Brazil Exchange

Especially designed for BSC students majoring in Geography or students interested in Urban Development. This program will begin Spring 2008.

A hotel in Florianopolis, Brazil where the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina is located.

Benefits of Participation

  • Improve your Portuguese language skills
  • Pay tuition/fees to BSC (Most travel and housing costs are paid for through a FIPSE grant)
  • Explore new academic literature, field data, and project results with different students and faculty members at the host university
  • Prepare for possible careers related to urban growth in other developing countries
  • Put extended study abroad on your resume

Highlights

  • Some language training upon arrival at host university
  • Study at the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina or the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul for a semester
  • Have the opportunity to participate in internships and other practical learning experiences in Brazil
  • Learn about Geography and Urban Development in another country

Academic Requirements

  • Good Status at BSC majoring or minoring in Geography
  • A commitment to learn Portuguese prior to traveling to Brazil
  • Ability to take upper-level courses in Geography
  • Interest in Urban Development and GIS
  • Pay BSC tuition/fees, maintain health insurance coverage and pay some other expenses. The FIPSE grant covers most of your travel and housing costs.

 Download Application Here (Please note, there will be a supplemental form required in addition to this application.)

Application Deadline:

All applications for Spring 2009 should be submitted to the Office of International Programs by October 15, 2008.

 

Program Partners in Brazil with Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan discuss opportunities for BSC students.

Program Description

Partners: Bridgewater State College, MA (USA); Central Connecticut State University, CT (USA); Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Brazil); Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)

Subject Areas: Geography and Urban Development

The United States and Brazil have been becoming steadily more urbanized, leading to distinct patterns of peri-urban or sub-urban changes in land use and to an emergence of a variety of approaches to the problems of rapid urbanization. The overall goal of this project is to develop and sustain a consortium leading to student mobility and contribute to international understanding between the US and Brazil. This program will provide students with a variety of opportunities including enhancing his/her knowledge of geography, developing internship opportunities, and disseminating the results of learning to other students, faculty, and the public at large. Students will have a chance to immerse themselves in a new language and culture while learning about urban development. Participants will be able to take this learning experience back to Bridgewater in order to cultivate a new knowledge and understanding of Brazil.

BSC students will have the opportunity to study abroad in Brazil at either the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina or the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Courses must be pre-approved at BSC prior to departure in order for the credits to transfer back into BSC. Students should have a handle on the Portuguese language prior to departure through courses offered at BSC. Upon arrival basic language training will be provided by the host institution. This exchange is offered during fall and spring semesters and will begin Spring 2008.

The universities are both located along the eastern coast of Brazil, giving students an opportunity to not only learn about geography, but to also experience Brazilian culture through visits to various attractions and beaches. Students attending the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina will be living in Florianopolis which allows access to approximately forty beaches. Students attending the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul will be based in Porto Alegre which is also close to the beaches. These areas are all urbanized, allowing students to socialize with local students and faculty without any difficulty. If you are interested in participating in this exchange program, please submit your application to the Office of Study Abroad by October 15, 2008.

For more information about the program and Brazil:

Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan, Geography Department Chair
310 Marshall Conant Science Building, Bridgewater State College
jhayesboh@bridgew.edu
(508) 531-2118

For applications and travel information:

Susi Rachouh, Director Office of Study Abroad
Maxwell Library, Room 100B, Bridgewater State College
susan.rachouh@bridgew.edu
(508) 531-6183

 

Last Modified: February 10, 2009