Housing
During the first month of the program you’ll live in a prearranged Brazilian homestay. Your homestay host will be determined based on the preferences you provide before departure.
After the first month, you may continue with the same homestay or arrange to rent an apartment. Most students who move to apartments live with students from the same program.
Homestay
A homestay helps you immerse in the local culture and Portuguese language. Homestays are a common living arrangement for Brazilian university students and young professionals. Your homestay will consist of a rented room in a Brazilian apartment in the Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, or Gávea neighborhood of southern Rio de Janeiro. Sometimes a second international or UC student will live in the same homestay. As a boarder in the home, your host may not include you in their daily activities.
Accommodations
- Private bedroom
- Shared bathroom
- Off campus
- Meal plan (two-three meals daily)
Live with
- Local residents
- International students
- UC students
Commute
An average commute to class is 15–30 minutes by public transportation. Most students take the bus, but some are close enough to walk or ride a bike.
Apartment
With an abundance of social media and online rental sites for research, you can find and rent an apartment with other students on your program. The attractive residential neighborhoods of southern Rio, Botafogo, Humaitá, Gávea, Ipanema, Jardim Botânico, and Leblon are recommended for their relatively affordable prices and young, creative feel. Across Rio you’ll find tree- and shop-lined streets with many hidden pockets of charm and community. The buildings are typically older, but most apartments have been renovated to be interesting to young single professionals, families, and couples.
Accommodations
- Private or shared bedroom
- Private or shared bathroom
- Off campus
- No meal plan
Live with
- International students
- UC students
- US students
Commute
You’ll commute to class by public transportation and the length of your commute will depend on the neighborhood you choose to stay in.