The Brazilian Summer Seminars developed by PUC-Rio (Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro), Brazil, is an interdisciplinary program meant to give a broad perspective of Brazilian issues which are currently in the global scenario. It is aimed at students, scholars, professionals and everyone else who is interested in the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about Brazil.
The technical visits are offered to promote the encounter of the academic theory with the real life of companies and entrepreneurs located in Rio. Participants have the chance to interact with people in management positions providing significant insights about doing business in Brazil.
Portuguese language instruction, cultural and social activities will complement the Brazilian experience.
Program structure:
The program's structure will be the same is the previous years: 52 class-hours offered through 18 lectures on different topics + 8h dedicated to technical visits + a great range of cultural and social activities. It is also possible to combine the program with 20h or 40h of Portuguese language - offered before and after the Brazilian seminars program itself.
Program Calendar:
Brazilian Seminars course dates: July 9 - 24, 2026
Portuguese language intensive course - Part I (20h): July 6 - 9, 2026
Portuguese language intensive course - Part II (20h): July 27 - 31, 2026
Fees
Program tuition for participants from SMU is R$ 8.800,00 (Brazilian Reais). Travel, accommodation, travel insurance, immigration application costs (if applicable), personal expenses, etc. are also each participating student’s responsibility.
Transfer credits
The program does not provide a transcript, but participants receive a course certificate with the total number of hours dedicated to academic activities, technical visits, and grade.
Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of their SMU degree. Meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.
How to apply:
Interested students should submit the SMU Exchange Program application* by February 28 2026 to the Global Learning Office.
*To complete your application, you will:
fill out your Study Abroad Application (https://studio.smu.ca/s/StudyAbroadApplication2021.pdf)
write a one-page letter of intent. (Tip: book an appointment with The Writing Centre or ask if personal statement workshops are coming up https://studio.smu.ca/wc-student-tutoring)
print in pdf your unofficial transcript from banner
prepare your resume, and
secure two references (one must be from a SMU professor of one of your courses) – referees can email their letters directly to Global@smu.ca. Alternatively, they can email Miyuki.arai@smu.ca to inquire.
Once you have all four pieces of application documents (except for references), upload them at the application link here https://smuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55UpfboKu5sImUe.
What happens after you apply?
Once your application package is received, the Global Learning Office will be in touch to schedule a short interview. If you are selected, 1) you will be nominated to the host university by the SMU Global Learning Office and 2) you will be instructed to complete a set of applications for the host university by May 30. Once the host university accepts you into the program, they will provide all program-related information as well as instruction for the payment of the program fee. You will also be expected to attend our pre-departure orientation meetings.
Questions?
Email the Global Learning Office Global@smu.ca.
