MISTI Brazil Home Page

MISTI Brazil matches MIT undergraduate and graduate students with projects in Brazil as part of the MISTI Global Classroom 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.

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. 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.

LANGUAGE

Undergraduates: 2 semesters Portuguese a language is highly recommended. Portuguese I is a mandatory requirement for internship, except for those who can demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese language.

Portuguese I is offered in the Fall 2026 and during IAP 2027. For more information about MIT Global Languages Portuguese Program click here

Further questions contact Professor Nilma Dominique at nilmad [at] mit.edu (nilmad[at]mit[dot]edu)

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

How to Apply

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 2027 MIT Global Classrooms in Brazil

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 2027 Program Opportunities

**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))