Exploration of Energy and Electrification: Brazil

 

This international experience course will explore energy conversion, conservation, delivery, and end-use in Brazil. Students will learn about the history of Brazilian energy infrastructure, and how it has driven Brazil’s strategy to generate and use renewable energy. There will be a heavy focus on hydropower which makes up the largest percentage of Brazil’s energy generation. In addition, students will explore new and emerging technologies which take advantage of other means of renewable energy. Students will also be exposed to Brazilian culture including food, music, dance, and sports. There will also be an opportunity to meet and learn with students from UNISNOS.

 
This course may fulfill a requirement in the Electrical Engineering Power Concentration and may fulfill requirements for the SSoE Sustainability Certificate! 
 
*This program is open to all majors. Students outside SSoE may be asked additional questions about their previous coursework.


 

What You'll Accomplish: 

 

Through a combination of company and academic visits in Brazil you'll gain an understanding of:

  •  Transmission and distribution systems at the electric utility level and how it relates to clean energy integration
  •  Historic and current energy policies

 

 
 

Where You'll Live: 

You will be staying in hotels. You can expect: 

  • Double or triple rooms with a shared bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Sheets, blankets, towels, and washcloths
  • Breakfast included each day 
  • Wifi
What You'll Study: 

Engineering students can view how these courses will fulfill degree requirements here:

More information about the provider in Brazil will be updated soon. 

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Dr. Robert Kerestes

Dr. Kerestes will be leading the Emerging Energy Solutions US & Denmark program for Summer 2022! Robert Kerestes received his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014. Prior to that he also received his M.S. (2012), and his B.S. (2010) all with a concentration in electric power systems at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his education, Robert served in the United States Navy as an interior communications electrician onboard the USS Constellation from 1998-2002 and then as a construction electrician in the Seabees Navy Construction Battalion from 2002-2006. Following his education, Robert worked at Emerson Automation Solutions (formerly known as Emerson Process Management) where he led the development and implementation of mathematical models for electric power applications related to embedded simulation. In 2016, Robert joined the University of Pittsburgh’s ECE Department where he focuses on the advancement of pedagogy and assessment in the field of electrical engineering, particularly in the areas of electric power distribution systems, distributed energy resources, and electromagnetism. Robert’s research interests are in the development of the next generation of electric power distribution systems and the integration of renewable energy resources into the distribution sector. Robert took on the role of Director of the Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Program in the Spring of 2017 and currently serves in that role.

E-mail: 
rjk39@pitt.edu

Jodi Suckle

Bonjour, Shalom, Sawadee-ka! I'm Jodi, a Global Programs Manager in the Swanson School of Engineering. My study abroad experiences to France and Turkey fueled my passion for travel and international education. I have helped students travel to, and participate in programs on 6 continents, and love enabling students to experience and learn about the world. I grew up in New York and have lived in Israel, Thailand, and Guatemala. Every time I go somewhere new my favorite thing is learning about the history, cultures, and traditions of the place, and trying new food of course. Come talk to me about engineering Panther Programs and Plus3, or if you're an international exchange student new to Swanson and Pitt. 

E-mail: 
j.suckle@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

SSOE students: schedule an appointment with me using Pathways via this link!
non-SSOE students-- send me an email and we'll set up a time to meet!

Items Billed by Pitt
  In-State Out-of-State
Program Fee $4750 $4950
Study Abroad Fee $300 $300
Total Billed by Pitt $5050 $5250

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare Varies
Meals Varies
Visa costs if applicable- If you are not a U.S. Citizen there might be costs associated with applying for a visa Varies

 

What's Included: 

As a part of the fee, the following are included in the program:

  • Tuition for three Pitt academic credits
  • All accommodations
  • Daily breakfast, and some additional group meals
  • Local transportation in country
  • All site visits with all entrance fees included
  • On-site orientation
  • Mandatory health and accident insurance 

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our budgeting page for more information.

For global scholarship opportunities, check out:

  • the Pitt GEO scholarship page for links to national, provider and private scholarship samples
  • PittFund$Me  for Pitt sponsored funding including Pitt wide global scholarships, Nationality Rooms, VIH, etc.
  • PittFund$Me  for the SSOE Global Experience Scholarships!

 

 

When You'll Go: 

Fly out: April 29, 2023

Arrive in-country: April 30, 2023
Fly home: May 12, 2023

What Else You Need to Know: 

Admissions Requirements:

  • This program is for students interested in sustainable energy engineering and/or energy policy and/or the economics of energy.

  • Good academic and behavioral standing, in your second year or higher level at the time of application.

  • This program is open to all majors. Students outside SSoE may be asked additional questions about their previous coursework.