Introduction:
The Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, or PUC Rio, was established as the first private university in Brazil in 1941. Boasting an academic tradition of idealism, consistence and excellence, the institution has been commited to high-quality teaching, applied research and scientific development since its founding. Today, PUC Rio, has a total enrollement of nearly 20,000 students. The university campus is located in Gavea, a charming neighborhood near the forest and beach. Besides the mandatory Portuguese as a Second Language Course, students will enroll directly with Brazilian students. Participants may enroll in an intensive pre-term Portuguese language course.

Disclaimer:
Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, applicants should be aware that changes to academic calendars may occur with little or no notice. Students are encouraged to either wait to book travel or book travel that allows for changes with no financial penalty. 
 
Applicants should also be aware that processing of visas may be impacted or halted by specific countries. Failure to secure the necessary visa may result in inability to participate in this program. 
 
Participants on this program may be required to self-quarantine prior to the start of their program for a specified period of time. Students are responsible for arranging (logistics and financial) their travel appropriately to ensure self-quarantine is completed prior to the start of the program.

Academic Areas:
Fine Arts
Languages & Literature Education
Natural Sciences Engineering
Computer Science
Social Sciences
Communications
Economics
Geography & History
International Relations
Business & Marketing

Students can take academic courses in English in some of the above subjects. All international students will enroll in a Portuguese at PUC-Rio.

The partner university website has more information about course registration, including the course offerings and the course offerings in English. 

PUC-Rio                   UM Grade
10.0-9.0                          A
8.9-8.0                            B+
7.9-7.0                            B
6.9-6.0                            C
5.9-5.0                            C-
4.9-0.0                            F

Credit Equivalency
PUC credits × .75 = UM credits
2  PUC credits × .75   =    1.50 UM
3  PUC credits × .75  =     2.25 UM
4  PUC credits × .75  =     3 UM
Students will be granted 3 UM credits for successful completion of the PUC-Rio Pre-Term Intensive Portuguese Course.

Housing and Meals:
PUC-Rio strongly encourages its international students to stay in homestays, as it is the best opportunity to experience the Brazilian way of life and practice Portuguese language skills. This accommodation program is offered to students on a first-come, first-serve basis, so students are advised to apply early for housing. More information about applying to the program can be found on the housing page.
Homestays are typically located within 30 - 40 minutes (by bus) of the university. Homestay accommodations will provide each student with a private bedroom, as well as access to kitchen and laundry facilities.

This is an Exchange Program:
As an exchange student, you will have the opportunity to experience university life in a completely different way. For example, you might find that courses abroad are not equal to three UM credits. The format of assessment might be different, with great emphasis being placed on one big test versus smaller assignments throughout the semester. The amount of time spent in class can vary greatly from country to country as well as the amount of independent learning that is expected. Exchange students are guests of the host university and will not receive any services that the local, degree-seeking students do not receive.  The university abroad may not provide the same amenities as the University of Miami and the level of customer service can vary.

Exchange programs open the door for students to have the experience of a university student in a different country.  It is important to talk to your study abroad advisor about your level of comfort with the challenges that await you abroad.  Your advisor may be able to suggest an exchange program that offers more of the services to which you have become accustomed, or can direct you to a semester on location program.  Students who have chosen to embark on an exchange program have reported that by overcoming obstacles encountered abroad, they have gained independence and self-confidence, and were challenged to broaden their perspectives.

Regular Semester Dates:
Fall: Early August - Mid-December
Spring Late February - Early July
There is an optional intensive Portuguese program during the month prior to the regular semester.

For more specific arrival and departure dates, please reference the university’s academic calendar.