Airport reception:

It is advisable for the USP friend to contact the international student in advance and arrange to pick them up at the airport and take them to the agreed destination. If this is not possible, the USP friend should provide instructions on how to reach the intended destination.

Assistance in finding housing:

Upon arriving in Brazil, international students often do not have accommodation. Due to unfamiliarity with the city and language, this task can be quite complicated. However, with the help of the USP friend, it becomes much simpler. Through pre-arrival contact, the USP friend can offer tips and provide contacts, helping the international student get an idea of where to look and whom to contact. This assistance can even lead to finding a trustworthy place before arriving in Brazil.

Assistance in legalizing stay in Brazil:

The assistance of the USP friend is crucial in legalizing the international student’s stay in the country. Additionally, the Federal Police (PF) website is not fully available in English or another language. It is ideal to assist the exchange student during the process and accompany them to the PF.

Assistance with everyday aspects of life in the city and on campus:

USP friends can guide and assist international students with practical aspects of daily life on the university campus, such as library access, integration into academic centers or athletics, use of student rooms, Wi-Fi access, copier use, bus routes (circular or otherwise), and accompanying them to CEPEUSP. They can also provide information about city life, including acquiring a cellphone, using public transportation (bus or metro lines), opening a bank account, visiting post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies, medical offices, or bookstores. Suggestions may include restaurant recommendations, clothing stores, furniture, and household item purchases.

Cultural integration activities:

USP friends can recommend or accompany international students in activities both on and off campus, such as attending cinemas or theaters, visiting exhibitions in cultural centers or museums, suggesting music or TV programs, participating in city or country-specific events, and exploring tourist attractions within the city or on trips to other cities.

Language study and practice:

Living in Brazil and studying at USP will undoubtedly deepen the international student’s knowledge of the Portuguese language. The USP friend can play a key role in helping the student learn Portuguese and, simultaneously, initiate the exchange of language skills by engaging in regular mutual language study activities.

Academic guidance and mutual academic activities:

USP considers internationalization as a strategy to achieve institutional goals related to teaching, research, and extension. The USP friend can assist the international student in choosing courses, provide tips on professors, offer advice on literature (especially if both participants are in the same course), and even initiate or join study groups or extracurricular projects that bring together people from different courses and nationalities.