University of California Education Abroad Program

Pontifical Catholic Univ. of Rio de Janeiro (PUC)

Program Overview

Who can resist the excitement of Brazil, South America's largest and most populous

country, with its incredible biodiversity, unique approaches to race relations, and some of the world’s most famous white sand beaches. Long noted for the effervescence of its music and dance, Brazil has come into its own as an economic powerhouse in the West. The constant interplay between international politics and local cultures makes Brazil the ideal place to study in the 21st century.

Take advantage of the:

Attractive PUC-Rio campus in a secure location near the city's southern beaches.
Full range of departments and majors.
University-organized opportunities to volunteer in community service projects.
NEW track for students to study beginning Portuguese language and take other courses in English (more limited than regular university offerings.)

Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

English; Portuguese

Full range of majors in Portuguese; limited options in English.

Language Study

Portuguese

The program begins with a four-week Portuguese intensive language program (ILP). PUC-Rio requires Portuguese language study during the semester and year for all students whether your other classes are instructed in Portuguese or English.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall :

late June to mid-December

Spring :

early January to mid-July

Year :

early January to mid-December

If you are attending the spring option, you may extend your EAP participation to the year. If you are attending the fall option, you may extend your EAP participation to the spring. You will need to plan in advance for your visa.

Housing

For the first month of the program, you will live in a rented room in a Brazilian household. This housing is prearranged by PUC-Rio and is located in one of the safest neighborhoods in the zona sul (southern zone) of Rio de Janeiro: Gávea, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Leme, São Conrado, Botafogo, Humaitá, or Jardim Botânico. All Brazilian hosts are screened by PUC-Rio’s International Programs Office. After the ILP, you may find your own housing or remain in the ILP housing. You may live with other UC students and international students.

Extracurricular Activities

Students wishing to immerse themselves more deeply into carioca culture may engage in the volunteer community service projects organized by PUC-Rio and some NGOs around the city; any project taking place in a favela requires PUC sponsorship. See also Internships on the "Courses and Credit" tab.
Former students recommend joining a capoeira group or taking lessons to meet Brazilian students and experience a rich strain of local culture.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. A Resident Director and PUC-Rio International Programs staff help students integrate into Brazilian culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues relevant to life in Rio de Janeiro. The UC Study Center is located on campus within the International Programs Office.

See the EAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is located on a single attractive campus in the scenic and conveniently located neighborhood of Gavea, a residential area in the south foothills of Rio. The lush campus includes classrooms, laboratories, offices, cafeterias, libraries, study and activity centers, and a gymnasium. It is connected by efficient bus service to all other parts of the city. Once on campus, it is easy to travel by foot. The university enrolls approximately 12,500 students (80 percent undergraduate) and offers a wide range of disciplines. Academically, this highly-ranked research university consists of four centers that sponsor studies in the social sciences, physical sciences and technological studies, the arts and theology, and health sciences. The EAP Study Center is conveniently located on campus adjacent to the International Students office.

Visit the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro website

Course Opportunities

This program features regular university courses in all disciplines. Students of all language levels are welcome and become eligible for appropriate coursework based on a language placement test.

Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:

EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- Full Catalog Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
- Courses in English
MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

ILP: 3 to 6 UC quarter units

Term: Students generally enroll in three or four courses per semester in order to meet the required minimum of 18 UC quarter units per semester.

All students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships for academic credit may be possible in this program, especially to students with good command of Portuguese. EAP in Rio also offers a number of interesting and unique opportunities for independent studies and volunteer community service projects at the undergraduate level. Several departments at PUC-Rio sponsor ongoing social service projects. Other projects are organized by community service organizations that have offices on the PUC campus.

EAP participants have become involved with local NGOs in projects as diverse as teaching English or math, or conducting research on the connection between violence and health in Rio.

Arrangements for such opportunities are generally made for qualified students at the EAP Study Center after arrival.

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.

Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.

Estimated EAP Costs *

Option	Weeks	Units (Qtr)	Units (Sem)	UCEAP Fees ¹	Additional Costs ² (Estimated)

Fall	24	24	16	$9,100	$10,850
Spring	26	24	16	$8,950	$10,900
Year	50	42	28	$15,350	$18,400

* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

¹ UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

² Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2011-12. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2011-12 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
Round-trip airfare from California
UC fees
Tuition at PUC-Rio
Transportation to PUC from the airport
City tour and welcome lunch
On-site orientation
Intensive language program (instruction and field trip)
Room and board
Overnight excursion to another state in Brazil
Books and other incidental expenses
Farewell dinner
Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

Portuguese

- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 1 year (3 quarters / 2 semesters) with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.

* 2 years (6 quarters / 4 semesters) of formal university Spanish is acceptable in lieu of 1 year of Portuguese. * Students focusing on Portuguese language acquisition and taking courses in English do not have a University-level language requirement.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
A willingness to abide by program regulations.
Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

Our Programs

Brazil: Pontifical Catholic Univ. of Rio de Janeiro (PUC): Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro

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Pontifical Catholic Univ. of Rio de Janeiro (PUC) Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

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