Program Provider: Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE)

Program Site: CIEE center, the Universidade Católica do Salvador campus and the Universidade Federal da Bahia campus

Duration: Fall, Spring or Year. Fall semester runs from late June to mid December; Spring semester runs from early January to late June.

Description: Salvador da Bahia, located on the coast in northeastern Brazil, was Brazil's capital during the colonial period, and today this city of 2.1 million is considered a major center of Afro-Brazilian culture.  

CIEE is affiiated with two universities in Salvador: the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBa) and the Universidade Católica do Salvador (UCSal). Students take several courses alongside Brazilian students during the regular semester at UCSal and may choose one regular university course at UFBa.

Academics: All courses are taught in Portuguese. Students spending the spring semester in Brazil will begin in São Paulo with a three-and-a-half week Intensive Language and Culture class (for 4 USC units). Students then transfer to Salvador da Bahia where they take semester-long courses. Students spending the fall semester in Brazil will begin in Salvador da Bahia with a five-week Intensive Language and Culture Program (for 6 USC units). They will remain in Salvador and take semester-long courses.

Semester-long courses: All students take Semester Portuguese (3 units), one CIEE elective (either Race & Class in a Multicultural Society: Bahia & Brazil or Brazilian Cultural & Artistic Manifestations) for 3 USC units, and courses at UCSal and UFBa.
 
Course load and Credit: Students can earn a maximum of 20 USC units per semester or 36 USC units for the academic year.

Accommodations: Brazilian homestay; three meals per day are provided.

Activities and Other Program Features: CIEE program activities include visits to a marine biology nature reserve, the museum of African history, plays and local performances, a soccer game, a boat trip, and cultural events, such as a candomblé ceremony. Community service and volunteer opportunities are available for interested students.

The program also includes a trip to Rio de Janeiro. Considered the “cidade maravilhosa,” or “wonderful city,” Rio de Janeiro is known for its natural beauty and its strong cultural identity. Spring semester students may also participate in local Carnival festivities.

Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA and two semesters of college-level Portuguese or four semesters of college-level Spanish (or the equivalent).

Estimated Semester Cost:
Tuition................................$11,555
Additional Expenses*..............$8,612
Total...................................$20,167

Cost Updated: 6/10/08
Text Updated: 8/19/09


*Additional expenses include estimated costs for airfare, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). USC financial aid, scholarships, and tuition remission may be applied to program costs. Please visit the Office of Overseas Studies for more detailed cost information.

Links:
CIEE, Salvador da Bahia
Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles
Salvador da Bahia Tourist Information
Lonely Planet Brazil
Lonely Planet Salvador da Bahia