MISTI Brazil matches MIT undergraduate and graduate students with projects in Brazil as part of the MISTI Global Classroom, MISTI Global Teaching Labs, and a variety of internship opportunities—both in industry and in university research labs. Spanning from areas as diverse as biotechnology and civil engineering to artificial intelligence and management, MIT students experience one-of-a-kind opportunities to expand their horizons by experiencing Brazilian culture while closely collaborating with supervisors, colleagues and students on a socially, scientifically, economically and/ or technologically relevant project.
Program Opportunities
Internships
MISTI’s award-winning international internship program provides a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience for MIT students: the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in leading organizations around the world. Best of all, all expenses are paid, including airfare.
MISTI Brazil works with an ever growing network of host organizations across all sectors. If the MIT student is committed to going to Brazil and wants to study the language, we commit to finding and securing opportunities outside of our existing network. Internships typically last from 10-12 weeks during the summer, though longer placements can also be arranged. Key sectors include: computer science and artificial intelligence, biotech, pharma, life sciences, fintech and financial services, materials science and engineering, design, architecture, and sustainability.
- Mandatory pre-departure training on Brazilian culture, travel logistics, health and safety
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Recommended to have had a UROP or other relevant professional experience (internships, work experience), but not mandatory.
- A culture course and participation in other MISTI Brazil campus events is strongly encouraged.
- Spots for first year students are extremely limited. First year students are encouraged to delay applying to the program until their sophomore year, unless they are committed to Brazil and taking Portuguese classes. Talk to the MISTI Brazil director if you have questions.
LANGUAGE
Undergraduates: 2 semesters Portuguese language courses OR equivalent proficiency. Check out Portuguese language courses at MIT. We also encourage MIT students who are proficient in Spanish to apply (it is easier to learn Portuguese).
The language requirement can be waived, depending on the placement with some Brazilian hosts/ internship opportunities that require a specific background. Talk to the MISTI Brazil director.
Graduate students: Language requirement waived. Placement will depend on available internships and funding opportunities.
- Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact program lead to schedule.
- Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – By February 15th.
- Schedule official Interview with Brazil Program Director – September to February 15th (Schedule interview as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
- After Launchpad process, notify program staff by email you wish to complete the Brazil-Specific Application
- Internship matching process – October to March
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Mid-March to Early May, and MISTI Brazil campus events encouraged throughout the year for further enrichment.
- Begin Internship – Late May / Early June
- End Internship – Mid-Late August
Global Teaching Labs
MIT Global Teaching Labs in Brazil: Learn Through Teaching and Collaboration
MIT Global Teaching Labs (GTL) empower MIT students to deepen their knowledge by teaching it. These immersive programs challenge participants to synthesize complex concepts, work in diverse teams, and communicate across cultures—all while sharing MIT’s hands-on, problem-solving approach to science and engineering education.
In Brazil, GTLs typically take place during January (MIT’s IAP), which aligns with the Brazilian summer break. Rather than traditional classroom teaching, MIT students co-design and co-facilitate thematic, week-long workshops in collaboration with peers from Brazilian partner universities. These interdisciplinary workshops—ranging from artificial intelligence and sustainability to entrepreneurship and design—are geared toward high school students and early undergraduates, offering meaningful educational engagement in a dynamic, cross-cultural setting. Some opportunities may also be available during the June–August period.
We won't have GTL in Brazil during IAP 2026.
We may have spots for GTLs during Summer 2026 for students who commit to Summer internships. We are looking for MIT students who want to share their love for learning with Brazilian low-income high schoolers. Past workshops are:
- "Polymers of Soccer" (multiple one-week long sessions).
- "Build-a-thon of a Rover" (one three week-long session) in Brazil's semi-arid region. *This may take place during Summer 2026*
- APPLICATION DUE: For GTL in other countries, deadline here
There will be no GTL in Brazil January 2026.
Minimum GPA of 4.0 and willing to fully commit to a challenging teaching project.
We are looking for students who are:
- Passionate about teaching/learning and ability to excite about STEAM+Design concepts (with or without prior teaching experience) both in front of classroom and 1-on-1;
- Ready to commit full-time to host and project during IAP and spend several hours/week during semester from Oct. to Dec. to develop workshops;
- Able to lead and manage groups of 10-15 students, as well as guide and mentor individually;
- Adaptable (you will be part of a diverse team and will work and live in a new culture);
- Interested in participating in MISTI Brazil GTL for 2 consecutive years (a commitment is highly valued)
- Experienced in teaching beginner-level English speakers (highly valued for select placements).
LANGUAGE
NO GTL IN BRAZIL IAP 2026.
We will require intermediate knowledge of Portuguese, since the MIT students will need to work with Brazilian high schoolers who are not proficient. (Check out Portuguese Language taught at MIT)
If you are Brazilian and would like to be part of a GTL team, please email mit-brazil [at] mit.edu (mit-brazil[at]mit[dot]edu)
DATES AND DURATION
Projects run about 3-4 weeks in January, starting on the first day of IAP and ending the Friday before the first day of classes.
From the time your candidacy is accepted until you arrive in Brazil in January, your team will meet frequently. You will also work independently to brainstorm ideas, prepare lesson plans, and procure and test materials. Teams will also coordinate with in-country partners and host school teachers via phone, Zoom, etc. You also must commit to attending 3-4 training sessions in October/November on teaching skills and Brazilian culture and education.
FUNDING
We've got you covered for all necessities: airfare, housing, and stipend for basic living expenses.
- APPLICATION DUE: See GTL deadline here
PLACEMENT PROCESS
- Oct: Pre-selected students are invited to interview shortly after application deadline.
- Nov - Dec: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
- Jan: Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks.
- Feb: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
Global Classroom
MIT-Brazil Global Classrooms are immersive, faculty-led academic experiences that take place in Brazil over a concentrated 3-week period during IAP or the summer. As credit-bearing courses, these programs require substantial academic preparation in the months leading up to travel and demand a high level of engagement from students while in-country. Designed to connect MIT students with pressing global challenges—such as sustainability, health, and innovation—or to explore Brazilian society and culture in depth, these Global Classrooms use Brazil itself as a living laboratory. Through fieldwork, collaboration with local institutions, and hands-on learning, students gain critical insights while earning academic credit. This is not a study tour—it's a serious academic endeavor that combines MIT’s rigor with global immersion.
IAP 2026 MIT Global Classrooms in Brazil
10.496/1.096: Design of Sustainable Polymer Systems in the Amazon - Manaus, Brazil
Contact: Rosabelli Coelho (rlck [at] mit.edu (mit-brazil[at]mit[dot]edu))
WGS.247: Race, Place, and Modernity in the Americas - São Paulo, Brazil
Contact: Dr. Joaquin Terrones (jsterron [at] mit.edu (jsterron[at]mit[dot]edu))
- Global Classroom Application for MIT students
- In-person interview of first-round of selected students as part of the selection process
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Mandatory pre-departure training on Brazilian culture, travel logistics, health and safety
- Encouraged to attend all MISTI Brazil events.
Global Classroom: IAP 2026 Program Opportunities
**10.496 / 1.096: Design of Sustainable Polymer Systems in the Amazon**
• Where: Manaus, Brazil
• Application Opens: August 27
• Application Deadline: September 23 at 11:59 PM
• Contact: Rosabelli Coelho (mit-brazil [at] mit.edu (mit-brazil[at]mit[dot]edu))
**WGS.247: Race, Place, and Modernity in the Americas**
• Where: São Paulo, Brazil
• Application Opens: September 3
• Application Deadline: September 23 at 11:59 PM
• Contact: Dr. Joaquin Terrones (jsterron [at] mit.edu (jsterron[at]mit[dot]edu))
MISTI Brazil Brochure
Creating Scientific, Intellectual and Cultural bridges between MIT and Brazil
Meet the Director
Get in touch with Rosabelli Coelho, Managing Director for MIT-Brazil, to get your questions answered.