Program Description

The goal of this program is to foster a cross-cultural appreciation and understanding of the development and diversity of Brazilian society, with a special emphasis on its culture, its history, and its African roots. In addition, the students have the opportunity to study the most important issues related to Brazil's economy in the context of the Americas, and, if desired, the opportunity to learn or develop their language skills in Portuguese while immersed in Brazilian society.

Salvador, founded in 1549, served as the first capital of colonial Brazil, and remained as such until 1763. In Salvador there was the birth of a powerful ethnic and cultural bond intertwining peoples and traditions from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas that would later form the identity of modern Brazilian society. The state of Bahia and the city of Salvador undoubtedly capture today the magical soul of Brazil through their cultural and religious manifestations. From the spiritual Candomblé rituals to the rhythmical Capoeira dances and the carnival "Axé" music, bahianos daily express a profound connection with their roots, history, and traditions.

The heart of Salvador, the Pelourinho, is a safe urban area where visitors find many cultural centers, colonial churches, museums, cultural activities, artisan ateliers, shops, and restaurants. The students will participate in many cultural and business activities directly related to class content and attend lectures by Brazilian experts and scholars. In addition, the students travel to the cities of Cachoeira and Praia do Forte for two weekends.

Courses Offered

All students must take the foundation course:
PORT 299A/HIST 299A Contemporary Brazilian Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
This course reviews some of the main issues related to contemporary Brazilian culture, history, social and political conditions, and literary and artistic trends. (In English; it counts toward the other cultures requirement.)

Optional courses (choose one or two):

B A 499 Doing Business in Brazil and in the Americas (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Brazilian business world in the context of the Americas; to analyze the most important issues related to Brazil's economy; and to prepare students for future international business careers in this area. (In English)

PORT 199 Beginning Portuguese (3 credits)
This course allows students to acquire basic conversational skills in Portuguese.

PORT 299B Intermediate Portuguese (3 credits)
This course is designed for students who have already taken Portuguese 001 and Portuguese 002 (or have a language proficiency equal to two semesters of Portuguese) and want to improve their language proficiency.

PORT 405 Advanced Composition and Conversation (3 credits)
This course is designed for students who have already taken Portuguese 003, have met the requirements for that course, or whose language proficiency is equal to three semesters of Portuguese.

Eligibility

The program is open to all Penn State students and students from other institutions with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a continuous first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

Julia Cuervo Hewitt, associate professor of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese at Penn State's University Park campus. Her specialty is Latin American literature.

Anita de Melo is a Brazilian instructor of Portuguese Language and Brazilian Literature at Penn State University. Her specialty is Lusophone and Latin American Literatures.

Dr. Javier Escudero is a former associate professor of Spanish at Penn State's University Park campus. He now works in Brazil as an educational and travel consultant.

The business course (BA 499) will be taught by a business faculty member from Brazil.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All students will pay in-state tuition for 2008 Summer Abroad programs.

Tuition (6 credits)

$3,318 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu/.

Class Fee

The class fee of $2,395 includes room, board, and transportation to field sites, the field manual for the course, and all costs related to the excavation.

Total Program Fee

The program fee of $5,713 includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarship page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the class, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• round-trip airfare (approximately $975 plus tax)
• textbooks and supplies
• personal expenses
• cost of additional 3 credits, approximately $1,659
• passport and visa

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $53; 5 to 8.5 credits, $106; 9 or more credits, $159

For passport information, visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2008. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in your short essay, giving the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.*

All applicants must send in the application form. To register, complete the Adobe.pdf printable registration form or the Word.doc printable registration form and return it with:

• the $1,000 application fee (nonrefundable unless applicant is not selected) to be applied toward the class fee
• *a short essay (course background, previous travel, etc.)
• a current, unofficial transcript
• a sealed letter of recommendation form from your adviser or a faculty member with whom you have studied

All applicants will be screened by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Extended to March 17, 2008

Return all items together to:

Summer Education Abroad Programs
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park  PA  16802

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-5170.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Dr. Julia Cuervo Hewitt
The Pennsylvania State University
211 Burrowes Building
University Park  PA  16802
Phone: 814-865-4252 or 814-863-2910
Fax: 814-863-7944
E-mail: jch11@psu.edu

Dr. Javier Escudero
On-site Director
Brazil Cultural
E-mail: study@brazilcultural.com

Anita de Melo
The Pennsylvania State University
246N Burrowes Building
University Park  PA  16802
Phone: 814-865-4252
Fax: 814-863-7944
E-mail: apd15@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5170
Fax: 814-863-5190
E-mail: SummerAbroad@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority scholarship information, visit the financial aid and scholarships page.