From the lively rhythms of samba to the rich flavors of Brazilian cuisine, there's so much to explore and immerse yourself in while visiting Brazil. The warmth and hospitality of Brazilian's can make you feel right at home, despite being thousands of miles away.
Rio de Janeiro, also known as “Cidade Maravilhosa,” –wonderful city– always has something to explore. I have been studying abroad in Rio for seven months, and life feels like a dream. My arrival in Rio was “unplanned” in the sense that I did not know much about the country, but this allowed me to embark on a “non-traditional” study abroad experience. Today we will discuss safety, culture, and things I wish I knew before coming to Brazil.
Safety
Safety is often a concern for international students, especially with Rio's reputation for crime, but there are safe areas and precautions you can take. For example, avoid walking with all your valuables, refrain from walking the streets at night, and explore the city with locals for added safety.
Rio is divided into four districts: Zona Sul (South Zone), Oeste, Norte, and Centro. However, you will likely spend most of your time in Zona Sul. Zonal Sul (South Zone) contains some of the prime attractions, such as Cristo Redeemer, the famous beaches, and the Sugarloaf Mountain.
It is important to note that Brazil has a significant income gap in terms of representation and access to resources. Zona Sul has the wealthiest neighborhoods in Rio, so it has frequent police patrols. Learning about the local culture, understanding the dos and don’ts, and staying informed about current safety tips will enhance your experience.
Language
If you have no prior experience with Portuguese, don’t be afraid to study abroad in Brazil. You will find creative ways of overcoming language barriers, just like I did. I was able to improve my Portuguese significantly, although I had little exposure to the language before arriving. When unsure, download the offline version of Google Translate for assistance.
Before coming to Brazil, I recommend Rocket Languages which offers a course on Brazilian Portuguese along with cultural information and mannerisms. I found it surprisingly easy to socialize despite my limited knowledge of Portuguese. Click here for more information.
Mannerisms
During my time in Brazil, I've observed that Brazilians are sociable and community-oriented. In times of need, I have found individuals willing to help. One day at a store, I tried to buy detergent but didn’t know the name in Portuguese. I gently taped the person next to me and asked if this was the correct brand. When she realized I wasn’t a local, she said no and pointed me to other options. When in doubt, ask for help!
Something else to keep in mind is that in Brazil, people greet each other with a hug or kiss on the cheek. At my school orientation, they brought up how Brazilians are affectionate and contact-based individuals, so it is natural to be up close and personal. If you feel uncomfortable, make your boundaries known, and people will respect them. This custom was not a culture shock for me, as I am Ivorian, and we also greet people with a kiss on both cheeks.
Home Stay
During my first semester in Rio, I chose to live with a host family provided by my school, a choice I recommend if you’re staying for a semester. I got to try homemade Brazilian foods and improve my Portuguese.
A memorable experience during my stay was when my family prepared a traditional meal from my country. I am Ivorian, so eating attiéké (made out of cassava leaves) is what we commonly eat, but it is only made in West African countries.
When I visited the biggest city in Latin America, São Paulo, I was able to find some and bring it back to Rio for my family to try. One day, my host family prepared the meal by finding a recipe online. The beauty of exchange is getting to share your culture with others while learning about theirs.
Housing
If you’re unable to pursue a homestay, I suggest exploring WebQuarto and Roomgo for alternative accommodations. I used these sites this semester to find my current place, and friends have too. QuintoAndar is another option for renting apartments.
Making payments in cash is common, as transferring money within Brazil is complicated for foreigners and requires a CPF.
Additionally, I recommend browsing for rooms before arriving, but avoid making deposits without seeing the place in person. Most places require you to move within a one-week period.
CPF/PIX/Cell Phone Plans/Payment
During your stay in Brazil, you will frequently hear of Pix and CPF. A CPF is a Brazilian identification number necessary for tasks such as obtaining a cellphone plan and purchasing football tickets, among other essentials. The easiest way to obtain your CPF is while you're in Brazil, but I recommend that you research how to obtain it prior to arriving.
Another important tool in Brazil is PIX, which is an instant payment method used to transfer money between Brazilian bank accounts. While I currently do not have Pix, due to the complexity of acquiring one, it is valuable for long-term stays. Certain street vendors exclusively accept Pix or cash, so carry cash or find friends capable of making Pix payments.
Additionally, I suggest securing a cellphone plan before your arrival, as you may not have access to Pix during your initial weeks. You can then transition to a Brazilian plan later on.
Transportation
Public transportation in Rio can be unreliable, mainly due to traffic. The metro, Uber, and 99 (a Brazilian version of Uber) are the most fast and secure transportation options.
As of now, a single train ticket costs R$ 7.70 ($1.50 USD), while a bus ticket costs R$ 4.30 (less than a dollar). You can pay with your phone at the metro, but cash or a prepaid fare card is required for bus rides. You can get this card at the metro.
Another option is walking in Zona Sul (South Zone), Santa Teresa, and other neighborhoods, which is easy and allows you to explore the city. The areas are packed with museums, beaches, and restaurants. Avoid walking or taking the bus very late at night.
Culture/Racism
When I inform Brazilians that I am Ivorian, they often express excitement and genuine interest in learning more about my country. Recently, a Brazilian friend told me that Costa do Marfim (Cote d’Ivoire) is one of the most beautiful names for a country.
Brazil was the largest importer of enslaved people —more than five million— during colonial times. About 50 percent of Brazilians identify as black or mixed, which is often used to argue that Brazil does not suffer from racism or racial discrimination.
If you're a person of color coming to Rio, you might notice subtle hints, comments, and stares from people. For example, in my Brazilian history class, we learned about the myth of racial democracy, which denies the existence of racism in Brazil. When I lived in Copacabana, I was surprised by how often some people assumed that I was working in the building I lived in. This is mostly due to the gap in social class and inequality. Click Here for more information.
Likewise, it's very refreshing to see a society that takes pride in its heritage and welcomes people from different cultures. I have connected with and valued my Ivorian roots while being in Brazil.
I would recommend taking classes on Brazilian history to understand the complexity of this beautiful country.
Food
As you walk around Rio, you will encounter many stands of açaí, tapioca, and hot dogs. Açaí is a fruit found in the Amazon typically consumed as an ice-cold beverage, while tapioca (cassava flour) is the Brazilian equivalent of crepes. These are typical Brazilian street foods.
Feijão com arroz (black beans with rice), feijoada (salted pork cooked with black beans), and Brazilian-style stroganoff are common meals in Rio. These are stable foods in many Brazilian households, often topped with farofa, “dried cassava flour,” or patata palha (dried potato sticks).
If you plan on eating out frequently, it might be difficult to find meals with vegetables. However, street vendors, markets, and grocery stores offer a variety of vegetables, fruits, and cooking ingredients.
School
As I mentioned earlier, I attend PUC Rio, one of the top universities in Brazil. I was surprised by the lack of diversity, which I assume is influenced by PUC being a private university in Zona Sul. I am very satisfied with the education and knowledge I've gained from my classes.
They offer classes in English and a mandatory Portuguese language learning class for students studying abroad. Your grade consists of small class assignments, G1 (midterms), and G2 (finals).
I recommend sending your syllabus to your university to confirm if your classes will be transferred. I had issues with my classes not transferring the first semester.
Conclusion
Studying abroad in Rio has been an enriching experience, where I've connected with its vibrant history, rich culture, and fascinating language. It's natural to feel apprehensive about safety concerns, but I urge you not to let fear deter you from embarking on this exciting journey.
With its breathtaking beaches and warm-hearted locals, Rio offers an abundance of experiences to be discovered. Immerse yourself fully by enrolling in classes on Brazilian history and exploring with natives.
If you've found these tips helpful, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Let me know if you'd like a follow-up with more tips for making the most of your time in Rio. Don't forget to subscribe down below for future posts!
Hellooo!! I'm Brazillian Who studies at PUC Rio too and I liked your blog a lot!
I just wanna talk about a point that i read and I discord. It's the part "you will likely spend most of your time in Zona Sul."
It's very commun to stay at the south zone when you came to Rio to study at PUC or UFRJ so that you can live near to the university, but Rio is muuuuuch more than Zona Sul. I say that cause I live in Oest Zone, and I see that most foreign students don't know too much about this part of Rio, but it's one of most safe place on Rio to live, walk, enjoy, and everything…