Since its inception more than a decade ago, the mission of the MIT-Brazil program has evolved. Our focus for the second decade of the program is to maintain and strengthen the ties developed between MIT and Brazil through existing and new outgoing (MISTI/ MIT to Brazil) and incoming (Brazil to MIT) programs.

We are driven by the belief that it is through the connection of talented individuals and their exposure to different points of view via hands-on projects that creative and sustainable solutions emerge to address the scientific, technological, environmental, social, economic, and institutional challenges confronting the twenty-first-century world. The MIT-Brazil program constantly seeks to foster valuable and long-lasting partnerships with leading Brazilian organizations (companies, research institutes, universities, startups, government agencies), grounded in the educational exchange made possible through research, teaching, career development activities as well as innovation and entrepreneurship joint initiatives.

Through the MISTI program, MIT-Brazil matches MIT undergraduate and graduate students with projects in Brazil as part of the MIT Global Startup Labs, MIT 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.

MIT-Brazil matches MIT students with internships and research opportunities at leading companies, research labs and universities in Brazil. Internships can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months and the program expenses are covered. Most of the opportunities are customized and require dedication from the MIT student and Brazilian host who together work with the Managing Director. Some opportunities can be offered by the hosts without customization, and will be listed here MISTI Brazil Handshake Career Center. If you find a host of your interest, please schedule a conversation by sending an email to mit-brazil [at] mit.edu.

Minimum GPA of 4.0

LANGUAGE

Undergraduates: 2-4 semesters Portuguese language courses OR equivalent proficiency. We also encourage MIT students who are proficient in Spanish to apply (it is easier to learn Portuguese). The language can be waived (placement with specific Brazilian hosts/ internship opportunities).
Graduate students: Language requirement waived depending on available internships

Check out Portuguese language courses at MIT

PREREQUISITES

Undergraduates: No prerequisites
Graduate students: No prerequisites

1.      Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application

2.      Schedule a conversation with Brazil Program Director – from October to February (as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete) https://calendly.com/rosabelli_mitbrazil

3.      Select MIT-Brazil Program as your top choice in MISTI Launchpad Application (Step 10: Select Program Choice)  –  December 1st or rolling thereafter.

4.      Complete Brazil application – January 1st, or rolling thereafter. The latest that we accept students interested is Feb 1st.

5.      Internship matching process – January to March

6.      Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Late March to Early May

 

How to Apply

 

Global Teaching Labs

Learn through teaching. GTL challenges MIT students to synthesize and present what they know, work in a team, and communicate with peers of a different cultural background, all while sharing MIT's unique approach to science and engineering education with high school students around the world. GTLs are often thematic and offered in several country options per IAP.

GTLs in Brazil mostly take place during Brazil's summer (MIT's IAP), while schools are not in session. Brazil Teaching Labs often thematic and designed as week-long workshops. Some workshops may be run during June-August. For IAP 2023 we are looking for MIT students who want to sharing their love for learning with Brazilian low-income high schoolers. This year's workshops are a "Build-a-thon of a Rover" (one three week-long session) in Brazil's semi-arid region, and teaching about the "Polymers of Soccer" (multiple one-week long sessions). If you would like to know more, please apply by September 22 through MISTI's application portal and select Brazil as your first option. 

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 MIT-Brazil GTL for 2 consecutive years (a commitment is highly valued)

- Experienced in teaching beginner-level English speakers (highly valued for select placements).

LANGUAGE

Portuguese is NOT required for most placements, but beginner Portuguese ability is valued. (Check out Portuguese Language taught at MIT)

Advanced Portuguese language ability is highly valued for select placements. If you are Brazilian and would like to be part of a GTL team, please email mit-brazil [at] mit.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.

      PLACEMENT PROCESS

  • Sep after deadline: Applications reviewed; select students contacted for interview
  • Late Sept - Early October: Interviews (students will teach a topic in 10 minute and bring a workshop suggestion)
  • October (second week): Letters of acceptance are sent out to the selected students
  • October (third week): Commitment from accepted students due
  • October-early December: Mandatory training sessions and travel logistics

Global Startup Labs

Through Global Startup Labs (GSL), MIT student teams teach app development and entrepreneurship among budding university students around the world.

TRAVEL TO BRAZIL - HELP START COMPANIES - MAKE AN IMPACT

MISTI MIT-Brazil Global Startup Labs (GSL) at Universidade Tiradentes in Aracaju, Brazil, will help 20-30 budding health/life sciences entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality in January 2023 

We are recruiting passionate MIT students who enjoy learning how to/ building startups in amazing places to be part of the INSTRUCTORS TEAM. 

We offer a competitive stipend. Travel to and lodging in Brazil will also be included. 

If you are adventurous, energetic and ready to have an amazing experience, email mit-brazil [at] mit.edu () for more details.

Please send us your resume in a format that highlights your core entrepreneurial, technical competencies, and / or health Informatics and Analytics skills as demonstrated in the sample profiles listed below. 

Deadline to apply - Same as GTL for the IAP 2023 cycle

Sample Profile (Entrepreneurial)

  • Experience identifying the steps required to take an idea from conception to production
  • Systems thinking
  • Prototyping software applications
  • Good leadership skills 

Sample Profile (Technical)

  • Experience in modern web technologies: Python, Ruby, NodeJS, JavaScript, or similar
  • Experience developing mobile apps on Android or iOS 

Sample Profile (Health Informatics & Analytics)

  • Knowledge of Health Topics (Challenges, Solutions, Research, Data Systems...)
  • Understand Health Information Acquisition and Storage
  • Expertise in Health Data Privacy Regulations
  • GSL Application
  • Interview
  • Minimum GPA of 4.0
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure preparation
  • Encouraged to attend all MIT-Brazil Forum events.
  • Familiarity with entrepreneurship and/or engineering teaching methodologies 

TBA

Global Seed Funds for MIT-Brazil

MIT-Brazil promotes collaboration and joint research projects between MIT faculty and researchers in Brazil through the MIT-Brazil Seed Funds, part of the MIT Global Seed Funds. The engagement in these joint, faculty-led programs bring together students, academics, engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from MIT and Brazil. In line with MIT’s mission to develop in each member of the community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind, we hope to continue expanding the opportunities for further collaboration and research while reducing the gaps between Brazil and MIT. Since 2010 the past Brazil funds supported more than 80 faculty grants. We are are now actively fundraising for a new MIT-Brazil Seed Fund.

USP and FUNDAJ
Berke Saat with Rodrigo Deliberato (his supervisor) and Big Data team at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo

MIT-Brazil TVML Seed Fund

Since 2016 the MIT-Brazil TVML Seed Fund’s goal has been to build bridges between faculty and researchers at MIT and their counterparts at Insper College and Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Brazil. The grant covers travel and workshops costs for researchers and students from MIT and the partnering organization in Brazil for an 18-month grant period. The Fund is focused on key issues of engineering and life sciences.

Learn more about this fund
Scratch Conference
Prof Ben Schneider and Brazilian Seed Fund collaborators during 2018 workshop on the MIT campus_2

MIT-Brazil Lemann Seed Fund

The MIT-Brazil Lemann Seed Fund supports new collaborations between faculty and research scientists at MIT and their counterparts in Brazil. Projects will focus on education policy, educational technology and educational reform.

Renewable Energy Internships in Rio de Janeiro

MIT-Brazil Brochure

Creating Scientific, Intellectual and Cultural bridges between MIT and Brazil

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Students & Rosa

Get in touch with Rosabelli Coelho, Managing Director for MIT-Brazil, to get your questions answered.