Liberal Arts Language Immersion
Unique Experiences 
Participate in exclusive workshops with local scholars and artists
to explore the rich heritage of Afro-Brazilian traditions, from capoeira to candomblé
Learn Portuguese through music in a hands-on Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) workshop
to analyze lyrics, explore regional dialects, and practice Portuguese while jamming with local musicians in a vibrant cultural center
Explore literary São Paulo through a Portuguese-language book club
and dive into the works of Brazilian authors like Mário de Andrade and Clarice Lispector
Your Destination 
São Paulo is Brazil’s vibrant cultural and intellectual hub, where diverse ideas, traditions, and artistic expressions intersect. The city’s rich history, world-class museums, theaters, and music scenes offer endless opportunities to explore literature, philosophy, visual arts, and social sciences – all while improving your Portuguese skills. Students can engage with local communities, participate in cultural events, and experience the city’s unique blend of global influence and Brazilian identity. With its energy, creativity, and opportunities to learn the language in context, São Paulo is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights 
- Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
Excursions & Activities 
91×ÔÅÄ’s excursions and cultural activities in São Paulo will open doors for you to explore Brazil’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.  
Samples of excursions and activities:  
Explore the Museum of the Portuguese Language, Immigration Museum, and Afro-Brazilian Museum
Hike to waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty of Minas Gerais’ countryside
Discover Afro-Brazilian history and culture in Salvador, Bahia, through its historic center, capoeira traditions, and coastal landscapes
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at 91×ÔÅÄ's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Top 5 São Paulo Study Abroad Programs
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What to Do in São Paulo While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad in São Paulo is an unforgettable experience! Brazil’s largest city is packed with culture, energy, and endless opportunities to explore. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s always... keep reading
Top 10 Brazilian Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases
If you’re getting ready to study abroad in Brazil, you’ll quickly realize that the most authentic conversations don’t come from a textbook; they’re full of gÃrias (slang in Brazilian Portuguese)... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
91×ÔÅÄ São Paulo offers a range of housing options to ensure that you feel comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to individual rooms in residence halls, we strive to meet your accommodation preferences. All options are located in central São Paulo, with access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and essential services.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay or residence hall.
Homestay: In homestays, students live with a Brazilian host family and experience the local language, culture, and daily life. Each student has a single room, and the home bathroom and common areas are shared with the host family. Homestay placements are located up to 60 minutes from the 91×ÔÅÄ Center. Breakfast and dinner are included; meals may be prepared by the host family or, in some cases, by the student, depending on the household routine.
Residence Hall: 91×ÔÅÄ partners with four dorm-style buildings located in central São Paulo. Individual rooms include a private bathroom, are fully furnished, and are equipped with a mini fridge, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Students share laundry facilities, study areas, and leisure spaces within each building. All utilities are included, and 24/7 security with on-site support ensures a safe and comfortable environment. Depending on the assigned building, commute times to the 91×ÔÅÄ office may range from approximately 20 minutes on foot to 30 minutes by public transportation.
Select Housing: Select rooms offer additional independence with an integrated kitchenette. Each unit is fully furnished and includes a private bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, cooktop, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Students also have access to shared laundry, study, and leisure spaces. All utilities are included, with 24/7 security and on-site support. Across the four centrally located dorms, commute times to the 91×ÔÅÄ office range from 20 minutes walking to around 30 minutes using public transportation.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Homestays: In homestays we provide 2 meals a day.
Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Academics
91×ÔÅÄ São Paulo: Study in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest and most diverse city. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, dive into the city’s world-class arts and music scene, and experience the nonstop energy that makes São Paulo a cultural powerhouse.
PontifÃcia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC): Founded in 1946, PUC-SP stands as one of Brazil’s most prestigious private universities, welcoming more than 25,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Nestled in the vibrant Perdizes neighborhood of São Paulo, the campus offers a dynamic blend of academic excellence and cultural energy. Renowned for its strengths in social sciences, humanities, law, and sustainability studies, PUC-SP combines rigorous scholarship with a deep commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Students here don’t just study – they engage in cutting-edge research, hands-on community projects, and innovative initiatives that shape the future of Brazil and beyond. With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich tradition of innovation, PUC-SP offers a transformative experience that inspires leadership, creativity, and positive impact.
Course Information
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Sao Paulo
PUC-SP offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, providing students with a rich and diverse academic experience. Students can take courses in Portuguese across many fields, including:
- Business Administration
- Art: History, Criticism, and Curatorship
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Accounting
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Communication and Multimedia
- Law
- Philosophy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
- History
- Journalism
- Languages – Portuguese and English (Licentiate)
- Languages – Portuguese and English (Translation)
- Pedagogy
- Advertising and Publicity
- International Relations
- Social Service
The following are examples of courses students may take in these and other programs. These examples represent just a small selection among hundreds of options:
Economic Sciences
- General Economic History
- Sociology
- Patterns of Capitalist Development
Literature
- Education, Citizenship and Human Rights
- Brazilian Literature: Modern and Contemporary Narrative
International Relations
- Brazilian Foreign Policy I
- Brazil’s International Insertion
- Spatiality and Territoriality in International Relations
Social Service
- Class, Race and Ethnicity
- Foundations of Social Service I
- Social Psychology
Advertising
- Digital Graphic Design: Creativity and Culture Lab I
- Practices in Visual Languages: Media Lab Creativity and Culture
- Circular Economy and Smart Consumption: Media Lab Consumption
History
- Portuguese America: 16th–17th Centuries (Brazil I)
- American History Before the European Conquest (America I)
- Afro-Brazilian and African Culture: Diaspora
- Modern Europe
- The 18th Century in Portuguese America and the Crisis of the Colonial System (Brazil II)
- Africa, Africas: Ethnic-Cultural and Ethnic-Racial Issues
Socio-Environmental Sciences
- Culture and Diversity
- Human Rights
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Agricultural Space in Brazil
- Brazilian Environmental Legislation
- Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy
- Civil Society and State, Social Movements and Social Control
Students at PUC-SP benefit from a dynamic academic environment, engaging in hands-on projects, research, and interdisciplinary learning while exploring one of Brazil’s most vibrant cultural and educational cities.
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 91×ÔÅÄ and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at 91×ÔÅÄ's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 91×ÔÅÄ sites.
Scholarships & Grants
91×ÔÅÄ offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- 91×ÔÅÄ Gilman Go Global Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the 91×ÔÅÄ Scholarships & Grants application within your 91×ÔÅÄ program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 91×ÔÅÄ, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 21 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $17,950 |
| Program Fall 2026 20 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $17,950 | |
| Program Academic year 2026-2027 50 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Calendar year 2026 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2027 20 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via 91×ÔÅÄ's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $12,656 ** |
| Housing | $4,800 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Optional Housing
91×ÔÅÄ accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,050 |
Financial Aid
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $2,000 †|
| International Airfare | $1,100 †â¶Ä |
| Local Transportation | $200 †â¶Ä †|
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Visa Fees | $160 †â¶Ä †â¶Ä |
| Personal expenses | $275 |
| Total Costs | $3,750 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
†â¶Ä round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†â¶Ä †one round trip a day for the semester by subway
†â¶Ä †â¶Ä there could be other associated costs for processing the visa
Program Fees
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $12,656 ** |
| Housing | $4,800 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Optional Housing
91×ÔÅÄ accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,000 |
Financial Aid
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $2,000 †|
| International Airfare | $1,100 †â¶Ä |
| Local Transportation | $200 †â¶Ä †|
| Books & Supplies | $15 |
| Visa Fees | $160 †â¶Ä †â¶Ä |
| Personal expenses | $275 |
| Total Costs | $3,750 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
†â¶Ä round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†â¶Ä †one round trip a day for the semester by subway
†â¶Ä †â¶Ä there could be other associated costs for processing the visa
Program Fees
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
91×ÔÅÄ offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
91×ÔÅÄ iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Frederico Lopes Pires de Morais
Center Director
Originally from Belo Horizonte, Frederico has called São Paulo home since 2010. With 20+ years in international education, he’s passionate about cultural exchange. He’s worked with top U.S. and UK...
Heloisa Santarelli
Program Coordinator
With a background in International Education, HeloÃsa specializes in sales, events, and customer service, building meaningful connections between students and global learning opportunities. She holds a degree in Business Administration...
Get Started
1
Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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