São Paulo Connection
A 30-Day High School Experience in São Paulo State, Brazil
Spend a month living and learning in São Paulo State, Brazil - attending a local high school, staying with a host family, and experiencing daily life in one of the world’s most culturally rich regions.
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This is not a tour.
It’s not a summer camp.
It’s real school, real family life, and real cultural exchange.
Where in Brazil?
The programme is run by the Department of Education of São Paulo State (SEDUC-SP).
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Students will be placed in established regional towns including:
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Itapetininga
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São Roque
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Bauru
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Capivari
These are welcoming, community-based towns rather than large metropolitan centres. Schools are locally integrated and supported by regional coordinators.
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Students will experience everyday Brazilian life in environments that are structured, supervised, and community-focused.
Why Brazil?
Brazil is energetic, creative, and culturally diverse.
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Through our direct partnership with São Paulo State, Irish students will join local Brazilian schools and communities for a 30-day exchange this July.
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You won’t just visit Brazil.
You’ll take part in it.
What the Programme Includes
The São Paulo Connection is a scholarship programme supported by our Brazilian partners.
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Funded in Brazil:
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High school tuition and placement
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Host family accommodation
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Daily meals with your host family
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Local coordination and student support
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Cultural activities and excursions
Students will travel as a group from Ireland and will be supported throughout their stay by local coordinators in São Paulo State.
Not included:
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International flights
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Travel insurance
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Personal spending money
Who is This For?
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Irish secondary school students aged 15–17
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Transition Year or Senior Cycle
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Curious about the world
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Open to new cultures
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Willing to step outside their comfort zone
No Portuguese is required.
You’ll learn naturally through daily life and school.
Places are limited.
Living With a Host Family
Students will live with carefully coordinated local Brazilian host families, either individually or in small groups.
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This is where much of the learning happens.
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Shared meals.
Conversations.
Daily routines.
Small cultural differences that will gradually feel normal.
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It’s structured, supported and immersive.
Our Partnership
High Schools International has been welcoming Brazilian student groups to Ireland for several years.
The São Paulo Connection builds on that established relationship - this time creating an opportunity for Irish students to experience life in Brazil through our direct partnership with São Paulo State’s Department of Education.
The Experience in 30 Days
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New friendships
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A different education system
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A new language environment
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Greater independence
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A broader view of the world
Students return more confident, more adaptable, and more aware.
Interested?
If you’re a student, or a parent, or even an Irish school, and would like more information, register your interest below.
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We’ll share confirmed dates, application details, and next steps as they are finalised.
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Places are limited. Early registrations will take priority.
Register Your Interest
Complete the short form below to express your interest in the São Paulo Connection.
There is no obligation at this stage.
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We’ll be in touch with further information about dates, flights, and the application process.
FAQ
Is there a programme fee?
There is no programme fee payable to HSI or to our Brazilian partners. School tuition, host family accommodation, meals, and local coordination in Brazil are funded by São Paulo State.
Families are responsible for international flights, travel insurance, and personal spending money during the stay.
Is this in the city of São Paulo?
No. Students are placed in established regional towns within São Paulo State, in partnership with the local Department of Education.
Do students need Portuguese?
No prior Portuguese is required.
Is there supervision?
Yes. Students travel as a group from Ireland and are supported locally by coordinators throughout the programme.
When does it take place?
Planned for July. Exact dates will be confirmed shortly.
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