Intrax Study Abroad: Semester in Brazil

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Term: Fall, Spring 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Fall Semester (July - Jan); Spring Semester (Jan - July)

Description: Intrax Study Abroad: Explore Mexico!

Students who choose a semester in Brazil will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Schools in Brazil begin in mid-February after summer vacation (the seasons in Brazil are the opposite of those in the U.S.) and finish by the end of November. The Intrax program is adapted so that students may participate in an academic year program from July to June, a fall semester program from July to January, or a spring semester from January to July.

The school year is divided into four quarters with one vacation break for four weeks in July. Summer vacation is from December to February. In general, classes in Brazil begin at 7:00 am and end at noon. Students and parents often have lunch at home, as it is the most important meal of the day. There is no school on Sunday, but some schools do have classes or tests on Saturday mornings. Brazilian students are expected to spend the afternoon studying independently at home. Depending on the year in which students are placed, they will be required to take a standard set of courses with their Brazilian classmates. These courses include: Portuguese language, biology, Portuguese literature, chemistry, geography, physics, mathematics, history, geometry, civics, physical education, and English.

While no previous language study is required, we strongly suggest that students prepare by learning some basic phrases in Portuguese, as all classes will be taught in Portuguese for Fall Semester and Spring Semester programs.

Why study Portuguese? Portuguese is the first language of over 190 million people and considered one of the 10 most influential languages in the world!

Program Requirements:

* No language requirement.
* 15-18 years old.
* Motivated students with a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4 point scale.
* Mature, flexible, open-minded, and able to adapt to living with a host family.
* Eager for the academic challenge of studying in a foreign school.
* US Citizen/Resident- living in the US.

Application Deadline: Spring- September 30, 2009

Highlights: On our semester high school program, you'll live with a host family, attend classes, improve your language skills, enjoy recreational activities on weekdays and on weekends have the opportunity to explore Brazil's rain forests, vibrant cities like Rio De Janeiro and enjoy the hospitality of the local Brazilian community.

Intrax students will be given the opportunity to join various group trips and excursions. The prices of these trips vary depending on length and number of cities visited. Excursions in the past have included: a Northeast tour, which includes a stop in Rio de Janeiro, a tour of Buenos Aires, a tour of Southern Brazil, and an Amazon expedition. More detailed information about the optional excursions and pricing will be provided once students are on program.

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for program fees

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. Intrax Study Abroad offers several High School scholarships with the support of our partners. We also encourage students to help pay for their Study Abroad program by fundraising a portion of their program fees. * Youth Leader Scholarship: Awards of $200 to $1,000 are granted to high school study abroad applicants on the basis of academic merit, extracurricular involvement and financial need. Preference will be given to students who are involved in community service and have demonstrated their commitment to studying abroad by raising funds to help cover their high school study abroad program fees.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Intrax Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Intrax Study Abroad is a premier youth exchange organization dedicated to international education and cultural exchange. Since 1980, as a part of Intrax Cultural Exchange, we've provided dynamic study abroad experiences for more than 40,000 students, enabling them to live and study all over the world for summer, semester and academic year programs.  Let us help you plan your Cultural Adventure!

Year Founded: 1980