Do you want to have an international experience from the University of Fortaleza?
NEI can help you.
The Continuous Flow Program for International Academic Mobility is aimed at Unifor undergraduate and graduate students;
- It is offered to those regularly enrolled at Unifor and at foreign educational institutions, as long they are partners with Unifor and or affiliate;
- Exploring Diverse Academic Experiences, with an emphasis on integration into different international contexts, is one of the focuses of the Program;
- This is an ideal opportunity to complement student training;
- Possibility of using subjects taken in which the student has passed, following institutional guidelines.
International Students
About UNIFOR
Welcome to the University of Fortaleza, located in Brazil's Northeast. Fortaleza is the Brazilian coastal city with the sunniest days throughout the year. Founded in 1973, the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR) has gained growing prestige among institutions of higher education in Brazil and is considered the best private institution in the North and Northeast of Brazil.
Unifor has approximately 22,000 students and a faculty of 1,200 professors. Unifor offers over forty undergraduate and over one hundred graduate programs in Business, Law, Technology, Humanities, and Health.
The campus has a complete infrastructure that includes laboratories, auditoriums, a library, a theater, recreational and sports facilities, a health center, a cultural center, a convenience center, research centers and several university extension services.
Unifor is one of Brazil's top institutions for education and scientific production. Since its foundation, it has provided excellent conditions for teaching and learning. Our modern infrastructure welcomes students from all over the world.
About Fortaleza – CE
Fortaleza, meaning fortress in Portuguese, started as a colonial fort in the 17th century. It has since grown into the urban center and capital of the Ceará region of Brazil. With economic growth, it has become the fifth-largest city in the country, transforming from a small fishing village into a hub of cultural influence. Today, Fortaleza is home to South American literary movements such as 'the Spiritual Bakery' and is an integrated center for the arts in Brazil.
The tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and rich intellectual history of the area attract visitors from around the world. The world-famous beaches, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant nightlife make this an ideal destination for a great experience abroad!
Exchange Program
International students can study at Unifor for one or two semesters without paying any academic fees due to an agreement between institutions. During their time at Unifor, students can take courses in English and learn Portuguese.
The academic exchange program brings together students from the University of Fortaleza and other universities around the world. The students get to know each other, study together, and exchange experiences. Unifor offers courses to these students and facilitates interaction between them and Brazilian students.
- Orientation Sessions
Unifor provides welcome and orientation sessions for new international students. The sessions cover various themes, including the University's online system, student and library cards, public transportation, safety tips, and more. They typically occur 2 to 4 days before classes begin. The exact date is communicated to students and partner universities via email.
- Academic Calendar
1st Academic Semester runs from February to mid-June, and the 2nd Academic Semester runs from August to mid-December.
For a detailed academic calendar, please contact the Center for International Strategies at international@unifor.br
Please note that Unifor does not offer on-campus housing. However, we can provide you with a list of apartments available for rent. Please contact the Center for International Strategies for an updated list.
The estimated cost of living is usually between R$ 2,000 and R$ 2,500 per month for students.
Courses in English
Exchange students are free to choose most courses, regardless of major, in consultation with the academic advisors at their home universities. Course preferences must be indicated on the application form. However, availability is subject to demand and the Center for International Strategies cannot guarantee a spot in a student's preferred course.
Unifor also offers English-language courses in all four Center of Sciences. These may vary from semester to semester. Please contact the Center for International Strategies for an updated list.
Students must take a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 24 credits per semester. International students may choose a combination of courses taught in Portuguese and English. They may also take Portuguese as a Foreign Language I and II courses throughout the semester.
Volunteer Programs
During your semester at UNIFOR, you can also participate in volunteer and art programs, most of which take place within the university campus and benefit the poor community that lives near the university. At the end of the semester, you will receive a certificate of completion for each program.
Art Groups
In order to promote some artistic activities such as theater, dance, singing and instrumental music, the Edson Queiroz Foundation, through the University of Fortaleza, is a great developer and supporter of artistic groups:
The Unifor Theater Group Mirante is composed of 15 members, including students and members of the external community. The actors have theatrical training and develop plays for children and adults. Thus, the group contributes to the formation of a solid theatrical base in the city of Fortaleza, enriching the local theater by encouraging new productions and artistic interventions. It is possible to join the group, but it is necessary to go through an audition with the coordinator, Prof. Hertenha Glauce.
The Unifor Dance Company is composed of 16 dancers, all students of the University of Fortaleza, based on classical and modern dance, the company develops choreographies in both styles and some thematic pieces that fill the creative presentations of the company with sparkle. It is possible to join the company after an audition with the coordinator, prof. Marcio Carvalho
The Unifor Choir is composed of 30 members among students, staff and members of the external community. The choir performs musical pieces in different tones and rhythms, with the voices of sopranos, basses, tenors and basses, bringing joy to many people. To join the group it is necessary to participate in an audition with the coordinator, conductor Luis Carlos Prata.
Unifor Camerata is a chamber orchestra made up of 18 musicians who perform eclectic instrumental and classical music with violins, viola, cello, flute, flute, clarinet, saxophone and piano. Coordinated and conducted by conductor Marcus Vinicius Cardoso, violinist, the group also records its own albums and many other artists. To join, you must audition with coordinator Marcus Vinicius and have your own instrument.
The Big Band Unifor is formed by 17 musicians and with instruments typical of American, with saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, acoustic bass and drums, Big Band Unifor performs regularly under the baton of conductor Robson Lima. The repertoire is quite diverse, from big band classics to the most popular productions, including Bossa Nova, Samba, Funk, Frevo, among others, always with a jazzy outfit and arrangements by established musicians. To participate, you must audition and bring your own instrument.
Social Responsability Projetcs
The project acts through playful work with those interned in the following institutions: Pediatric Hospital Albert Sabin, Nucleus of Integrated Medical Attention, Support House Sol Nascente, House Torres de Melo and Pediatric Center of Cancer. The age group of the project goes from preschool age to elderly people. Different techniques are used to socialize the skills and abilities of the volunteer students, adaptable to the needs of the institution. The work of the Jovem Voluntário (Young Volunteer) consists in providing moments of joy, relaxation through drawing, painting, storytelling, playing games, puppets, etc., and has as main purpose to humanize medical consultations and bandaging through playful work with those interned in hospitals or need to be kept in institutions for medical care.
In addition, to make the students aware of how to contribute to their community, so they might learn how to deal with different social and economic realities and train young people to exercise their solidarity, citizenship and their rights, as volunteers, in the transformation of society. Moreover, the projects seek to contribute with the partner institutions to help the next, doing something to improve the lives of others, either in community service or in the administration of the program.
The Elementary School of Application Yolanda Queiroz, located on the campus of the University of Fortaleza, serves the children of Unifor employees and the children who live in the community of Dendê and the surrounding area. Currently, the school has 540 enrolled children between the ages of 4 and 12. Classes take place in the morning from 7:30 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 17:30. The curriculum includes Computer Science, English, Physical Education, Children's Literature, Music and Art classes, in addition to the regular disciplines. The pedagogical action is based on a social interactionist proposal, where the children are the protagonists in the construction of knowledge and the teacher is a mediator of this learning.
Understanding that learning takes place at all times and that social interactions are privileged moments for it, the school is open to receive the academic community for the exchange of knowledge through active participation in the children's routine. The school is patterned in academic practice space for university students who play a role in their field of practice for the development of research in many areas. For international students interested in volunteer work, the school offers four hours per week, divided into two days to participate in different activities and age group.
Buddy Program
Are you a new international student looking for guidance and friendship in Fortaleza?
Unifor has the perfect program for you. The Buddy Program is designed to create a mutual learning opportunity for new international students and Unifor students. It consists of a team of Unifor students who volunteer their time as mentors. They will help you adjust to the university and city environment. The Buddy Program is a great opportunity for educational and cultural exchange throughout the exchange period. You will be matched with one of our students who will contact you by email before the semester begins. This person will be your mentor and will help you with your adaptation process at Unifor and in Fortaleza.
Visa Information
Foreigners who wish to study in Brazil - without immigration purposes or the intention to engage in paid activities that are not internships - must apply for a special temporary visa at the nearest Consulate General or Brazilian Embassy. Student visas in Brazil are called Temporary Visa IV, or VITEM-IV.
The VITEM-IV is valid for up to one year at a time, depending on the course in which the student is enrolled, and can be renewed as many times as necessary for the student to complete the course. The application for visa extension must be submitted to a Federal Police Department or the Ministry of Justice within 30 days before the current visa expires. It is important to mention that those who come to Brazil with a VITEM-IV are not allowed to engage in paid activities that are not internships.
Contact your local Brazilian consulate for more information.
RNM
- What is the RNM?
The RNM (Registro Nacional Migratório) is the equivalent of a Brazilian citizen's identity card and is considered as such whenever a person is asked for proof of identity in Brazil. It certifies the identity of foreigners with temporary or permanent residence in Brazil. It allows them, for example, to open a bank account, buy a student bus card or carry out any activity that requires confirmation of an extended stay in the country.
- Who needs a RNM?
Any foreigner admitted to the country on a temporary, permanent, asylum or refugee basis must be registered in the country and approved by the Ministry of Justice. This includes exchange students. After arriving in Brazil, the student has 90 days to register with the Federal Police and apply for the RNM. If this time passes and the person does not start the process, the bureaucracy of obtaining an RNM becomes a very costly and time-consuming process.
Events
The Center for International Strategies promotes several events to integrate international and Brazilian students during the semester. Such events as the International Fair, where international students have a space to talk about their country and university, Brazilian students interested in participating in exchange programs have the opportunity to ask locals questions about culture and studies. The Cultural Connection, in which international and Brazilian students have the opportunity to discuss the differences between education, culture and professional experiences in their countries and in Brazil.
Another form of integration between international and Brazilian students is the Sports Day, a day where international students have the opportunity to play sports with Brazilian students during the day. The Center for International Strategies is always trying to promote new events of integration, a few other events are probably implemented every semester.
FAQ
What are the steps for student Academic Mobility?
First, contact the NEI and show your interest in participating in a process involving international experiences;
You will undergo a specific selection process every semester, as set out in Unifor's Practical Guide for Exchange Students;
The NEI student support team will provide an overview of the Academic Cooperation Agreements signed by UNIFOR to the interested student, during which they will assess the student's suitability and satisfaction. Propose a new agreement with a foreign educational institution that has not yet established a partnership;
The rules of the agreements regulate temporary displacement, with a duration of one to two academic semesters, subjects taken to be used within the curricular scope;
If you are a student at a foreign educational institution and would like to have an experience at Unifor, the same applies: an agreement will have to be signed with Unifor, with temporary relocation and a duration of one to two academic semesters; - The duration of academic mobility can only be renewed with justification;
The payment of academic or administrative fees by students participating in the program between Unifor and the partner institution will be outlined in the agreement signed between the two institutions.
What criteria allow me to participate in the Academic Mobility Program?
Be regularly enrolled at Unifor;
At the time of application, have completed at least 30% and no more than 70% of the curriculum;
Present good academic performance, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 7.0 or higher;
Prove the language level required by the country and the Educational Institution in which you intend to carry out Academic Mobility;
Not having failed subjects on the Unifor academic record;
Present a valid passport with an appropriate visa for the minimum period equivalent to the mobility period on the date of departure – except Mercosur countries;
Present correctly completed internal Unifor forms;
Present a letter of recommendation prepared by a professor or other academic authority;
Submit a personal motivation letter (motivation letter) explaining your personal reasons for participating in the exchange and why you chose the destination institution;
Submit an updated Curriculum Vitae;
Provide a copy of your updated Unifor academic transcript with a sworn or certified translation, when required;
Submit proof of payment of the Academic Mobility Program application fee for undergraduate students.
Even if I am approved in the selection process, can I still not participate in the exchange program?
Yes. The student's approval does not guarantee participation in the Academic Mobility program. It depends on acceptance by the destination educational institution.What is the Double Degree Program and how can I participate?
The program allows you to study for a year at a university and/or higher education institution in another country and return home with two diplomas at once: one national and one international.
To participate, you must follow the specific guidelines and rules of the selection announcements; - In addition, you must submit a definitive Study Plan, in accordance with the specifications of the Double Degree Program.Are there other programs besides the academic exchange?
Yes, NEI promotes seasonal programs in addition to academic exchange.
Those interested in these programs will go through a specific selection process, according to an announcement published on the Unifor website, with the approval of the NEI and the Rectory;
- Application requirements, timetable, places offered, selection criteria and other details will be available.
I've been approved for the Academic Mobility Program, what to do now?
It is compulsory to apply for a student visa to the consular representation of the destination country, with the exception of students with dual citizenship or from Mercosur countries.
In order to participate in the program, the student must also buy a health insurance policy that covers personal accidents and repatriation.
The student must send the Definitive Study Plan to the NEI within 60 days of the start of the Academic Mobility.
This plan must include the teaching plans for the subjects to be taken, as well as the Certificate of Arrival at the educational institutions.
I returned from Academic Mobility, what do I do?
Prepare the signatures: syllabuses, programs, workload, passing grades, in short, all documents proving International Academic Mobility must be signed by the higher authorities of the Educational Institution where you carried out the exchange;
These documents must be on letterhead and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator. This will ensure the subjects are credited.
Important detail: the period in which you are in Academic Mobility is not counted towards the maximum period for curricular completion.
Can I do an internship during the exchange?
Yes, it is permitted to undertake an internship period during the Academic Mobility Program.
This internship may be mandatory or not, as long as it improves the student's education and is included in the student's Study Plan and approved by the coordinator of the undergraduate course in which he/she is enrolled.
Can I have my study credits transferred while on the exchange program?
Yes, as long as the maximum limit of 25% of the total course workload is observed.
Credit transfer is possible upon submission of documents that prove approval in the courses of the program content.
In the case of internships, documents proving the completion of the planned activities are required. These will be analyzed and decided by the Course Coordination, following institutional guidelines and current legislation.
Subjects taken and passed will be credited as long as they have a compatible workload and syllabus with Unifor's curriculum, with at least 50%, according to the analysis of the Undergraduate Course Coordination.
If the course credits do not meet equivalency due to the nature of the course, they may be counted as complementary activities.
If the credit taken does not have equivalence due to the nature of the course, it can be used as a complementary activity.
The above possibility can only be carried out if it is in accordance with the complementary activity regulations of the respective undergraduate courses.
I am a student at a foreign institution and I want to have an experience at Unifor
Participation in the Academic Mobility Program is possible after signing an Exchange Agreement.
Once this is done, the following eligibility criteria will be observed:
Be regularly enrolled at the educational institution of origin; - Prove good academic performance through academic transcripts; - Present a preliminary Study Plan with the academic activities to be carried out at Unifor – including internship, if necessary;
Present a valid passport with an appropriate visa for a minimum period equivalent to the mobility period – exception for Brazilian students and students from Mercosur countries;
Present a letter of recommendation written by a professor or other academic authority from the educational institution of origin;
Present a personal motivation letter in which you indicate your personal reasons for participating in the exchange and your reasons for choosing Unifor;
Present an updated Curriculum Vitae;
Submit the internal Unifor forms correctly filled out; - Observe the deadlines stipulated by Unifor for submitting documents. - NEI will monitor all academic activities carried out by you during the Academic Mobility period at Unifor;
It is permitted to carry out an internship during the Academic Mobility period; provided it is included in the Mobility Program; you are enrolled in and does not interfere with your academic activities.
At the end of the Academic Mobility, NEI will provide you with your academic transcript on headed paper and approved by the competent authorities, with the respective final grades, as well as the syllabuses of the subjects taken.
What about the exchange program expenses?
These will be the responsibility of the student, including those for obtaining a visa to stay in the country, without prejudice to any scholarships they may receive from national or international funding agencies.
Also, be aware: students are required to buy a health, personal accident and repatriation insurance to participate in the program.
I am a student from a foreign institution and want to study at Unifor, but my institution does not have an agreement.
In this way, Academic Mobility is possible through the Free Mover program.
In this case, you will need to pay the applicable fees at Unifor, as well as obtain approval from the Course Coordinator, the agreement of the respective Academic Unit, and the approval of the Vice-Rector for Undergraduate and Graduate Education.
Buddy Program
Would you like to help students from other countries who come to Unifor for an exchange program with their transition and adaptation?
If the answer is yes, you can apply for the Buddy Program, Unifor's foreign student integration program.
The program is an excellent opportunity for Unifor students to exchange experiences, get to know other cultures, make friends, develop their social skills and practice a foreign language. To participate in the Buddy Program, the candidate must meet the following requirements:
Those who have expanded their horizons highly recommend it:
“I always dreamed of living abroad “. I completed my double degree at the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, and Unifor, through the NEI, provided me with great support. The office cares and helps from the beginning to the end of the journey”
Thaís Escóssia, 21 years
Foreign Trade Student at Unifor
“Having the exchange experience in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, has been incredible. NEI has always been very helpful in wanting to connect me with the best possible host university and that has impressed me a lot.”
Pedro Fairbanks, 21 years
Law student at Unifor
“I went to the University of Aveiro, in Portugal. The encouragement from my colleagues and from NEI were fundamental in helping me take steps towards my achievements. Without the support from NEI, I don't think I would have made it.”
Ester Feijó, 24 years
Psychology student at Unifor
