The birthplace of samba and of course, Carnival, Brazil has an energy and vitality all its own. The fifth largest country in the world, Brazil is exceeded in size only by Russia, Canada, China, and the United States. It covers about half of South America, and borders every South American nation except Chile and Ecuador. Its 4,600 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Brazil has a varied landscape, from the Amazon jungle in the north to the cosmopolitan cities and beaches in the south. The population is just as diverse—Brazilians are of Japanese, Portuguese, German, Italian, Syrian and African descent. Most of Brazil's population is concentrated along its coastline, although the capital, Brasília, is located inland.

Brazil has a humid tropical and subtropical climate. Temperatures in Brazil are remarkably uniform during the summer months (November to April), averaging about 79° F over most of the lowlands, and a few degrees less in the highlands, depending on elevation. In the Brazilian highlands, winter temperatures are about 68° F. and are even lower toward the south where Curitiba, at 3,000-feet elevation, averages 57° F. in June and July.

Brazilians are known for being warm-hearted, friendly, happy and outgoing people. The country is famous for its outstanding soccer matches, and of course Carnival!

Programs in Brazil

Adults:

Volunteer

Teens:

High School Abroad

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