Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) is a specialized study abroad program based in Lisbon, Portugal. As a multi-university consortium of Portuguese universities, SiPN aims to attract U.S. students and faculty to Portugal through a variety of study abroad experiences. Brown University students have the option to choose from multiple semester programs, with the Advanced Liberal Arts program (ALAL) being the most notable. SiPN students have the opportunity to authentically engage with Portuguese language and academic culture, while having the support of handpicked ALAL Faculty that are familiar with US pedagogy to help students achieve their educational goals. SiPN’s tremendous value is only made possible by the support of the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), a private Portuguese non-profit grant-making Foundation, dedicated to funding initiatives to promote scientific and cultural exchanges between Portugal and the United States.

In addition to meeting program requirements set by SiPN, Brown University students must also adhere to the Brown language requirements for study abroad, which for Portugal is “POBS 0400/Writing and Speaking Portuguese (fourth-semester college-level Portuguese) or the equivalent”.

Recognized worldwide as one of the most important doctoral research centers in the country, the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) is a private non-profit Catholic University that offers a variety of coursework across several faculties. As part of an exchange agreement between our two institutions, Brown University students have the option to apply for direct enrollment to PUC-Rio for one semester (fall or spring) or the full academic year. Students immerse themselves fully into Brazilian culture through advanced coursework alongside local students, and through volunteer and social activities throughout the semester.  

In addition to meeting program requirements set by PUC-Rio, Brown University students must also adhere to the Brown language requirements for study abroad, which for Brazil is “POBS 0400/Writing and Speaking Portuguese (fourth-semester college-level Portuguese) or the equivalent”. It is also expected that students planning to study in Brazil have taken at least one course focusing entirely on Brazil in Literature, History, or the Social Sciences.

Students on the Middlebury Brazil program enroll directly in a local university alongside their Brazilian peers and must adhere to the Middlebury Language Pledge® to reap the benefits of linguistic immersion. By living and studying with Brazilians and getting involved in the community through volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities, students can build authentic relationships and integrate fully into life in their host city.

Middlebury Brazil currently offers students the choice between two study locations:

Florianópolis

A city of 300,000 and the capital of Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis is located on an island, and features breathtaking scenery as well as a vibrant cultural and university life. Middlebury’s host institution, the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), is an excellent and comprehensive federal university of 32,000 students.

Niterói

Niterói is a community of 500,000 people located just across the bay from Rio de Janeiro. The ease of travel across to Rio coupled with the calmer pace of Niterói make this city a great choice for students wishing to immerse themselves in local Brazilian culture while simultaneously enjoying proximity to one of the world’s most passionate and festive cities. Students enroll in courses alongside local students at Middlebury’s host institution, the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF).

In addition to meeting program requirements set by Middlebury, Brown University students must also adhere to the Brown language requirements for study abroad, which for Brazil is “POBS 0400/Writing and Speaking Portuguese (fourth-semester college level Portuguese) or the equivalent”. It is also expected that students planning to study in Brazil have taken at least one course focusing entirely on Brazil in Literature, History, or the Social Sciences.

Brown currently does not sponsor a summer program in Brazil. Students interested in spending a summer studying in Brazil should consider PUC-Rio's "Pre-Term Portuguese-as-a-Second-Language Course." Alternatively, they may consider summer programs sponsored by other universities, such as the University of Florida.

For more information about summer programs in Brazil, please contact Professor Luiz F. Valente.