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USAC: Florianopolis, Brazil (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Jamie Weaver Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Portuguese Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, International Business, Internship, Management, Marketing, Political Science, Portuguese, Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Sociology, Sustainability
Program Description:
Due to COVID-19 regulations, all education abroad programs have been cancelled through spring of 2021. Though the University has hopes to resume programming and travel for summer 2021, future travel is subject to University approval, dates are subject to change, and programming may be altered or cancelled due to changing circumstances.

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

The Florianópolis program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the incredibly diverse and dynamic culture of Brazil while living on a beautiful sub-tropical island and studying at one of South America's most prestigious universities. The program is ideal for students who want to learn about the world's fifth-largest country, one of the fastest-growing economies, and its diverse mix of European, African, and indigenous cultures. This program focuses on academic areas in which Brazil is a world leader: Cultural Studies, Global Economy, and Natural Resource Management.

Dates

Fall: late August - mid December
Spring: mid January - mid May

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Learn an old European language with a unique modern twist while soaking up the beautiful weather and sandy white beaches of the southeastern Brazilian coast. Influences from centuries of immigration collide and are reborn on this island which has retained and developed a culture that is different from the mainland and unique to Brazil. Locals mingle with visitors from Europe and the Americas who choose the island's charms and almost perpetually warm climate.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Business, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Global Studies, History, International Business, Internship, Management, Marketing, Political Science, Portuguese, Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Sociology, Sustainability

Course Listings

To find courses at USAC: Florianopolis, Brazil, follow the instructions on the host program page.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program

Program specific course information

You will enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of language courses plus electives in international business, environmental/conservation management, and Latin American studies. Below are the required and optional course options:
  • Intensive Portuguese language and culture course (3-4 credits, required)
  • Semester-long USAC Portuguese language course (1-4 credits, optional)
  • USAC electives in English (1 or 3 credits each, optional) - Electives worth one credit do not count toward the minimum required enrollment of 12 credits and are meant to complement students' core academic experience with further information on and experience with aspects of the local culture. Some 1-credit courses may have additional course fees that students will pay directly to USAC. The 1-credit course on surfing will not count as credit at Penn State, due to the policy below stating students may not take sport or physical activity courses abroad.
There is an optional tour and field study offered at the beginning of every semester in a different area of Brazil. These come at an additional cost, and students can opt in to the 1-credit field study by completing additional academic requirements (readings, written assignments, reports, etc.) on the historical, cultural, and natural features of the region. The written work may be completed in English or Portuguese. Please note the 1-credit field study does not count toward the required minimum enrollment of 12 credits.

Internship in Portuguese (3 credits, optional) - Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 3.0, completed 4 semesters of college-level Portuguese or the equivalent, and junior standing at the time of the internship. Note that enrollment in an internship does not count toward the required minimum enrollment of 12 credits, and participating in an internship requires a non-refundable fee paid directly to USAC. This fee helps offset the costs of securing quality internship placements and helps provide a range of professional development activities, including an online internship seminar, career workshops, and panel discussions.

Students may also choose to audit a class at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), so they can experience firsthand the academic style of Brazil, immerse themselves in the academic community of Florianópolis, and get to know local university students with similar academic interests. Most courses are taught in Portuguese, but English-language offerings may be available. It may be possible to earn academic credit for host university courses during fall semester, but please note that UFSC typically follows a different academic calendar than USAC. This means that final exams are likely to take place after the USAC program has ended. It may be possible to arrange early exams, but USAC cannot guarantee this. Additionally, there may be supplementary fees associated with host university courses that are not covered by USAC program fees.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 12 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A A
A- A-
B+ B+
B B
B- B-
C+ C+
C C
D D
F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 3
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Homestay

Staying with a host family is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture, quickly improve your Portuguese, and meet locals. Your family will welcome you into their home and provide various services including meals. This is the preferred housing option for Penn State students on this program.

Apartments

Shared apartments involve living with USAC and other international students, close to the university. This option is good for students with particularly strict dietary requirements or other preferences. This option requires an additional fee of $571 - $893 paid onsite, in cash, directly to the host/owner.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Homestays include breakfast and dinner on weekdays and all meals on weekends.
Apartments do not include any meals.

All accommodations are located in the center of the island, as close to the university as possible. The university is served well by a regular bus service. Inexpensive student dining halls are available for lunch and snacks.
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

Students studying on USAC programs are eligible to apply for USAC funding opportunities. Learn more on USAC's scholarships website.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice. Please visit USAC's website for the most up to date refund deadlines.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

The following are the latest dates that your application will be accepted by USAC, but USAC encourages you to apply as early as possible, as they may reach capacity before the published deadlines.

Spring Applicant Deadline: November 1
Fall/Academic Year Applicant Deadline: June 1

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Academic Year 2020-2021 03/01/2020
03/12/2020 TBA TBA
Spring 2021 05/01/2020
06/05/2020 TBA TBA
Academic Year 2021-2022 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Fall 2021 03/15/2021
03/25/2021 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 05/01/2021 06/04/2021 TBA TBA

Indicates that deadline has passed