Spending an academic year in Brazil gives you the unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culture and festive spirit. One of the most unforgettable highlights of your exchange may be experiencing Carnival—Brazil’s world-famous celebration. Whether you’re watching a samba school perform in Rio or enjoying a smaller community celebration with your host family, Carnival is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

But it doesn’t stop there—throughout the year, you’ll also celebrate beloved holidays like “Festa Junina”, where students wear traditional outfits, dance the “quadrilha”, and enjoy festive foods like sweet corn cake and “paçoca”. These celebrations aren’t just fun—they’re meaningful ways to bond with your host community and experience Brazilian traditions firsthand.

High school in Brazil is called “Ensino Médio,” and the academic year runs from February to December, with a 2–3 week winter break in July and a longer summer vacation from December to late January. School day ends pretty early in Brazil, giving you enough time to do after-school activities and socialize with friends.