Overview
Through EAP's program in Rio de Janeiro you may live and study in one of the world's most beautiful and exciting cities. The attractive PUC-Rio campus is in a secure location and near the city's southern beaches. If you wish to further immerse yourself in the life of this tropical capital, PUC-Rio organizes opportunities to volunteer in community service projects in other parts of the city.
Students attend classes with international and Brazilian students.
Course Opportunities
This program features regular university courses in all disciplines.
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:
- 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.
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Language Study
The program begins with a four-week Portuguese intensive language program (ILP). PUC-Rio requires Portuguese language study during the semester and year.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships for academic credit may be possible in this program. 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.
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. 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.
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 (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
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<
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
- Tuition at PUC-Rio
- Accident and medical insurance
- 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 Minas Gerais
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Farewell dinner
- 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 |
$13,600 |
| Spring |
$14,700 |
| Year |
$24,700 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Minimum one year of university-level Portuguese or two years of formal university Spanish by the end of the last term prior to departure. Even students with a background in Spanish are strongly encouraged to engage in Portuguese language study before attending the program.
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure; 2.85 language GPA (including all grades for Portuguese classes).
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:
