From the Amazon Basin and tropical paradises in the north to the majestic Iguazu Falls in the south (and all of the thriving urban scenes in between!), Brazil is as diverse a region as you can find. With coastal towns that spend all year in the sunshine, quaint communities tucked deep in the rainforest with only rivers for roads, and bumping urban jungles with millions of people, Brazil seriously has it all!
Why study abroad in Brazil? Because you can experience a variety of ecosystems!
If you’re considering Brazil study abroad, get ready to have all of your preconceived notions challenged. Brazil is so much more than soccer balls, bikinis, carnival parades, and caipirinhas. This huge country will overwhelm you with warm people with bursting personalities, better weather than you thought possible, geography so exciting you won’t know where to start, and food so savory it’ll surely make your mouth water.
Not to mention, too, the little perk of offering free tuition at state universities even to international students. We know, we know...can we sign you up any faster?
7 reasons to study abroad in Brazil
Ask anyone who’s done it before and they will be screaming with reasons to study abroad here! Brazil is so full of life, passion, and excitement that anyone who spends time here will fall immediately under its spell. Brazilians are among the happiest people in the world, so why not study in Brazil to experience a taste of true happiness?
1. There’s a variety of unique programs
Brazil is one of the top centers of education in Latin America. The University of São Paulo has been consistently ranked second best in Latin America, and of the top 20 Latin American universities, eight are in Brazil. Throughout its history, Brazil has been home to some of the best universities in the region, with top scholars, politicians, artists, and scientists coming here to study.
There are a myriad of highly-ranked Brazil study abroad programs offered through these top universities, including CIEE, ISA, AIFS, and CSA. Be sure to read Brazil study abroad program reviews to help you narrow down your options!
2. It’s non-traditional and has a unique history
Study in Brazil and you’ll learn its interesting history and the impact it’s had on Brazil today.
Brazil was inhabited by several tribal nations before explorers landed in 1500, and did not gain independence from Portugal until 1822. 1822!! Once they did, a series of monarchs and military dictatorships ruled until around 1988, when their current government and constitution were created.
Despite its centuries of deep history, the country of Brazil that we know today is very new, and considered to be an advanced emerging economy with the ninth largest GDP in the world.
Also, Brazil is the only country in the Americas that’s Portuguese-speaking, making the language an important part of Brazilian identity and giving the country a distinct culture from its Spanish-speaking neighbors.
Brazil currently ranks 13th in the world by number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has more historical and cultural places of interest than anyone can possibly experience. If you’re looking for some serious #personalgrowth during your time studying abroad, head to Brazil!
3. It’s smack dab in the middle of South America
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and even borders all other South American countries except Ecuador and Chile, covering almost 50% of the continent's land area. This means Brazil is the ultimate jumping-off point for adventures.
If you choose a Brazil study abroad program, you can easily visit other countries in South America!
Whether you want to spend the weekend right over the border in Peru or take a quick flight to Chile, it’s easy to get around when you’re already in the center of it all. It’s not hard to see why study abroad in Brazil can be so life-changing when you have everything at your fingertips!
4. It’s absolutely enormous
With over 208 million people, Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world and also the fifth most populous. It’s the biggest country (and only one in the Americas) to have Portuguese as an official language.
Because of over a century of mass immigration from countries all over the world, Brazil is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. All of this makes it the perfect study abroad location — tons of room to explore and lots of people from all walks of life to meet!
5. It’s not overrun with tourists or international students
Despite it being one of the largest countries in the world, Brazil is not the study abroad mega-star that much smaller countries like Spain or France are. Don’t get us wrong; parts of Brazil such as Rio and São Paulo get pretty bumping in the summertime, but step away from the touristy beach areas and you’ll be surrounded by locals. Being such an enormous country with so many people, it’s almost impossible to come here and not be immediately immersed in Portuguese.
6. It’s affordable
If you’re dying to learn Portuguese but don’t have unlimited funds, Brazil is your new best friend! While Portugal is a breathtaking country with a ton to offer, it’s not always easy on your wallet. Head to South America for a similar but less expensive option!
Study abroad in Brazil for a more affordable choice with breathtaking views.
Brazil’s overall cost of living has definitely been on the rise lately, but this is felt the most in big cities like Rio or São Paulo. If you keep a budget and don’t spend time only in touristy areas, it’s very easy to study abroad in Brazil affordably. Don’t forget that tuition to state universities is free for international students!
7. It’s a megadiverse country
Where else in the world offers beach paradises, larger-than-life mountains, dense rainforests, sprawling plains, rugged plateaus, and rushing rivers that turn into majestic waterfalls? As if the diversity of its topography wasn’t enough, think about the ridiculous amount of life here.
Brazil’s Amazon River basin alone makes the country one of 17 “megadiverse countries” and is recognized as one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity in the world. It’s estimated there are over four million species of animals and plants here!
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Next steps in your Brazil study abroad adventure
Don't pack your swimsuit juuuust yet. There are a few items on your study abroad to do list you should check off first.
- Decide where to go. Figuring out where to study abroad in Brazil isn’t easy. Near the beautiful rainforest? Somewhere in Rio de Janeiro? Don't let anything hold you back — choose a place that's right for you.
- Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun or because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!
- Choose from the best study abroad programs in Brazil. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of transferring credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out Brazil study abroad scholarships too!
- Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you. →
Why study abroad in Brazil? Why NOT?!
You’ll be exploring the city, surfing on the beach, and hiking in beautiful rainforests!
With an unfathomable amount of land to cover, people to meet, and memories to make, there’s no reason to question why you should study abroad in Brazil! If you’re ready to challenge yourself, become immersed in a passionate community, and explore the most diverse topography you might ever see, South America is calling your name. Study in Brazil ASAP!
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