Study, Explore, and Grow
in Brazil

Study abroad in Brazil as an individual student or bring your university group for an immersive learning experience in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

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Study, Explore, and Grow
in Brazil

Join as an individual student or bring your university group for an immersive learning experience in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

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STUDY ABROAD

Immersive
Exchange Program in Brazil

If you want to study abroad in Brazil, Eco Caminhos offers two pathways for university students, researchers, and professionals. University groups can enjoy immersive educational experiences that combine academic learning, hands-on activities, cultural exchange, and personal development. Meanwhile, students and professionals interested in research or internships can develop projects and gain practical experience related to their academic or professional interests.

Located in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, and surrounded by the Atlantic Forest, our permaculture farm provides a unique learning environment beyond the traditional classroom. Here, participants explore permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building through theoretical sessions and practical activities.

Moreover, university groups can participate in workshops, lectures, innovation challenges, and collaborative projects with Brazilian students. Meanwhile, research and internship participants can contribute to sustainable projects while developing practical skills.

Finally, both pathways offer a meaningful study abroad in Brazil experience, encouraging cultural exchange, teamwork, adaptability, personal growth, and a deeper connection with nature and a multicultural community.

Technical skills

Permaculture, agroforestry & natural building

Collaboration

Teamwork and intercultural communication

Innovation & Problem solving

Real-world challenges and projects

Global perspective

Cultural exchange with Brazilian and international participants

Language development

Opportunities to practice Portuguese and other languages

Personal Growth

Autonomy, adaptability, self-awareness, and new perspectives

Group participating in a hands-on sustainable farming activity at Eco Caminhos.
Participant climbing a tree using safety equipment at Eco Caminhos.
Participant working with natural materials during a sustainable building workshop.
Group exploring plants and learning about nature during an Eco Caminhos tour.
Group enjoying a boat ride with mountains and river landscapes in Brazil.

Choose Your Experience with us

Internship & Research

Take your academic journey beyond the classroom with an immersive research and internship experience in the heart of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

Collaborate on real-world sustainability projects, gain hands-on experience in permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building, and turn your studies into meaningful action with the guidance of experienced mentors.

University Groups

Inspire your students with a transformative study abroad experience that blends sustainability, culture, and experiential learning.

Designed for university groups, this customized program combines hands-on workshops, field activities, and cultural immersion, allowing students to explore regenerative practices while discovering the beauty and biodiversity of Brazil.

See What Awaits the Students
at Eco Caminhos

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are the differences between the Eco Caminhos programs?

Here at Eco Caminhos, you can choose the experience that best matches what you’re looking for:

  • Volunteering: experience the daily life of the farm, learn new skills, and contribute to sustainability projects.

  • Ecotourism: slow down, explore trails and waterfalls, and enjoy nature at your own pace.

  • Families: share special moments in nature and discover a more sustainable way of living together.

  • Exchange: combine learning, culture, and hands-on experiences in an international environment.

  • Research & Internships: turn your knowledge into practical experience and develop projects connected to the reality of the farm.

  • Long-Term: immerse yourself in life at Eco Caminhos, developing skills and building connections through a longer experience.

Whether you want to discover, learn, contribute, or simply experience something different, there’s an Eco Caminhos experience waiting for you.

The weather in Cardinot can be quite different from other regions of Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro:

  • Summer (December to March): Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher on the hottest days. There is also a period of heavier rainfall between February and the end of March.

  • Winter (June to September): Cold and drier. During the day, temperatures are usually pleasant, but mornings and nights can be quite cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 0°C.

Season overview:

  • Summer: December to March

  • Autumn: March to June

  • Winter: June to September

  • Spring: September to December

We recommend bringing clothes for different temperatures, including light clothing for warmer days and warm clothing for colder nights. It is also important to be prepared for periods of rain.

Eco Caminhos is located in a rural area of Nova Friburgo, surrounded by nature. The city is considered a safe place and is regularly ranked among the municipalities with the best public safety and quality-of-life indicators in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Entry and stay requirements depend on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the activity you will be taking part in. Check the official requirements before traveling and confirm with our team which type of participation applies to your program.

If you would like to study Portuguese in Brazil for a longer period, our course in Rio de Janeiro may be an option if you are looking to apply for a student visa. Get in touch with us to learn more about the course and how it works.

To ensure a harmonious environment for everyone, we are currently unable to accommodate visitors with pets, as we already have several animals living on the farm.

At Eco Caminhos, we offer different ways to experience life on the farm, depending on your interests, goals, and availability. You can choose from family experiences, ecotourism, volunteering, exchange programs, and research, with short-, medium-, or long-term options.

Whether you want to spend a few days surrounded by nature, take part in the daily life of the farm, develop a research project, or experience an exchange program, there are different opportunities for you to learn, explore, contribute, and build connections during your stay.

Yes. Both the accommodations and work areas have high-speed Wi-Fi. However, there is no mobile data signal available in the area. Wi-Fi may occasionally experience interruptions due to weather conditions.

To get to Eco Caminhos, you can choose from three transportation options: a private transfer from the airport or from Rio de Janeiro, for a more comfortable and direct journey to the farm; public transportation by bus, a more affordable alternative; or a taxi, a convenient option for the final leg of the journey.

Due to the weather and the type of environment and experience, we recommend that visitors bring:

  • Clothes for both warm and cold weather

  • Boots and suitable footwear for work or hiking

  • Work clothes (long-sleeved shirts and long pants)

  • Swimsuit and flip-flops

  • Towel

  • Rain jacket

  • Hat

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight

  • Work gloves

  • Sleeping bag (optional)

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Basic first-aid supplies, insect repellent, and sunscreen

  • International power adapter

  • Cash (Brazilian reais) for public transportation

Our Testimonials

Real stories from volunteers who were part of our journey

★★★★★
9.9/10 no GoAbroad · 1.400 voluntários recebidos
Desde 2014, transformando vidas na serra
Group posing outdoors with a mountain landscape and dog at Eco Caminhos.