Semester in Brazil

Program Information

Spend a semester in the historic and culturally rich coastal city of Salvador da Bahia, Brazil.  This program enhances students' global perspectives through a blend of academic coursework, field studies, and hands-on development projects. Salvador da Bahia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has the Portuguese colonial architecture, which reflects the "founders" of the city.  However, the rhythm and heart of the city lies in the heritage of the descendants of African slaves who were brought to develop one of the most important cities in Latin America in the 19th century.

Home to stunning colonial architecture and some of the most beautiful beaches and best surfing in the world, Salvador is also the center of Afro-Brazilian culture and has some of the leading educational institutions in the country.  Students take courses in Portuguese taught by local Brazilian faculty at The Federal University of Bahia (Universidade Federal da Bahia) which houses some of the best academic programs in Brazil.  Coursework ranges from cultural topics to medicine and includes an intricate take on Brazil and its role within Latin America and the world.

To round out the experience, students will participate in service learning projects in Salvador based on community needs and participant skills and interests.  Students live with local homestay families and participate in cultural excursions and workshops throughout the semester. Cultural and adventure activities are planned to some of the most beautiful and historic sites and engaging communities.  Come experience the vibrant atmosphere of Brazil, enhance your academics, and experience true immersion through community engagement.

Highlights

During the semester, students can expect cultural or outdoor adventures as well as project outings. Excursions may include:

  • Explore world class beaches
  • Experience Afro-Brazilian religious and cultural ceremonies
  • Participate in cultural workshops including: Afro-Brazilian drumming, samba dancing, Bahiana cooking, and capoeira
  • Tour Pelourinho, the colonial center of Salvador
  • Community development projects

Housing

Accommodations are provided with a local Brazilian family in a private room with a shared bathroom. Most meals will be provided.

Curriculum

Semester in Brazil students are enrolled at Jacksonville University. Jacksonville University accredits the program and provides transcripts upon successful completion. Students may choose from a variety of academic courses.  Courses are all conducted in Portuguese.  Those with only a limited background in Spanish will be required to participate in an intensive Portuguese program prior to the commencement of classes.

Courses offered vary by semester but may include:

  • History of Bahia
  • History of Brazil
  • Political Organization of Brazil
  • Classical Anthropological Thought in Brazil
  • Political Thought in Brazil
  • Educational Systems in Brazil
  • Afro-Brazilian Anthropology
  • Art of the Sacred Christ
  • Economic, Political and Social History of Brazil
  • Basic Course on Gastronomy
  • Culture, Cooking, Health, Taste and Art
  • History of Architecture and Urbanism
  • Introduction to Oceanography
  • Culture and Communications
  • Photography
  • Health and Brazilian Culture
  • Introduction to Social Medicine

 

Development Projects and Service-Learning

In addition to classroom and field studies, Semester in Brazil participants have the opportunity to learn more about community development in Salvador and Bahia through hands-on development projects.  Projects complement academic studies for a few hours a week, typically on Fridays and some weekends.

Semester projects are in conjunction with ProBrazil, a local subsidiary of ProWorld Service Corps.  Projects are chosen by Site Directors based on the needs of communities and may include:

  • Construction of Community Centers
  • Participation in health outreach
  • Teaching English
  • Youth Development Programming
  • Assistance with Micro Business Programs
  • Assistance with Arts and Sports Programs

 

Prerequisites and Academic Information

Completion of one year of university studies and one semester of university level Spanish
Good academic standing at your home university
A positive attitude and a will to help

Credits: 12 - 16
Project hours: 56
Average class hours per credit: 14
Accreditation: Jacksonville University (JU)
Language of Instruction: Portuguese with English support

 

Program Dates

Spring 2010

Program Start: February 25
Program End: June 28

Fall 2010

Program Start: August 11
Program End: December 5

Cost

$9,850

*cost may change at any time due to the currency exchange

Included

  • 12 - 16 credits, tuition, fees, books and transcripts from JU
  • Academic classes four to five days per week
  • Intensive group orientation
  • Full room and board with a local family
  • Four to six group development project outings
  • $400 contributed directly to development projects
  • Airport pickup in Salvador
  • Health and Travel Insurance
  • Cultural and adventure excursions
  • 24 hour emergency contact on-site
  • Regular staff check-ins and access to office in Salvador

 

How to Apply

  • Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
  • Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
  • Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

 

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211