Spend 3 weeks in Juiz de Fora, Brazil! This immersive field-based program introduces students to the hands-on methods environmental scientists use to study tropical ecosystems. The program features field and lab activities at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), with training across both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Guided by instructors with expertise across multiple ecological disciplines, students will conduct applied research in rivers and forests within pristine tropical montane landscapes of southeastern Brazil, including the scenically stunning Ibitipoca State Park.
Field Practices in Tropical Environmental Science (3cr.)
Application Closed
Summer 2026 apps closed
Places you will visit during the Brazil program
Learn more about the O’Neill in Brazil program
May 24- June 14, 2026
V482/V582/E482/E582 – Field Practices in Tropical Environmental Science (3cr.)
Program Director: Rafa Almeida
This field-based course immerses students in field methods commonly used to study tropical ecosystems through a dynamic blend of field excursions, laboratory work, classroom instruction, and collaborative hands-on research in southeastern Brazil. Partnering with faculty and peers from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, students will investigate ecological dynamics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the field while developing cross-cultural collaboration skills. The program integrates ecological field methods with cultural engagement, including visits to conservation areas and the iconic Ibitipoca State Park, as well as informal opportunities to experience Brazilian daily life through shared meals, walking tours, and community interaction.
IU Bloomington O'Neill Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.
IU Bloomington O'Neill Grads: This course is still under review for graduate concentrations.
*Excursions are subject to change
Students will stay at Independencia Trade Hotel, which is within walking distance to campus, connected to major bus lines, and located right next to a major shopping mall. There are camping and dorm facilities at the field sites (Chapadão da Serra Negra and Ibitipoca State Park).
Two students will share one twin ensuite room, each student will have their own separate bed.
Two students will share one twin ensuite room, each student will have their own separate bed.
All O’Neill International programs are academic, credit-bearing courses that take place abroad. As such, your bursar will be charged two amounts for participation in this program:
- Program Fee for O’Neill in Brazil (made in two payments)
- Tuition for the course (3 credits at your normal IU-Bloomington tuition rate)
2026 Program Fee: $2,100
*Program fee will be finalized by Dec 1.
The Program Fee for this program includes:
- Lodging for 3 weeks in Juiz de Fora
- Site visits and guest speakers
- Cultural excursions
- Several meals
- International health insurance
The Program Fee will be charged to your IU Bloomington Bursar account in two installments:
- A $550 non-refundable pre-payment will be charged shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
- The remaining balance will be charged in March prior to departure
Tuition: 3 credits paid at your IU-Bloomington tuition rate
Students will pay for 3 credit hours of tuition based on their student status (resident/non-resident, graduate/undergraduate, etc.) on the Bloomington campus.
Additional Costs
Students will pay for their own flight to and from Brazil, meals that are not included in the Program Fee, and other personal incidentals.
For a full breakdown of estimated costs, see the O'Neill in Brazil fee sheet which will be available here soon.
Scholarships
The O’Neill International Office offers several scholarships to support students studying abroad. The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is a need-based award available to help O'Neill students from IUB and IUI to be able to study abroad. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Other need and merit-based scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Students are encouraged to apply widely to all scholarships they are eligible for. Please email us at oio@iu.edu if you want help navigating different funding resources.
Undergraduate and graduate students from any IU campus. Students must be in good academic standing (i.e. not on academic or disciplinary probation). Please meet with your advisor to determine how this course can count toward your academic progress at IU.
During the application period (November 1 - December 15) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 5:00 pm on December 15.
Please review our detailed application instructions!
If you have any issues or questions throughout the application process, contact us via email: oio@iu.edu
People who don’t travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what’s in front of them.
— Martin Yan, Chinese chef, writer, and TV host