Program Opportunities
WHERE ARE THE INTERNSHIPS LOCATED?
The MIT-Brazil program places MIT students in companies of all sizes, universities, research centers, non-profit organizations, local schools (for specific teaching programs), etc. Most student internships and short-term research projects take place in larger cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, though opportunities exist throughout the country.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
Explore this site and MISTI website for information on program hosts and projects. Students are encouraged to research potential hosts (both current and new), reach out to relevant alumni or other contacts, and interview with proposed placement teams/labs.
The MIT-Brazil program places MIT students in companies of all sizes, universities, research centers, non-profit organizations, local schools (for specific teaching programs), etc. Most student internships and short-term research projects take place in larger cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, though opportunities exist throughout the country.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
Explore this site and MISTI website for information on program hosts and projects. Students are encouraged to research potential hosts (both current and new), reach out to relevant alumni or other contacts, and interview with proposed placement teams/labs.
Applications
WHO CAN APPLY?
Undergraduate and graduate students from all courses/degree programs as well as students who have recently graduated can apply.
WHAT ARE THE PRE-REQUISITES?
Language
For Global Teaching Lab and Global Startup Labs: No language requirements, but knowing Portuguese is a plus.
For summer internships/ research: undergrads should have the equivalent proficiency to at least 2 semesters of Portuguese language prior to departure (some hosts require fluency). Graduate students are eligible for a language requirement waiver depending on available internships. Click here to find out more about Portuguese language courses at MIT.
GPA: 4.0 or better
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?
All materials (including recommendation requests) are submitted through the MISTI Application Portal https://applymisti.mit.edu/. Students must submit: a general MISTI application, a Brazil-specific application, a CV or résumé, a letter of interest (English or Portuguese), two letters of recommendation, and a most recent transcript and/or list of current courses (freshmen should submit a list of their current courses).
When in doubt, come by the MISTI MIT-Brazil Managing Director's office (E40-427) during office hours (Wednesdays noon-2pm) or select a time on the MISTI Portal.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
For GSL and GTL – see MISTI website
Summer Internships: The deadline is February 11. Apply by December 4 for early placement.
CAN I STILL APPLY IF I MISS THE DEADLINE?
Contact the MIT-Brazil Managing Director at [email protected] for more information.
Undergraduate and graduate students from all courses/degree programs as well as students who have recently graduated can apply.
WHAT ARE THE PRE-REQUISITES?
Language
For Global Teaching Lab and Global Startup Labs: No language requirements, but knowing Portuguese is a plus.
For summer internships/ research: undergrads should have the equivalent proficiency to at least 2 semesters of Portuguese language prior to departure (some hosts require fluency). Graduate students are eligible for a language requirement waiver depending on available internships. Click here to find out more about Portuguese language courses at MIT.
GPA: 4.0 or better
WHAT APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?
All materials (including recommendation requests) are submitted through the MISTI Application Portal https://applymisti.mit.edu/. Students must submit: a general MISTI application, a Brazil-specific application, a CV or résumé, a letter of interest (English or Portuguese), two letters of recommendation, and a most recent transcript and/or list of current courses (freshmen should submit a list of their current courses).
When in doubt, come by the MISTI MIT-Brazil Managing Director's office (E40-427) during office hours (Wednesdays noon-2pm) or select a time on the MISTI Portal.
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
For GSL and GTL – see MISTI website
Summer Internships: The deadline is February 11. Apply by December 4 for early placement.
CAN I STILL APPLY IF I MISS THE DEADLINE?
Contact the MIT-Brazil Managing Director at [email protected] for more information.
Placement Process and Preparation
I'VE SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION. NOW WHAT?
While all MISTI country programs have similar requirements in terms of language (in non-English speaking countries), GPA, and application materials, the placement process (timeline and method) varies. This is due to country context (cultural considerations, holiday/vacation periods), funding and available opportunities.
Students accepted into the MIT-Brazil program are matched with an internship host between December 5 and March 1. As mentioned above, students are encouraged to take an active role in this process by researching potential hosts (both current and new), reaching out to relevant alumni or other contacts, and interviewing with proposed placement teams/labs. Final placement is usually determined no later than March 15.
The MIT-Brazil program typically works one-on-one with students to create a tailored experience, though some hosts provide a more standard "job description" or opening to which students will apply. Most students join a project that is already underway at the host organization, though some start a project from scratch with their supervisor.
WILL I HAVE TO INTERVIEW WITH A POTENTIAL HOST? WILL THE INTERVIEW BE IN ENGLISH OR PORTUGUESE?
Contact the MIT-Brazil Managing Director at [email protected] for more information.
HOW LONG IS THE INTERNSHIP? WHEN DO INTERNSHIPS TYPICALLY BEGIN AND END?
Most internships take place in during the North American summer for 9-12 weeks, starting between the last week of May and the 2nd week of June and ending in the 3rd or 4th week of August. Longer internships of 3-12 months with flexible start/end dates are also available.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Internships are cost-neutral to you. You will receive funds that will cover airfare, accommodation, and living expenses including local transportation, food, and incidentals.
ARE MISTI AND MIT-BRAZIL TRAINING SESSIONS MANDATORY? WHEN DO THESE TAKE PLACE?
Students are required to attend a series of MISTI and MIT-Brazil training and preparation sessions during the Spring semester (between March 15 and May 6) and a checkout meeting with the Managing Director before departure. Training sessions cover logistics, health matters, and safety/security in addition to history, politics, and culture of the country and region.
WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Students have several options including university housing, research institute housing, shared apartments. Housing options vary by location and students should start looking early. Consult the Logistics section of this website for more details on these options.
While all MISTI country programs have similar requirements in terms of language (in non-English speaking countries), GPA, and application materials, the placement process (timeline and method) varies. This is due to country context (cultural considerations, holiday/vacation periods), funding and available opportunities.
Students accepted into the MIT-Brazil program are matched with an internship host between December 5 and March 1. As mentioned above, students are encouraged to take an active role in this process by researching potential hosts (both current and new), reaching out to relevant alumni or other contacts, and interviewing with proposed placement teams/labs. Final placement is usually determined no later than March 15.
The MIT-Brazil program typically works one-on-one with students to create a tailored experience, though some hosts provide a more standard "job description" or opening to which students will apply. Most students join a project that is already underway at the host organization, though some start a project from scratch with their supervisor.
WILL I HAVE TO INTERVIEW WITH A POTENTIAL HOST? WILL THE INTERVIEW BE IN ENGLISH OR PORTUGUESE?
Contact the MIT-Brazil Managing Director at [email protected] for more information.
HOW LONG IS THE INTERNSHIP? WHEN DO INTERNSHIPS TYPICALLY BEGIN AND END?
Most internships take place in during the North American summer for 9-12 weeks, starting between the last week of May and the 2nd week of June and ending in the 3rd or 4th week of August. Longer internships of 3-12 months with flexible start/end dates are also available.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Internships are cost-neutral to you. You will receive funds that will cover airfare, accommodation, and living expenses including local transportation, food, and incidentals.
ARE MISTI AND MIT-BRAZIL TRAINING SESSIONS MANDATORY? WHEN DO THESE TAKE PLACE?
Students are required to attend a series of MISTI and MIT-Brazil training and preparation sessions during the Spring semester (between March 15 and May 6) and a checkout meeting with the Managing Director before departure. Training sessions cover logistics, health matters, and safety/security in addition to history, politics, and culture of the country and region.
WHERE WILL I LIVE?
Students have several options including university housing, research institute housing, shared apartments. Housing options vary by location and students should start looking early. Consult the Logistics section of this website for more details on these options.