Program Duration

Fall semester: Early August - Mid-December
Spring semester: Late February - Mid-July
Calendar Year: Late February - Mid December

Program Description

The University of Wisconsin-Madison exchange program in Belo Horizonte allows students the opportunity to directly enroll at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). This exchange program provides students the opportunity to improve their Portuguese language skills while learning about Brazilian culture.

Belo Horizonte, a city of over three million people, is located in the state of Minas Gerais which is known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and vibrant economy. This area includes wealthy colonial cities such as Ouro Preto, as well as beautiful baroque architecture. Belo Horizonte was founded in 1897 as the first planned city in the Brazilian Republic and was designated the capital of Minas Gerais. The city is also a leading cultural center, with more than three universities, a historical museum, numerous libraries, and sports stadiums. Belo Horizonte is built on several hills and is completely surrounded by mountains; this city is located in the center of the state of Minas Gerais and only six kilometers from the Serra do Curral, Mina Gerais’ highest point that offers a magnificent view of the city. With an average temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit and claims of having more culinary and entertainment establishments than most cities in Brazil, it is no wonder that the city was named the “city with the best quality of life in Latin America.”

Academics

Established in 1927, UFMG has been ranked first among all Brazilian national public and private institutions of higher learning according to an official evaluation by the Brazil’s Ministry of Education. UFMG includes two campuses and seven off-campus centers. It offers forty-four undergraduate programs and has an enrollment of around 20,000 students in nearly one hundred departments. Students participating in this program enroll in regular UFMG undergraduate courses with Brazilian and other international students. Courses are available in art, geography, history, literature, philosophy, political science, sociology, and many other disciplines.

Housing

Upon arrival in Belo Horizonte, participants can arrange to live with a Brazilian host family for a modest fee. Living with a host family is one of the best ways to be immersed into the culture and language of Brazil. Breakfast is included with the host family placement. After two weeks, participants can decide whether to continue living with the host family or find alternative accommodations in Belo Horizonte.

Excursions and Activities

The UFMG International Relations Office provides a week long orientation to UFMG and Belo Horizonte for all international students. The orientation includes an academic overview of UFMG, campus tour, tour of Belo Horizonte, cultural activities, and a trip to the Federal Police for student registration. The International Relations Office also serves as a resource for students throughout their time at UFMG. The UFMG campus also has a university sports center that students can access.

Belo Horizonte’s location makes it a booming cultural center; it is halfway between Brasilia, the capital city, and the metropolises of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Local transportation makes it easy to visit these other cities and several areas in the state of Minas Gerais.