Am I eligible for the program?

Language: Have working language of either English or Portuguese and be able to both write and collaborate with local scholars in one of those two languages;

Education: Interns must be enrolled in an accredited university, either coursing their bachelors or masters;

Experience: N/A

What is the period of the program?

Interns may apply to participate of the Internship at BPC for at least 02 weeks and maximum 01 year.

Is there any stipend for the program?

No, the internship program is on a volunteer basis.

What activities do interns carry out during the program?

During the program, interns are expected to:

How to Apply

To apply for the program, candidates need to send an e-mail to bpc@bricspolicycenter.org or atendimento@bricspolicycenter.org with the following documents:

  • The completed and signed application form that can be found here.
  • A curriculum vitae (resumé), in Portuguese or English;
  • 2 letters of recommendation from sources familiar with the applicant’s research and professional record (optional);
  • Writing sample: past publication or manuscript (in English or Portuguese), preferably on a theme relevant to the proposed project (optional);
  • Research/ Project Proposal: Please indicate, in a preference order, up to 03 research groups and/or themes you would like to cope with while at BPC, and submit 2-3 pages that include research question and relevance, literature review, methods, and timeline;
  • Statement of Purpose: 1 page statement of purpose explaining how the stay at BPC will help in carrying out the project;
  • Main Pages of Passport: first pages with personal information including number and expiration date.

As the BRICS Policy Center is part of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, all interns must be enrolled at the university. Once the candidate is approved by BPC, interns will have to complete their applications through the International Office (CCCI) of PUC-Rio. Therefore, a separated step-by-step instruction of this process will be sent to each candidate. Every intern is required to pay a fee of 900 reals to the CCCI. The fee enrolls them in a program that involves:

·         Welcome at the airport and airport pick-up (on specified dates)
These services are provided at the International Airport only

·         Orientation week

·         Online Portuguese placement test

·         Assistance with the Federal Police registration (Immigration)

·         Welcome lunch

·         Tourist/cultural activities

·         City tour of Rio de Janeiro

·         Field trip, Welcome reception

·         Social gathering

·         Assistance throughout the internship / Fellowship

What are the health concerns?

An international health insurance is mandatory to participate in the internship program. A digital copy of it should be sent to BPC before the intern arrives in Rio de Janeiro.

In Brazil there is no law obligation to attest any specific vaccination. However, before traveling, is recommended to get the yellow fever shot and to have an updated vaccination card.

Do I need a visa to participate in the program?

When applying for the program is very important to get in touch with the Brazilian Consulate/Embassy of your jurisdiction and check the need to get a visa. All concerns about legal bureaucracy are entirely of the intern’s responsibility. In case a visa is required, you can ask for BPC to provide an invitation letter with your personal data for the Consulate/Embassy visa’s process.

OTHER INFORMATION

What is the Brazilian currency?

The currency in Brazil is the Real [R$]. Updated information about the exchange rate can be found at: http://www4.bcb.gov.br/pec/taxas/port/ptaxnpesq.asp?id=txcotacao

What is the weather like in Rio?

The weather in Rio is mostly sunny and warm during the whole year with occasional rain, mainly during summer. It is important to notice that we have high temperatures (usually more than 30°C) from October to April. During winter our temperatures usually vary from 15°C to 25°C.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab]

Air Tickets

Will BPC purchase the air ticket to/from Rio?

No. The costs referents to airline tickets are entirely of the intern’s responsibility.

Accommodation

How can interns find accommodation in Rio?

Interns are responsible for finding and paying for their own lodging. As renting an apartment can be a very bureaucratic process, once most of the rental company staff does not speak English, the process of arranging housing must be started in advance. Before arranging this type of accommodation, we strongly recommend that the interns check out the intended apartment at the company’s website to make sure that it is suitable. More information about this will be provided after you are approved to the program.

 

Where is BPC located and what is the cost of accommodation in Rio?

The BPC is located in Laranjeiras, a beautiful neighborhood in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Despite its beauty, it’s not exactly a tourist district, as Copacabana or Ipanema would be, which reduces the housing available near the research center. However, this doesn’t mean that living near the BPC is impossible: it is possible to find reasonable accommodation rates in Laranjeiras or in nearby neighborhoods such as Flamengo and Botafogo for between 3500 and 6000 reais.

Transportation

How do Rio’s public and private transportation systems work?

The Rio de Janeiro transportation system consists of buses, trains, subway and taxis/ubers. More detailed information about this will be provided in a guideline after you are approved to the program.

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