Overview
This program offers you the unique opportunity to study Portuguese in Brazil with little or no prior Portuguese language instruction required. Set in Salvador, Bahia, the cultural center of the Brazilian northeast, the program is enlivened by the participation of local intellectual and social leaders. It is ideal if you are interested in the formation of Afro-Brazilian identity, race relations in other parts of the Americas, and African culture in the diaspora.
Students attend classes with other UC students only.
You may use this program to qualify for EAP’s semester or year options at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. You must submit a separate application and meet minimum GPA requirements. Contact your Campus Advisor for details.
Course Opportunities
This program features the study of Portuguese language and Afro-Brazilian culture. You will take two sequential lower-division language courses for 6 UC quarter units each, and an 8-unit course titled Brazil and the Black Atlantic, in which you may enroll as PORT, ETHST, HIST, or LATAS 120.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- 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
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad and enroll in three classes to meet the required minimum of 20 UC quarter units per semester.
Three courses are required:
- Two sequential Portuguese language courses (6 UC quarter units each)
- Brazil and the Black Atlantic (ETHST/HIST/LATAS/PORT 120 for 8 UC quarter units)
Language of Instruction
Portuguese and English
Language Study
Portuguese language acquisition is the focus of study.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships are not an option through this program.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Fall: early September to mid-December
Spring: early March to June
If qualified, you may extend your EAP participation to the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) program. You will need to plan in advance for your visa.
Housing
You will live with a Brazilian host family in one of Salvador's most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. The Associação Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos (ACBEU) carefully selects host families, many of whom have years of experience hosting international students. Living with a Brazilian family is one of the best ways to learn Portuguese and immerse yourself in the culture of Bahia. Classes are within walking distance or just a short bus ride away.
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. In Salvador, the UC Center is situated at ACBEU (Associação Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos) in their Vitória campus near the historic part of the city. While in Brazil, ACBEU is your first point of contact for information and assistance. Local staff abroad will help you integrate into Brazilian culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. Academic oversight is provided by UC faculty.
See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) 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).
Host Institutions
UC Center Bahia
The UC Center Bahia is located in the colorful neighborhood of Vitória in the city of Salvador. Classes are offered at the Associaçao Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos (ACBEU), where many other events and services are coordinated. The original mission of ACBEU was to teach English to Brazilians, and while only UC students will be in your classes to learn Portuguese, there are opportunities to mix with Brazilian students for language practice. The World Heritage historical area of Pelourinho and many of the landmarks and cultural centers you will visit as part of the Brazil and the Black Atlantic course are easy to get to from the Vitoria neighborhood, which is situated between the Bay of All Saints and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also plenty of Internet cafés to complement the computer services of ACBEU.
Visit the UC Center Bahia website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
- Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
- Round-trip airfare from California
- UC fees
- Accident and medical insurance
- Arrival hotel and on-site orientation
- Homestay lodging and meals
- Complete city tour
- Entrance fees and guides to museums and other cultural sites around Salvador
- Overnight trip to historical city of Cachoeira
- Weekend trip to Lençois, including several events
- All course materials
- Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$10,500 |
| Spring |
$11,000 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Zero to a maximum of five quarters (three semesters) of university-level Portuguese is required. Students may be able to use this program to qualify for semester or year options at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. A separate application is required and you must still meet any minimum GPA requirements. Contact your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.
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:
