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Forest and Soil Ecosystem Services
Brazil-US Student Exchange

Brazilian Universities

Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Minas Gerais, Brazil
Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil

Curriculum to complete the program

  • OPEN to GRADUATE and UNDERGRADUATE students
  • 12 hours: 6 hours at UF and 6 hours at a Brazilian university (must be a full time student at the Brazilian university – 12 total while studying abroad; but if on assistantship talk to Dr. Comerford as something can be worked out)
  • Courses selected from an approved list including one mandatory foundation course in Forest and Soil Ecosystem Services (SOS 6932, Fall semester, 3h). Course can also count toward your major or minor if permissible.
  • Certificate in Forest and Soil Ecosystem Services
  • Approved Courses for the Certificate

Requirements

  1. Student in Good Standing.
  2. Fluency in Spanish or Functional in Portuguese. At least a semester of Portuguese if you have some Spanish in your background is necessary. Two semesters would be useful. See below for summer Portuguese programs.

Process

  1. Approved for the Exchange Program (Dr. Comerford)
  2. Sign up with the International Center ($250 fee; Contact the International Center)
  3. Fill out course list to take in Brazil
  4. Decide when the foundation course will be taken
  5. Apply to UFV, UFT or UFPR  (See Dr. Comerford for Forms).
  6. Receive a letter from Brazilian university with approval to study. This letter must be used in the application for a Visa.
  7. Apply for a Visa to study in Brazil at the Miami Consulate (see Dr. Comerford or Dr. Bowen)
  8. Boa Viagem

In-country arrangements
All in country arrangements for housing and registration for classes will be made with the program representative at UFV, UFT, or UFPR. See Dr. Comerford for contacts. You will live with Brazilian students who are attending the same university.

Financial Concerns (all $$ are estimates; the actual cost depends on your style of living and costs are based on UFV. UFPR will be a bit more expensive and UFT about the same or less expensive)
Estimated Costs
Round trip airfare: <$900 to $1500; depending on time of year and cost of gas
Monthly Room and Board:  $330-$450 ($1650 - $2250)
Books: $120
Total Cost: $2670 to $3870

APPROVED STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TRAVEL GRANTS UP TO $2,200.
SEE DR. COMERFORD OR DR. BOWEN FOR DETAILS

SEE THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR OTHER SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

(Compare this to the cost of living in Gainesville for a semester at about $3,500 assuming rent and utilities @ $400/month, food @$200/month and books @ $500)

For More Information Contact:
Dr. Nicholas Comerford 
North Florida Research and Education Center 
nbc@ufl.edu 
850-875-7116

Dr. Walter Bown
IFAS International Programs
wbowen@ufl.edu
352-392-1965