Brazil School Exchange Scholarship Programme

São Paulo State | 22 July – 19 August

South England Exchange is proud to offer a fully funded cultural school exchange scholarship to Brasilien, delivered in partnership with the São Paulo State Ministry of Education.

This unique programme enables UK students to spend four weeks living with a carefully selected host family and attending a local high school in São Paulo State, experiencing everyday Brazilian life from the inside.

A true cultural exchange

This programme reflects SEE’s belief that exchange works best when it is reciprocal.

Just as we welcome international students into British schools and host families, this scholarship allows UK students to experience another education system, language and culture in a structured, supported way. The emphasis is not on outcomes or qualifications, but on perspective, confidence and cultural understanding.

Students attend a local high school as visiting exchange students, take part in lessons alongside Brazilian peers, and become part of family and community life.

Dates, funding and what’s included

  • Dates: 22 July – 19 August

  • Duration: 4 weeks

  • Location: São Paulo State

  • Funding: The programme is offered as a scholarship

  • Costs for families: Students only cover personal spending money and insurance

The scholarship includes:

  • host family accommodation

  • school placement

  • local coordination and support

  • pre-departure preparation programme

  • Portuguese language preparation

Pre-departure preparation and language support

Before travelling, students take part in a structured pre-departure programme led by South England Exchange. This preparation helps students (and parents) feel confident and well informed.

Preparation includes:

  • cultural orientation and expectations

  • guidance on daily life in Brazil

  • health, safety and communication briefings

  • practical advice for living with a host family

In addition, students receive Portuguese language preparation, designed specifically for exchange students. The focus is on:

  • everyday communication

  • confidence speaking with host families and classmates

  • understanding classroom routines

No prior knowledge of Portuguese is required.

Living with a host family

Students live with a vetted Brazilian host family, offering a safe and welcoming home environment. Host families are selected in collaboration with our Brazilian partners and are accustomed to welcoming international students.

Living with a host family is central to the exchange experience:

  • daily language immersion

  • cultural routines and traditions

  • genuine relationships, not tourism

For parents, this provides reassurance that students are supervised, supported and integrated, rather than living independently.

School experience

Students attend a local high school during the programme, following the school day alongside Brazilian students. The focus is on:

  • participation and observation

  • cultural understanding

  • confidence in a different classroom environment

No examinations are taken. The purpose is experience, not assessment.

Safety and pastoral care

We understand that safety is parents’ first concern.

This programme is:

  • delivered directly with the São Paulo State Ministry of Education

  • locally supported throughout the stay

  • coordinated by experienced exchange professionals

  • structured, supervised and time-limited

Students are never placed independently and always have clear points of contact, both locally and in the UK.

Why exchange matters

Taking part in a cultural exchange helps young people to:

  • develop independence and resilience

  • gain confidence in unfamiliar situations

  • understand different perspectives

  • build maturity and self-awareness

  • return home with greater appreciation of their own education and culture

A four-week exchange is often a life-shaping experience, particularly when it is carefully designed and well supported.

Why parents can trust South England Exchange

South England Exchange has over 35 years’ experience in international educational exchange. Our founder, Juliet Cassells, has worked extensively with school systems, host families and education authorities worldwide and has enabled thousands of young people to take part in safe, meaningful exchange experiences.

SEE operates two-way exchange programmes, welcoming international students to the UK and supporting UK students abroad. This reciprocity underpins everything we do and ensures that exchange is always about learning, respect and cultural understanding, not one-way mobility.

A rare opportunity

Opportunities like this — a government-backed scholarship with full preparation, host family placement and school attendance — are rare. This programme offers UK students the chance to experience Brazil in a way that is safe, structured and genuinely immersive, while reassuring parents that their child is supported at every step.

Month, term, semester or year in Germany

Thinking about an exchange year abroad? Germany could be the perfect destination. For students around 16, it offers a mix of culture, education, and new experiences.

German schools have a great reputation for quality and variety. Lessons often focus on teamwork and critical thinking, so you’ll quickly feel part of the class. Living in a German-speaking environment is also the fastest way to learn the language—even though many people speak English, you’ll find yourself picking up German naturally every day.

Located in the heart of Europe, Germany makes travel easy. You can hop on a train to explore France, the Netherlands, or Austria, or stay local and discover the country’s own highlights: buzzing cities like Berlin, fairy-tale castles, and cozy villages surrounded by forests.

You’ll also experience Germany’s traditions and everyday life, from Christmas markets to football games, while enjoying famous foods like pretzels and schnitzel.

Most importantly, a high school exchange in Germany helps you grow. You’ll build independence, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime—while creating memories you’ll never forget.

Fees include school, homestay, all meals, coordinator, pre-departure preparation. Fees don’t include flights, insurance, pocket money. Optional extras: pre-departure language classes. 1 month: £3100, 1 term £3900, 1 semester £5300, 1 school year £7000. For students aged 15 to 18. Basic German is required.

Month, term, semester or year in Spain

Spain is another amazing choice for an exchange year—especially in the south, where our families and schools are based. For 16-year-olds, it’s a chance to live in one of the most welcoming and vibrant cultures in Europe.

Spanish schools are lively and social, with teachers and classmates who quickly make you feel at home. Immersing yourself in everyday life is also the best way to learn Spanish, one of the most important global languages, and you’ll notice progress much faster than in a classroom at home.

Southern Spain itself is stunning. With sunny weather most of the year, golden beaches, and historic towns full of charm, there’s always something to explore. Imagine weekends wandering the streets of Seville, visiting Granada’s Alhambra, or enjoying local fiestas filled with music and colour.

Life with a Spanish host family brings you right into the heart of the culture. You’ll share meals, laughter, and traditions while discovering delicious foods like tapas, paella, and churros.

An exchange in southern Spain is more than a school year—it’s a journey that makes you more independent, confident, and connected, with experiences you’ll treasure forever.

Fees include school, homestay, all meals, coordinator, pre-departure preparation. Fees don’t include flights, insurance, pocket money. Optional extras: pre-departure language classes. 1 month: £3100, 1 term £3900, 1 semester £5300, 1 school year £7000. For students aged 15 to 18. Basic Spanish is required.