1 Why BRAZIL? 2 What s special about BRAZIL It s South America, but not exactly: The Atlantic Ocean The Portuguese+Native+African culture The Portuguese language The promising economy The diversity of local cultures: food, music, folklore The internationally admired culture: music (Villa Lobos, Tom Jobim - Bossa Nova), movies (Central Station), literature (Paulo Coelho), photography (Sebastio Salgado), painting (Portinari). etc and, of course, soccer, carnival, coffee, beaches 3 What s unique about the Brazilian subjective culture Diversity Tolerance Personal relationships Flexibility Informality Joy 4 Education in BRAZIL Doctoral Degree 4 years Masters Degree 2 years Undergraduate Degree 3 to 5 years Basic Education 11 years 7 to 17 y/o Literacy: 1 year 6 y/o University entrance exam 5 Higher Education in BRAZIL Language of instruction: Portuguese Types of institutions: Public (Federal, State) 20% Private (For profit, not for profit, philanthropic) 80% Faculty (Faculdade) only one area of study; undergraduate University Centre (Centro Universit rio) few areas of study; undergraduate University (Universidade) graduate studies & research 6 Higher Education in BRAZIL Undergraduate Degrees: mainly professional Calendar: academic year = calendar year 1st Term: midFebruary/March midJuly 2nd Term: August - midDecember Academic system: academic credits OR serial Grading system: 0 (zero) to 10 (ten) Minimum passing grade: 5,0 up to undergraduate 6,0 graduate 8,0 is considered a good grade in general 7 Why Rio de Janeiro? 8 What s special about Rio de Janeiro It s Brazil, but not only: The intense metropolitan life The rich cultural agenda, both popular and classical The unique status of being home of the most important cultural manifestations in the country (music, cinema, theatre, TV, fashion, etc) The gathering of research centers and universities of excellence The joyful informal life of a city by the sea 9 PUC-Rio? And why 10 PUC-Rio s ID Not for profit Philanthropic (30% students under waiver of fees) Non doctrinal, welcomes people of all religions Dedicated to undergraduate & graduate studies and research Excellence mainly in Science & Technology 5 Double Degree programs in Engineering and Business 11 What s special about PUC-Rio 1st private university in Brazil; Only private research university in Brazil; 1st Brazilian University to: - adopt the academic credit system - create a Computer Science course and department - have a mainframe computer installed - award an MA degree - teach Portuguese as a second language - offer accredited graduate courses in a varied number of areas; 1 st internet provider in Brazil; Only private university ranked (5 th ) among the 20 best universities in Brazil by the Student Guide; Highly ranked (6 th ) in the Ministry of Educations evaluation of undergraduate courses; Highly ranked in the CAPES evaluation of graduate courses (best average among all courses grades); Present number of students: undergraduate: 11,044 postgraduate: 2,069 certificate: 2,258 extension: 2,883 TOTAL: 18,254 12 Special activities for int l students Family housing Cell phone rental Assistance throughout the academic term personal & academic Security plan Free first aid attendance Field trip Social assistance voluntary work Monthly get-together meetings Convivncias Project Psychological assistance End of the term celebration 13 International students academic status Equal to PUC-Rio regular students Access to all facilities and programs Registered as Special Students, thus not limited by prerequisites Allowed to attend ANY regular course, conditioned only to: Own level of study Academic background Portuguese proficiency Space availability Portuguese language: mandatory 14 Portuguese as a Second Language 35 years of experience and excellence: Five levels of proficiency: Portuguese I: Beginner- 90 class-hours, 6 credits Portuguese II: Intermediate I- 90 class-hours, 6 credits Portuguese III: Intermediate III- 90 class-hours, 6 credits Portuguese IV: Advanced I- 60 class-hours, 4 credits Portuguese V: Advanced II- 60 class-hours, 4 credits Pre-term intensive courses: midJan midFeb // July - 90 class-hours People who understand and speak Spanish can easily communicate in Portuguese. Placement test upon arrival 15 The Int l Programs Office Staff Rosa Marina B. MeyerAss. VP Malu Daniel CastroShort Programs Linda Cristina SouzaInt l Students Bira SanchezStudentMarina AbrahoStudy Abroad Ana Denise CunhaOffice KledsonReceptionist RodrigoMessenger DenisIT 16 Exchange students 1996 (1st semester) * From all regions of the world: North America, Europe, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Africa PUC-Rio Students abroad- regular courses** International students at PUC-Rio - regular courses * International students at PUC-Rio - intensive courses * Total of exchange students per year **Including Double Degree Students 17 International students at PUC-Rio: Day 1 Arrival with airport pick up Introduction to host families Day 2 (morning) Orientation Session 1: Brazilian culture & way of life 18 Day 2 (afternoon) Orientation Session 2: Learning your way around 19 Day 3 (morning) Campus tour Get-together lunch 20 Day 3 (afternoon) Orientation session 3: Academics: registration, add/drop, grading, etc Social assistance and scientific special projects Social projects UNICOM NIMA 21 Scientific projects TecGraf Incubator Other activities: sports and religious life... 22... and leisure... Just hanging around... and lots of study, of course. At the Central Library 23 Day 4 Portuguese placement test Projeto Convivncias start Day 5 Assisted registration at the Federal Police (Immigration) 24 Day 6 Rio de Janeiro city tour 25 Day 7 Free at last - time for a dive at Ipanema beach!