US-Brazil Exchange Program - FAQs

Ask almost anyone who has done a semester abroad and they will tell you it was “an amazing experience.” Everyone should at least consider studying abroad. Particularly, if you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should carefully consider studying abroad:

• Do I thirst for excitement and adventure, for something out of the ordinary?

• Do I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things?

• Do I want to expand my horizons?

• Do I want to improve my ability to communicate? My self-reliance? My observational skills?

• Do I like to have fun?

In addition to taking classes and experiencing the culture you will also work on an international team for your capstone project. In doing this project you will interact with Brazilian students and teachers as well as people you interview as part of your project. As a result, you become immersed in the culture and develop a tight bond with fellow students.

This program does not conflict with the Systems Engineering curriculum. In fact, it is the only study abroad program tailored specifically to Systems Engineering students. The only change required in the curriculum is a reordering of when you take a couple of classes.

In addition to being easy to do administratively, it is relatively affordable because of the approximately $3,000 grant you will receive from the federal government.

The Brazilian weather is mild (70-90 degrees), and the Brazilian culture is very social. Check out testimonials from past program participants here.

Yes! All former participants have been able to graduate in 4 years. Consult your advisor with any specific concerns.

Essentially, the courses you take do not change, only the order.

It is different beginning the spring semester of third year. You will probably not take SYS 3062 (unless you would like to take 18 instead of 15 credits). You also will not take a technical elective. Instead, you will take Port 1001 (Portuguese), STS 4001, and SYS 4053 in addition to the regularly scheduled SYS 3060 and SYS 3034.

While in Brazil during the fall, you will need to take a class equivalent to SYS 4021. Finding this class has not been a problem in the past. You may also wish to take a class equivalent to SYS 3062, though it is possible to take in during the spring of your fourth year at UVA. In addition to these two courses, it is common to take one or two electives while in Brazil. It is important to note that, just like with the regular curriculum, you will be doing much of your capstone research and analysis during the fall of your senior year, which in this case will be while in Brazil.

When you return in the spring, your schedule will be equivalent to everyone else’s again: You will take STS 4002, SYS 4054, electives, and you will finish your capstone research and analysis.

A sample modified SIE curriculum is given here.

No, the classes are taught in Portuguese. This should not deter you, however, as in general Brazilian students and teachers speak English. You will also be prepared for taking classes in Portuguese by the Portuguese course you take in Charlottesville the semester before leaving and by an intensive Portuguese course you will take when you arrive in Brazil.

Students in the program will be divided into two groups while in Brazil. Both groups will spend five weeks in Rio de Janeiro for language training when they first arrive in Brazil. After the first five weeks, one group of students will remain in Rio. The other group will go to the south, to Porto Alegre. Students in both cities have the option of living with a family or renting their own apartment.

Students studying in Rio de Janeiro will attend the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and students studying in Porto Alegre will attend the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).

It costs very little compared to other study abroad programs. One of the main reasons is that you will receive a grant of approximately $3,000 to use towards your trip. On top of this money, you are likely to spend perhaps $2,000 or $3,000. Should you choose to travel extensively while abroad, you may spend an extra $4,000 or $5,000. For an estimated cost list, please see the bottom of the Program Description page, here.

You will depart for Brazil in late June or early July after your third year. (Though you are going for the fall semester, the program begins earlier in order for students to get language training and culturally adjusted before starting school).

You will return to the United States sometime in December. Classes will end early to mid December; however, you may choose to travel before leaving.

Submit the following to Stephanie Guerlain (guerlain@virginia.edu) by November 9th

• Application

• Current Transcript

• Two letters of recommendation

• Written statement of interest

To receive more information on the program or if you have any questions, contact any of the people in the table below:

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