Janice Lozano
Brazilian students are increasingly looking to study at foreign universities. During the 2022-23 academic year, over 16,000 Brazilian students enrolled at American universities, making Brazil the ninth-largest source of international students in the US. The US government has expressed a desire to increase these numbers further. Several factors motivate Brazilian students to seek educational opportunities abroad, including the pursuit of a diverse and enriching academic experience, the availability of scholarships, and the desire to attend prestigious institutions. Additionally, the Brazilian higher education system faces challenges, including limited seats at public universities and a competitive enrollment process, which may prompt students to explore foreign alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for studying abroad | Cost, safety, scholarships, and English-language proficiency |
| Number of Brazilian students studying abroad | Over 100,000 |
| Top destination countries | United States, Canada, and Korea |
| Brazilian public universities | Free, high-quality education, but competitive |
| Brazilian private universities | Expensive, costing around 4,000 BRL per month |
| Brazilian unified exam | ENEM, with some universities using alternative exams like FUVEST |
| US standardized exams | ACT and SAT |
| US majors | Academic topics like English Literature, French Language and Culture, Politics, Economics, Biology, and Physics |
| Brazilian undergraduate model | More similar to US engineering programs |
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What You'll Learn
The US offers a different educational experience
Brazilian students seeking a different educational experience may find the US appealing due to its diverse and flexible curriculum. In the US, students typically choose a "major" that represents academic topics like English Literature, French Language and Culture, Politics, Economics, or Biology, rather than professional skills. This differs from the Brazilian system, where students can directly enter professional disciplines like law or medicine after their undergraduate studies. US universities also offer a liberal arts model, where students explore a variety of subjects before specialising in their junior and senior years. This provides Brazilian students with a broader academic exposure before committing to a specific major.
The application process and criteria for US universities also differ significantly from Brazil. In the US, standardised exams like the ACT and SAT play a crucial role, testing general aptitude for critical thinking. Unlike Brazil's strict cut-off scores, US universities consider a range of ACT and SAT scores, along with consistent hard work, intellectual curiosity, and academic growth throughout a student's academic career. Additionally, US universities often require advanced degrees, such as a Master's, for certain professions, whereas Brazilian students can work in their professional disciplines immediately after graduation.
Another factor that contributes to the allure of US universities is the opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange. The US is home to a diverse range of educational institutions, with over one million international students. Brazilian students can benefit from interacting with peers from various backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. This aspect of studying abroad enriches the overall educational experience and broadens one's perspective.
Moreover, the availability of scholarships and financial aid plays a significant role in attracting Brazilian students to US universities. Many Brazilian students rely on scholarships provided by the Brazilian government, foreign institutions, and initiatives like the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative. The cost of living and tuition fees are important considerations for Brazilian students, and scholarships can help alleviate these financial burdens.
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English proficiency is a barrier to studying abroad
Brazilian students are increasingly looking to study at foreign universities, with the United States being a popular choice. In the 2022-23 academic year, over 16,000 Brazilian students chose to study in the US, making Brazil the ninth-largest source country for international students in the US. However, language barriers can be a significant challenge for Brazilian students wishing to study abroad in non-Portuguese-speaking countries.
English proficiency can be a barrier to studying abroad for Brazilian students for several reasons. Firstly, academic language barriers can arise in understanding lectures, writing essays, and sitting exams. These challenges can impact a student's academic performance and their ability to meet the requirements of their chosen course. To mitigate this, many universities require proof of language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, as part of the admissions process. Undergraduate programs typically require higher language proficiency scores compared to foundation degrees.
Secondly, social language barriers can occur when interacting with local students and residents who may primarily speak a different language. This can impact a student's social life and their ability to integrate into the local culture. However, it is important to note that most people are understanding and patient, and language learning is often admired. Additionally, international students can seek out social groups or activities where English is the common language.
To overcome English proficiency barriers, Brazilian students can consider several strategies. Firstly, they can choose English-taught degree programs that offer a supportive environment for international students and provide language classes or tutoring services. Secondly, they can start familiarizing themselves with the language before their departure by using language learning applications, watching films and reading books in English, and interacting with native English speakers. Additionally, upon arrival, they can take advantage of language classes provided by their host university to further improve their English skills.
While English proficiency can be a barrier for Brazilian students studying abroad, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. With proper planning, language learning strategies, and support from host institutions, Brazilian students can successfully navigate the challenges of studying in a non-native language.
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Cost of living is a concern for Brazilians
Cost of living is a significant concern for Brazilian students considering studying abroad. In a 2023 QS survey, 79% of Latin American and Caribbean students cited cost of living as a primary consideration when choosing a study abroad destination.
Brazil's public universities are free for Brazilian students, and these institutions are consistently ranked the highest in terms of quality. However, competition for places is fierce, and many Brazilian students opt to study abroad due to the limited number of spots available. Private universities in Brazil, which charge fees, are often the only alternative for those who cannot secure a place at a public university.
For Brazilian students, the prospect of free tuition abroad can be appealing, especially in countries with a large number of public universities, such as the United States. However, the cost of living in these countries is often much higher than in Brazil, impacting a student's decision to study abroad. The cost of living includes expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other daily necessities, which can quickly accumulate and become a financial burden.
Additionally, the Brazilian government and various foreign institutions offer scholarships to Brazilian students wishing to study abroad, recognising the importance of educational exchange. These scholarships can help alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad and make it a more viable option for Brazilian students.
Furthermore, the Brazilian Program for Exchange Students (PEC) offers free undergraduate exchange opportunities for international students wishing to study in Brazil. This program promotes cultural exchange and provides a cost-effective way for foreigners to experience Brazil's high-quality education system.
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US universities offer a direct route to professional degrees
Brazil has a unified exam that works for most public universities, called ENEM. However, some universities, such as USP and UNICAMP, two of the best public universities in Brazil, have their own exam called FUVEST. In the US, there is no equivalent to the Vestibular or ENEM. Instead, students take standardized exams, the ACT and the SAT, which test general aptitude for critical thinking.
US universities offer a wide range of choice, which can be confusing for international students. There are over 1,000 two-year colleges in the US, also known as junior or community colleges. Students who choose this route earn an associate degree, which typically takes about two years and 60 semester credit hours to complete. Associate degrees are awarded by community, junior, or technical colleges, indicating that a student has completed a program of study with a broad base in general education and a concentration in a specific area. Some community colleges have automatic enrollment agreements with local colleges, meaning the community college will provide the first two years of study, and the university will provide the remaining years.
Four-year colleges and universities are another option, where students pursue a bachelor's degree, also known as a baccalaureate degree. Bachelor's degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor's degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). Other types include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). Because bachelor's degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor's degree can open doors to many job opportunities and increase potential income.
Some four-year colleges may also offer associate degree programs, and some colleges offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. In this type of dual-degree program, a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study, earning two bachelor's degrees. An example of this is Columbia University's 3-2 Combined Plan program.
In the US, a student's subject area specialization is called a "major". Majors at top schools tend to represent academic topics, rather than professional skills. For example, a student in a Brazilian university who studies law as an undergrad can practice law after graduation; a student in the US might study politics or policy, but they will still need to attend a formal law school program for an additional three years before they can practice law. The same principle applies to medicine, architecture, psychology, and other professions that require additional licensing or advanced degrees.
US universities offer Brazilian students a direct route to professional degrees in several ways. Firstly, US universities offer a wide range of degree options, including two-year and four-year programs, providing flexibility and choice for students. Secondly, US universities often have more flexible degree options, allowing students to select numerous subjects to study as 'majors' and 'minors' and specialize as their interests change. This flexibility can be a way for students to get into a higher-level university than their academic achievements might otherwise allow. Thirdly, US universities focus on developing students' academic study skills and English language skills, which can increase their chances of succeeding through university and gaining entry to a higher-level university. Finally, US universities accept a range of ACT and SAT scores, rather than having strict cut-offs, and value consistent hard work, intellectual curiosity, and demonstrable growth throughout a student's academic career.
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Brazilian universities are highly competitive
Brazilian universities can be public or private. Public universities are tuition-free and are funded by the government, while private universities charge fees to students. There are 312 public universities and 2,283 private universities in Brazil. Public universities are highly competitive as they are consistently ranked the highest in terms of quality and offer a much broader variety of programs.
The Brazilian higher education system has some unique features that set it apart from other countries. For example, a student's high school course exams and grades do not impact their college admissions as long as they perform well on the Vestibular exam. There is no equivalent to the Vestibular in the US, for instance, where standardized exams like the ACT and SAT are used, and students' scores are less important than their consistent hard work and intellectual curiosity.
Brazilian undergraduate degrees also allow students to immediately work within their professional discipline after graduation. For example, a student who studies law as an undergrad can practice law right away, whereas in the US, additional law school is required.
The competitiveness of Brazilian universities and the desire for international experience may drive Brazilian students to seek foreign universities. The US, for instance, remains the main destination for international students, and the country has expressed interest in welcoming more Brazilian students. Cost is a significant factor for Brazilian students considering foreign universities, and scholarships play a crucial role in their decision-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various reasons why Brazilian students look for foreign universities. Firstly, public universities in Brazil are highly competitive, with limited seats available. Additionally, public universities require students to take the ENEM exam, which is challenging and specific to Brazil's history and geography. Brazilian students also face concerns about the cost of education and the safety of their study environment.
The United States is the main destination for Brazilian students studying abroad. This is due in part to the efforts of the U.S. government to attract more Brazilian students to American universities. Additionally, the U.S. offers a wide range of scholarships for Brazilian students, such as the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative and the Latin American Caribbean Scholarship.
Brazilian students are primarily concerned with the cost of living and the availability of scholarships when considering foreign universities. They also look for safe and welcoming destinations and may seek help with the application process, connections with existing international students, and opportunities to meet admissions staff.
