Exchange is the word and ideal of the moment among Brazil´s youth. In only two years, between 2015 and 2017, the number of exchange students between the ages of 18 and 21 more than doubled: a 56% increase in the period analyzed by the Brazilian Education and Language Travel Association (Belta). Despite the economic crises that ravaged that country at that time the number of Brazilians seeking new opportunities abroad leaped from 40.2 thousand to over 90.0 thousand in 2017.
According to Belta, in 2015 the age range of people interested in an exchange abroad was between 30 to 39 years of age (23.8%). The anticipation of parents seeking a chance abroad for their children as soon they reach adulthood reveals the desire for the maturity of youth before they make their university and professional choices.
Skill in a foreign language is also one of the main reasons for seeking and exchange program. According to research no fewer than 46.4% of Brazilian exchange students in 2017 travelled to conclude a language course. Compared to only 12.1% of those who travelled to participate in a graduation course. Still according to Belta, 30.5% of those who travelled sought a month-long language course, considered a short duration.
According to another study, undertaken by the exchange network World Study, Canada was the most sought after exchange destination of Brazilian students. The research considered information offered by four thousand students. 35% whose destination was Canada, and 66% of them in the age range of 23 to 35 years old. Check below the destinations most sought after by Brazilian exchange students.
1. Canada 37%
2. Australia 38
3. Ireland 14%
4. United States 9%
5. England 5%
6. New Zealand 3%
7. Malta 3%
8. South Africa 2%
9. France 1%
10. Germany 1%