
Online Application Form
This is a brief form that asks for basic information and has a few short answer questions about why you want to study abroad.
Passport Information
Upload a scan of your passport to your CET Compass account. This should be a single scan that includes the signed signature page and the photo/personal details page. Don’t have a passport yet? Let us know and we can help advise you.
Study Abroad Office Recommendation
This is an online form that your study abroad office completes to let us know you meet the requirements to study abroad. To send the electronic form request, simply enter the name and email address of your study abroad advisor in the designated fields of your CET Compass account.
Official Transcript
Your CET Compass account has specific instructions for submitting an official transcript.
Have a question? Get in touch!
Gabrielle Jackson
Manager, Student Services
202.315.0238
[email protected]
Price Subject to Change:
CET reserves the right to increase quoted charges at any time without prior notification, based on increased instruction costs, exchange rate fluctuation or other cost increases beyond CET’s control.