Introduction

When preparing to study abroad in Brazil, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in Brazil. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in Brazil.

Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going abroad; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about Brazil, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive.

Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about Brazil. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful internet resources on Brazil for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goals are to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in Brazil. Students are encouraged to read through the information on Brazil, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section.

While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in Brazil.

To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in Brazil. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Why Study in Brazil?

As you will learn during your time in Brazil, the country has many opportunities for study abroad students besides the lure of the sands of Copacabana beach, the sounds of Carmen Miranda's samba, and the street party that is Carnaval.

Brazil gained independence from the Portuguese in 1822, after 300 years of foreign rule. The independent nation shares a border with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil is not only the largest country in South America, but also the most populous. These factors, combined with the nation's natural resources, make Brazil the leading economy in South America. For students interested in economics, business, trade, tourism or international relations, Brazil will provide a unique opportunity to learn about a country increasingly on the rise.

While an important economic powerhouse, Brazil suffers from unequal income distribution; in Rio, approximately 1/3 of the city's population lives in poverty. Poverty affects every city worldwide; you can turn the struggle of densely populated Rio into a learning experience by helping to do something about it. If you are interested in the health or medical professions, in policy and development, or in the social services like welfare or aid to the homeless, the shanty towns of Rio would be an excellent site in which to volunteer, or conduct fieldwork and research.

The Amazon River is perhaps Brazil's biggest claim to fame (the other big one being Carnaval). As the second longest river in the world, the Amazon covers half of the country as it runs for 2100 miles through Brazil and is navigable the entire distance. It may not be the longest river in the world, but it is the widest and it does flow through five other countries besides Brazil. Some tributaries of this giant remain unexplored, and many of its 15,000 animal and plant species also remain unclassified. Some fauna that do call the Amazon home include: electric eels, boa constrictors, anacondas, jaguars, river dolphins, spider monkeys, sloths, alligators, river dolphin, parrots and toucans. The enormous river also contributes to Brazil's wetlands, which are the world's largest. Biologists, anthropologists, conservationists, and nature lovers alike will all find a trip to the Amazon to be a very educational and colorful experience.

The Amazon contributes to Brazil's human diversity as well. The Portuguese may have given Brazil's its most predominant religion and language, but the nation also boasts a rich indigenous population, as well as people from such diverse regions as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Anthropologists made famous the semi-nomadic Yanomamo people, who number approximately 9,500 in northern Brazil and about 12,000 more in Venezuela. The way the Yanomamo have maintained their traditional lifestyle despite modern developments in the outside world continue to intrigue anthropologists, scientists, genealogists and linguists. If you are interested in any of these fields, the Yanomamo provide you with an incredible chance to study a tribal people. In fact, the Brazilian government granted this distinct cultural group possession of their original land in 1991.

Why Learn Portuguese?

Ranked as the seventh most widely spoken language in the world, Portuguese remains the language of eight countries; Brazil, Portugal, and Mozambique call Portuguese their official language, while many islands off the coasts of India and China use Portuguese as their unofficial tongue. All told, more than 210 million people speak Portuguese, and 1.3 million native speakers of Portuguese currently reside in the United States.

Portuguese is one of many so-called "romance" languages, meaning that its origins are from Latin. Other examples of some popular romance languages include Spanish, French, and Italian. As English is also a romance language, studying Portuguese can actually help improve your English! The roots of words in romance languages correlate; you will be able to better decipher English vocabulary words and improve your English vocabulary by learning Portuguese. The opposite is also true: you will be able to understand some Portuguese words due to your command of English. Studies show that students who learn a romance language perform better on standardized tests, become more cultured and informed as a result of their access to international sources of information, have a more well-rounded understanding of literature and how to critic it, and get recruited more often by international corporations.

Despite the spread of the Portuguese language to lands far and wide, and the researched benefits of learning a romance language, few students choose to study the language. For that very reason, a command of Portuguese will make you a stand-out candidate in the job world, especially in the realms of literary studies, tourism, commerce, trade, and banking.

Though they represent very diverse fields, both literature and trade are closely tied to Portuguese. The Lusiads, a famous epic poem stemming from the Renaissance period, was originally penned in Portuguese; it recounts the events of explorer Vasco de Gama on his first voyage to India. On the other side of the spectrum, Brazil represents the eighth largest economy in the world, providing those with a background in Portuguese a unique opportunity for global business partnerships.

Aside from the literary arts and business, Brazilian music in Portuguese can most fully be enjoyed only by those familiar with what is being sung and why. The most well-known example of Brazilian Portuguese music is the samba. Although first introduced by African slaves in Brazil, the samba beat today is popular in Latin nightclubs the world over. Therefore, knowledge of Portuguese can also open you up to the vibrant culture of Brazil and beyond through the country's historical musical messages and rhythms.

* Please note: The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. However, there are opportunities to learn other indigenous languages and/or different Portuguese dialects prevalent in Brazil as well. You may want to check and see if your study abroad program offers language instruction in one of Brazil's other prevalent languages besides Portuguese.

Advice for Parents

You may want to take a similar role in the selection of your student's study abroad program as you did with your son or daughter's selection of an appropriate U.S. college or university. To begin, we recommend that students read and fill-out this Study Abroad Handbook independently. This can be the first step that helps him/her take charge of his/her own study abroad experience. However, accomplishing the many tasks involved with planning study abroad in Brazil can be overwhelming. Your son or daughter will most likely need your assistance.

Finding a Quality Program

In this section, you will get some helpful tools and advice on how to select the best study abroad program for you. You have a variety of programs to choose from in Brazil; they include: language academies, traditional universities, cultural tours and eco-adventures. Prior to participating, students and their parents should take time to look at the different programs available for study abroad.

One of the main reasons students cite for not studying abroad is that they start the planning process too late and miss the opportunity. The earlier you start researching programs, the better chance you will have to study abroad, include the coursework in your on-campus degree program, and graduate on time. The simplest way to find an appropriate study abroad program in Brazil is to look at programs available through your home campus; home campus faculty and staff can help you through the process.

Selecting the Right Program for You

In this section, you will learn how to go a step beyond finding a quality program. You will begin to research quality programs that reflect your individual needs. You will be better able to find a program that matches academic and personal objectives. The following things are some personal factors that can affect a student’s program decision:

Cost: Finding a quality program that’s affordable is possible. Depending on you or your family’s financial situation, program cost may or may not be an issue for you. No one wants to compromise quality for cost. However, many students need to find programs that fit their personal budget. Costs for study abroad programs don’t end with a basic fee; rather, additional costs can add up for insurance, housing, meals, excursions, travel, medical needs and purchases.

Spending and Saving: Frugal spending is key both before you go, and while you are in Brazil. Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you go, you may want to budget your spending by giving up that morning cup of coffee you buy on your way to work/class. Instead, you could make your own coffee at home, and bring your lunch with you rather than buying it every day. You may have to eat out less and give up going out as frequently. You could take the bus instead of paying to fill up your car, and you might even start clipping coupons.

Group Size: Some study abroad programs have very high limits for enrollment, while others are very selective about the number of students they allow to participate. You should determine in which situation you might feel more comfortable.

It is important to ask your study abroad program coordinator what the ratio is between staff and students—a small program staff in charge of a large group may not be the best when you are trying to find someone to assist you. Of course, if you plan to do independent study, you may very well be the only U.S. student at the institution you’ve chosen. This would probably give you the highest level of immersion, but you would have added responsibilities that another student studying in a program group may not have.

Class Size: Depending on how you learn best as a student, you will want to choose a program with smaller or larger class size. As a student, you may enjoy smaller class sizes because of the personal attention you receive. Also, if you are a beginning-level Portuguese learner, you may appreciate the extra help that smaller classes can provide. On the other hand, you may be comfortable and accustomed to larger classes in which you have more independent study time. You may enjoy a larger class setting where you may come in contact with more students. Ask your study abroad program coordinator what the average class size tends to be for the subjects you will take in Brazil.

Class Dynamics: Ask yourself whether or not you prefer sitting next to a Brazilian or another U.S. student in your classes. The answer to this question will help you determine whether or not you would like to be in classes with only other U.S. students, a mix of Brazilian and U.S. students, or a class where the majority of the students are Brazilian. Although usually not at the beginning Portuguese level, some programs offer courses where a student can be fully immersed in the Brazilian education system by attending class with regular students at a university/institution. Other programs separate students by designing special courses for program participants. Inquire as to which classes you are able to take as part of your program. Also ask whether or not your teachers will be from the United States or Brazil, if this matters to you.

Language Instruction: Even if you have minimal or no prior Portuguese language experience, you can still find a program to suit your personal needs. Ask if your program offers Portuguese for all levels, including beginner level instruction. If not, you may be able to take some classes in English. However, you may prefer to take all of your classes in Portuguese—after all, it is the official language of Brazil. The more classes you take in Portuguese, the more your Portuguese will improve and the more immersed you will feel in Brazilian culture and society. Ask if your program provides classes in Portuguese, English or both.

Goals: Everyone chooses to study abroad for different reasons. You may want to learn or improve your Portuguese. You may want to conduct independent research. You may want to pursue a degree, or you may just want to travel and get away. Before choosing a program, see if it fits the personal goals and objectives you have. Ask yourself if the program you choose will allow you to accomplish what you have in mind.

Who Runs Your Program?

In this section, you will learn how to better understand who runs your program, and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university. Before deciding on a study abroad program in Brazil, it’s important to identify what kind of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program; essentially, you want to know who is “in charge,” and who will help you if you need assistance.

There are five general types of study abroad program sponsors, which can be classified by the kind of relationship your U.S. home institution's staff has with a program's international staff. This can help you determine how much communication goes on between U.S. staff and abroad staff; does each party know what the other party is doing?

1. Home University Owned and Operated:	A U.S. college or university usually operates facilities and programs in Brazil as if they were extensions of its U.S. campus. It employs some or all of a program's academic/administrative staff in Brazil and owns, leases, controls or operates some or all of a program facilities and operations in Brazil. Staff and facilities in Brazil vary greatly from a one-person office to a comprehensive campus.
2. Home University Partnerships:	A study abroad program is a result of a cooperative arrangement or agreement between a U.S. college or university and one or more educational institutions or organizations in Brazil. This allows a U.S. university to send its students on programs owned and operated by a U.S. or a foreign college, university or independent program provider.
3. Independent Student:	Students find and enroll in programs independent of their college or university. In some cases, students will remain enrolled at their U.S. home campus, using their financial aid. In other cases, students will be required to take a leave of absence. Upon return, students may or may not receive credit for study completed in Brazil.
4. Individual Faculty/Staff Travel Study Program:	An individual faculty or staff member from a U.S. home campus, who has no permanent office in Brazil, accompanies a group of students for many of the short term and summer programs offered.
5. Hybrid Programs:	Many study abroad programs are mixtures of the four previously mentioned types of programs. For example, your home university may have an administrative office in Brazil, but a Brazilian institution may offer courses and housing, and an independent program provider may arrange excursions.

The program sponsors listed above, may provide on-site program administration in Brazil through four types of program providers:

1. Foreign University Programs: Students directly enroll in the courses offered by a Brazilian college or university. Brazilian colleges and universities offer varying levels of services and support.

 
2. U.S. University Abroad: Students can enroll in other U.S. universities' programs in Brazil with which their U.S. home university has a formal agreement.

 
3. Independent Program Providers: Many study abroad providers are neither colleges nor universities, but are solely in the business of providing study abroad programs. Programs vary from well-staffed organizations with offices in the United States and Brazil to a one-person office anywhere in the world.

 
4. Hybrid Program Providers: Many study abroad program providers are mixtures of the three previously mentioned types of program providers. For instance, your U.S. college or university may have an administrative office in Brazil, while courses and housing may be offered by a Brazilian college or university, and excursions may be arranged by an independent program provider.

After you understand who runs your study abroad program in Brazil and whether it is closely connected with your U.S. home university, the next step should involve a review of whether the level of support services both in the United States and in Brazil will meet your needs. Remember that there is no national organization that regulates the quality and certifies any minimum standard for study abroad programs. For this reason, it would be wise to take an active role in evaluating a program prior to participating in it. It is important to look at the many types of activities provided by your program.

• Excursions/Field Trips
• Travel/Transportation
• Classes
• Housing
• Counseling (if provided)/Student Services/Health Office
• Academic Advisement for classes

Participation in a study abroad program very likely will involve contracts. You, and maybe your parents, will have to read through and sign a number of important documents. Some of these documents might limit a program's responsibility or liability in the case you are injured in Brazil, other contracts might hold you responsible for certain behavior, still other contracts may require you to release personal information. Read everything before you sign. If you have to, re-read everything, have your parents read everything, or have your lawyer read everything before you sign anything. Don't let anyone pressure you into signing an agreement that confuses you, or one you don't understand. Ask study abroad administrators to explain exactly what they are having you sign, what it means, and what happens if you don't want to sign. Know your rights and take time to think about any possible consequences of signing or not signing. Among other things, think about the following when deciding to sign or not sign a contract:

• By signing, what are you agreeing to do/not do?
• What rights do you gain/give up?
• Does the contract protect you or your program sponsor?
• Is the contract legally sound?
• Can the contract be broken after you have signed?

Financing Study Abroad

In this section, you will learn how to help cover the costs of study abroad in Brazil. With appropriate planning, most students that can afford to study at a U.S. college or university, can afford to study abroad in Brazil. It is important to take into account all program costs to ensure you have sufficient funds for a healthy and safe experience in Brazil.

In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, of the costs of certain study abroad programs. Usually, study abroad programs affiliated with your U.S. home campus are more likely to be covered by financial aid. If you don't have financial aid, there are also many scholarships and fellowships available; you just have to know where to look for them. Grants and loans are yet another way to help cut costs.

• Loans and Financial Aid: If you receive financial aid, study abroad in Brazil may be partially or fully covered by the terms of your financial aid package. If the study abroad program you have chosen is directly associated with your U.S. home campus, you may have a better chance of having your financial aid money cover your program costs in Brazil. However, you can't assume that financial aid will apply; even if it does, there may be limits as to what it covers. Inquire about the terms of your financial aid package at your college or university's financial aid office. You may also be eligible for a student loan, or an additional loan, if you receive federal work-study as part of your financial aid packet. Before asking for a bank loan, ask a financial aid adviser on your campus.
• Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants: With advance planning, you may be able to obtain scholarship or grant money from your U.S. home university or even from the institution in Brazil where you will study. There are many academic awards and fellowships available for students with an interest in study abroad or other international experiences. To find scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit your college or university's financial aid office, search on-line, or consider purchasing one of the many books available on the subject. Many academic departments also offer student research grants for research completed abroad; most often, the fields of anthropology, geology, and medicine offer research grants.
• Other Sources of Money: Even though it may be hard to juggle a full load of classes and a job, working is a great way to raise money for study abroad. Although working on-campus doesn't usually get you the highest salary possible, campus jobs do help your cash flow. Since your goal is to earn fast cash, you don't necessarily need to look for a job oriented around your future career. While career-oriented jobs can be terrific learning and networking opportunities, non-career jobs may have more flexible hours allowing you to work between classes. Also, try making appeals to your local community, religious and academic organizations. These groups may set aside funding, or take up special collections, for students. If you or your family happen to belong to any community or religious organizations, those groups may be more apt to sponsor you because they know you; these groups often see you as a representative or role model and may even ask you to speak at their meetings when you return from studying abroad. If your study abroad in Brazil involves volunteer work or charitable activities, some organizations may also be more willing to support your efforts.

Cost of Living

Cost of living varies from country to country, with currency fluctuations, and according to your personal budget. You are probably used to a certain standard and cost of living in the United States, and you probably budget your income in order to maintain (or better) the standard and costs to which you have become accustomed.

Application Process

In general, expect to be asked to provide the following types of information about yourself on your study abroad program application form(s): your academic performance (Grade Point Average, scholarships, etc…), your selling points/talents (what you think about yourself), letters of recommendation (what others think about you), your hobbies and interests, your knowledge of current events in Brazil, your resume and official college transcript to date, etc...

Your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake; it’s the first impression you give to administrators. Your personal statement is your opportunity to emphasize your best qualities and to show off your writing and communication skills. Also, if your transcript isn’t the greatest, you can use your personal statement to explain why, or to go into detail about your other talents away from school. While your GPA does factor into the equation, other extracurricular activities count as well, so be sure to list them. Even if there is a minimum GPA requirement that you don’t meet, you may still be able to participate in a program if you write a strong Personal Statement/Essay and have good letters of recommendation. You will probably write and re-write more than one draft of your personal statement before turning in your application. You may even want a professor to look it over before you write the final draft. This is especially true if you are asked to write your Personal Statement/Essay in Portuguese. Remember to show maturity and to tell your audience what you are hoping to learn and get out of your study abroad program. Briefly explain your personal and academic goals. Most study abroad program administrators particularly want to know why you desire to study abroad in Brazil.

If your Personal Statement/Essay is like a written handshake, then your Interview is your actual—in person—handshake. The Interview process lets a program selection committee match your face with your name. It allows them to see you on a more personal and human level, rather than just on paper. Since first impressions can leave lasting impressions, it is important to present yourself as best as possible. You may want to dress professionally for your interview, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. As you may be asked about the current events of Brazil, it’s helpful to read Brazilian and U.S. news in preparation for your interview. Remember your manners and be polite; give others your full attention and listen to everything being asked of you. Since group interviews are common, make sure to listen to other students as well. However, remember that a group interview is not a competition between you and the other students; you do not need to talk longer or louder than the others. If a question catches you off guard, or you don’t know the answer, ask the person to repeat the question. Take your time when answering, and be honest if you don’t know something.

Pre-Departure Planning

In this section, you will find useful information on how to select a travel provider, decide which guidebook is right for you, learn how to tune-in your favorite Brazilian radio station, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in Brazil. Before you buy anything, research your choices, select a travel provider, and find out what documents are necessary for study abroad in Brazil.

Travelers have numerous options when it comes to purchasing tickets. Travel agents are a traditional option, but several student-oriented travel agencies can offer discount fares. Other young adults, who have recently studied abroad themselves, often staff these student agencies. Therefore, they can be more knowledgeable about travel abroad. Many student agencies offer exclusive student or youth travel discounts. Some discounts may be valid for a full year, an extended time limit that most regular travel agencies do not offer.

Student travel agencies may be the most discount-oriented. Checking with several of them may help you to establish a base price, or sometimes you may even get a reasonable fare. If you are extremely flexible, many airlines offer last minute airfare deals that can even be cheaper than student tickets.

Buying online is yet another option. Most sites post new discount offers three times a day. Some also offer the possibility of bidding for tickets at your own specified price. If your bid is accepted, you could end up flying for a very low price. However, be wary of restrictions on bidding (like not being able to back out of the deal once your bid has been accepted, and not being given a choice of airlines or flight times).

When you have decided where to purchase your airplane ticket, many travel experts recommend paying with a credit card. Several credit card companies offer insurance on purchases; should your tickets be lost or stolen, or you flight cancelled, you needn't lose all your money. Check with your credit card company to determine what conditions of protection apply.

Proper documentation and identification is required for entry to Brazil and for re-entry into the United States. Brazil has its own special requirements for entry based on your citizenship, purpose of visit and length of stay. Find out which requirements pertain to your situation, and plan in advance; obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take from one hour up to three months. Getting a new passport may take up to six weeks.

How Foreign Laws Apply to You

In this section, you will find information on what you should know about Brazil's legal system, and the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. If you are a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Brazil is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.

Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in Brazil. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all Brazilian laws and the laws of other countries to which you are traveling.

If you break local laws while in Brazil, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of Brazil. The U.S. and Brazilian governments encourage all visitors to Brazil to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in Brazil, you may also wish to ask a Brazilian official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol or drug use has been associated with law-breaking in many cases.

Airport Safety, Duties and Customs

In this section, you will find information on how to check for new updates and stricter requirements now enforced by airports and airlines. There are some basic restrictions regarding what you can and cannot bring back from Brazil into the United States. You will also learn how to keep a better watch on your luggage so that no one else can tamper with it.

No matter the country from which you are departing or entering, it is important to understand airport and airline safety and security, remembering to cooperate with airport, airline and customs officials.

• Showing Identification: Try to always have your passport easily accessible, yet protect it against theft. Be prepared to show your passport when presenting your airline tickets/receiving boarding passes, entering departure gates, going through passport control, when boarding flights, etc.
• Carry-on Luggage: Check with your airline to find out its regulations for what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bags. Do not put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry-on. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked baggage instead.
• Accepting Things from Others: Under no circumstances, should you ever take anything from, or hold anything for, anyone who asks you to do so. If anyone does ask you, simply say "no" and walk away. Don't be afraid to say "no" to family and friends. You need to think about the potential consequences before you hold anything for anyone.
• Watching Your Bags: Your bags should be in your sight at the airport up to point when you check them at the airline counter. Once you have picked up your bags from baggage claim, and are on your way to customs, be sure to keep a close eye on all your luggage so that no one but you has access to it.
• Random Baggage Searches: If you are stopped and asked to open your luggage, cooperate with the customs officials. Customs officials often conduct random baggage searches; just because your luggage gets searched, doesn't mean you have done something wrong.
• Body Searches: Airport security officials may conduct random body searches using an electronic device they wave over you. In some cases, a security official of the same sex as you may conduct a body search using his or her hands, and/or ask you to remove your shoes for inspection.
• Distractions: Airports are full of people carrying cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, passports and other valuable documents. Therefore, airports tend to be an active place for thieves. While your attention is focused on checking in, boarding, getting your bags, finding a restroom, etc., you can become an easy target for theft. Be alert to anyone who suspiciously tries to distract you by asking directions, knocking over your coffee, reaching under a bathroom stall, etc.

Reverse Culture Shock

Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home

As you transition back to life in the United States, you may want to continue interacting with the Brazilian people, do further study on Brazilian issues, work in a bilingual environment, or even study abroad again in Brazil or another country. One advantage of study abroad is that it can offer you a more global perspective and expand your mind. So, don't forget to consider other opportunities outside of Brazil as well.

After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. S/he will be able to inform you of whether your study abroad credits from Brazil will transfer properly. Even if you are not planning on using those credits toward your graduation, the records are still important and may be needed if you decide to go on and pursue a higher level of education. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester, and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year.

Sometimes studying abroad will affect you to the point where you may decide to pursue another area of study. This meeting with your academic advisor is a good time to discuss any changes that you might want to make to your class selection or even your current major/minor. Your advisor will be able to discuss your options with you and help you decide what the best academic path for you may be.

If you are considering a career with a Brazilian or international component, or looking for a job abroad, we also recommend that you visit your campus’ career center. A campus career center often provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities in Brazil and in other countries.