The Institute of International Education (IIE) recently released a briefing paper: “The Brazil Scientific Mobility Undergraduate Program in the United States: A New Phase in U.S. Brazil Educational Exchange.” This report indicates that of all countries whose schools host students who participate in the Brazilian Scientific Mobility Program, “(t)he United States currently hosts the largest number of (those) students.” Recently, “IIE has been working closely with (the) Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States and Brazil,” as well as with various members of the Brazilian government on the Brazil Scientific Mobility Undergraduate Program, all of which seek to bring Brazilian students to the United States to complete up to one year of non-degree study, in addition to an academic training or internship component.”

The purpose of the program is to “promote scientific research… (and) increase international cooperation in science and technology.” Students in the program can receive scholarships to study in 12 countries. With more than 1,900 Brazilian scholarship students studying at 238 schools in 46 states, the United States is the leading host country. Seventy-one percent of the participants “are enrolled in engineering and computer science courses, specifically in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer sciences, industrial engineering, and chemical engineering.”

In the next five years, the program will enroll an estimated 2,500 participants. According to IIE, an important aspect of the program is that students have the option to participate in both academic training and internships. Please remember that if you an F or M student, you must follow the work authorization process to maintain your status. If you have questions, talk to your designated school official.

Also, IIE announced selections for “the 2013 Brazil initiative of IIE’s International Academic Partnership Program.” The 14 schools will take part in a year of training activities that ends “with a study tour to Brazil in spring 2013 to meet with potential partner campuses.” The program is a resource for schools “to explore areas of academic cooperation, including exchanging students and scholars and collaborating on research projects and degree programs.”

Sources:

• U.S. is Leading Host Country for Brazil Scientific Mobility Scholarship Program;Institute of International Education
• IIE Leads Higher Education Delegation to Brazil; Institute of International Education