The Project

The Urban Planning and Sustainability Project (UPSP) focuses on "Urban Planning and Sustainability“ • The Project provides opportunity for CSUN and UMass Amherst students to study abroad while experiencing first hand Brazilian urban planning and culture, and learning Portuguese • U.S. DOE/FIPSE will fund CSUN and UMass Amherst students for a semester to attend the Federal University of Goiás and Federal University of Uberlâdia • Both U.S. and Brazilian universities will exchange 5 students/year in Fall 2010 and 2011, and 6 students in 2012. • Students will engage in a network of U.S. and Brazilian student associations, campus sustainability and planning professional organizations to discuss theory and applied urban planning and sustainability.

U.S. Student Stipends

  • • Mobility ($4,000) – covers air and ground transportation, accommodation, meals, health and travel insurance, textbooks, miscellaneous.
  • • Language ($1,000) - when applicable covers language learning costs for U.S. traveling students. Stipend can be used to cover costs with classes, tutoring, books and language software.

U.S. Curriculum

The UPSP’s partners share the same curriculum with few adjustments made to better serve the individual interests of the home universities and their students though. The U.S. students will take one-semester courses at the hosting Brazilian university as follow:

  • • Brazil: one lecture/field work in urban planning
  • • Brazil: one lecture/field work in planning and environment
  • • Brazil: one Portuguese language

In addition to the three courses taken in Brazil the U.S. students are required to take a pre-trip planning and sustainability course and one post-trip independent studies or related course that reflects his/her study abroad experience in Brazil.

U.S. Selection Criteria

  • • Portuguese language proficiency, a basic requirement for participation in the program. Note that courses in Brazil will be lectured in Portuguese, and graded by Brazilian professors. So U.S. students should advance their language proficiency prior to the trip and beginning in Fall 10.
  • • Jr/Sr. status and major/minor in Urban Planning; other related major may be considered
  • • GPA by selection time and their ability to meet the academic standards of the participating universities in Brazil.
  • NOTE: Recruitment of students for Fall 2011 is open with first call due September 30.

U.S. Required Documentation

  • • Copy of Student ID
  • • Proof of enrollment
  • • Citizenship or permanent residency statement
  • • US Passport, BR visa, and health and travel insurance