Rice seeks to expand presence in Brazil

Rice University recently hosted a day of presentations and discussions with Brazilian officials aimed at developing deeper connections between Rice and Brazilian universities.

The summit was attended by the Brasil@Rice Office, the Houston Consulate of Brazil, and representatives from the Institute of International Education (IIE).

Vera Galante from IIE's Brazil office and Mie Hansen from IIE's New York City office both gave presentations.

Rice Provost Marie Lynn Miranda kicked off the day with a keynote address highlighting the importance of international education and an ongoing exchange of ideas and talent between countries.

The Brazil@Rice initiative makes curriculum connections between the university's campus in Houston and several businesses and universities in Brazil. The program facilitates study abroad programs for American Rice students, facilitates opportunities for Brazilian students and faculty to take advantage of opportunities available at Rice, and offers a range of support services to help those students transition between cultures and countries.

The program works primarily with five Brazillian schools: the University of Sao Paulo, the Federal University of Santa Catarina, the University Estadual de Campinas, the Fundação Getulio Vargas, and INSPER. It also partners with British Gas and two government agencies.