1. What are the selection criteria? 
    Students will be selected based on general academic performance, performance in Portuguese courses at Princeton, engagement in the program (participation in language tables, conferences, and events promoted by Portuguese instructors), possible interest in being either a major or a certificate student in Portuguese, maturity and openness to new experiences and international traveling. All candidates will be interviewed by a selection committee composed of Princeton faculty and program assistant who will be in Rio de Janeiro. 
  2. Does POR 207S work as pre-requisite for the 300-level POR courses?
    Yes. After you take POR 207S, you can either take another 200-level POR course or any 300- or 400- level POR course.
  3. If I take POR 207S in Rio, can I take POR 208 once I’m back to Princeton?
    Yes. POR 207S is a pre-requisite for the 300- and 400- level courses, but you can also take POR 208 or any other 200- level POR course after having taken POR 207S. If upon your return to Princeton you’re not sure if the best thing to do is to take POR 208 or a more advanced POR course, we recommend that you talk to the Director of the Portuguese Language Program, who will be able to help you find the best choice.
  4. If I took POR 207S in Rio de Janeiro last year, can I apply for POR 307S this year
    Yes. Students are encouraged to apply to attend Princeton in Brazil again.
  5. If I have already taken POR 208 at Princeton and I want to polish my language skills, can I take POR 207S in Rio?
    Yes. POR 207S does not have the same content of POR208, even though the language level is approximately the same. However, if you have already taken POR 208 at Princeton, the best option for you in Rio de Janeiro most likely is POR 307S. If you are not sure about it and think you might benefit more from taking POR207S in Rio, please contact the Director of the Portuguese Language Program, who will be able to help you make a decision about which level to apply to.
  6. Can the courses in Brazil be taken pass/fail?
    No.
  7. Do I need a passport and/or a visa to travel to Brazil?
    Yes. You must obtain or renew your passport prior to the trip. U.S. citizens, as well as citizens of some other countries, also need a visa. Passport and visa processing can be a lengthy process which takes several weeks. Please apply early.

    For those who would like assistance with the visa application process, we have partnered with Travisa, an agency providing expedited visa processing services. Admitted students will be invited to a group session, held on-campus, where we will guide you through the on-line application process, check to make sure your documents are in order, and mail your materials to Travisa for processing. 

    For information on how to obtain a visa on your own, check the website of the Consulate General of Brazil in New York.  

    **UPDATE 2/5/16** Nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan and USA will be exempt from tourist visa when traveling to Brazil solely for tourism purposes from 1st June to 18th September 2016.

    All tourists that hold passports from those countries will not need a visa to enter in Brazil during that period.
  8. When do I need to arrive in Rio?
    You should arrive on Sunday, June 5th. For those arriving on the 5th between 7am and 10am, there will be someone from IBEU there to meet you at the airport and take you by van to the home where you will stay. For those who arrive before Sunday, information will be given regarding how to get in contact with your host to arrange your arrival at his/her home. Prior to the trip, you will also be given the contact information and phone numbers of your homestay family in case you get lost or arrive late on June 5th. The families will help students get to IBEU on Monday morning.
  9. When should I plan on leaving Rio? 
    Program activities will conclude by the afternoon of July 1. You may leave that evening or wait until the following day. Students must leave their host families no later than Saturday, July 2. 
  10. May I arrive to the program late?
    No. The program is very intensive and group orientation from the beginning is very important. No exceptions will be made.
  11. What additional costs will there be?
    You will need to pay for your round-trip transportation to/from Brazil, approximately $1,500. Textbooks and course materials will cost around $100. You may have to pay fees to obtain or renew your passport or visa. These fees vary. The processing of a Brazilian visa for US citizens costs $165 (charged in reciprocity for an identical fee paid by Brazilian citizens who apply for a visa to the U.S.), plus handling fees if you go through an agency. Lodging, including two meals a day, is provided. You should have at least $600 in pocket money for extra meals, leisure, refreshments, toiletries and other incidentals.
  12. Can I make housing arrangements by my own?
    No, the program is a package that includes housing. IBEU makes the best possible match based on a questionnaire distributed to all students before departure, as hosts vary, from individuals to young families with children, but all living within easy reach. 
  13. What expectations should I have regarding meals?
    Two meals a day are typically provided by the Brazilian family. IBEU supplies a mid-morning snack. Most students get their mid-day meals on their own.
  14. What should I expect regarding safety?
    The neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon are quite safe. However, as in any Latin-American metropolis, Rio requires a higher level of caution than most American cities. Whenever possible, avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and when going out at night, try always to stay with your group.
  15. Health issues
    Students are advised to consult with a UHS travel medicine specialist a minimum of six weeks before the program starts to discuss the need for travel immunizations and prescriptions. Consider purchasing international health insurance. It is also important to be aware of food and water precautions and insect precautions as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
  16. Financial aid
    Financial aid does not carry through the summer. If you are currently receiving financial aid, you may apply for a loan for up to the total cost of the program less any other University grants or scholarships you receive. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese will award a limited number of scholarships to students on financial aid. Students may also apply to the Office of International Programs for a grant from Dean's Fund for Study Abroad. Please be aware that the application deadlines may vary. You do not have to wait for acceptance to the program in order to apply for a grant.
Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux

Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux


Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux

Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux


Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux

A pickup futebol game next to the Lagoa (Photo by Flora Thomson-DeVeaux)