Brazil: Business Sustainability in Emerging Markets Practicum in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro
During our week-long program in Brazil, NC State Jenkins graduate students will discover the beauty of one of the most biodiverse nations in the world while studying sustainability with a distinguished NC State professor! From time spent in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, students will discover both wild wonders and bustling metropolitan areas. Where business and biodiversity meet, Brazil is the perfect location to learn of the needs and the means to protect and preserve our planet.
This program fulfills the practicum requirement for the Master of Business Administration degree.
Applications for Summer 2025 programs are now closed. Summer 2026 programs will launch early in the Fall 2025 semester.
Program Facts
| Course | MBA 590: Special Topics, Business Sustainability in Emerging Markets *Counts towards the Business Sustainability Certificate |
| NC State Cost | $5,600 Please see the “Costs/Scholarships” page for more details. |
| Dates | May 23 – 31, 2025 |
| Location | São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Contact | Jessica Thomas (jothomas@ncsu.edu) Office of Global Programs, Poole (poole_global@ncsu.edu) |
| Applications | Applications for Summer 2025 programs are now closed. Summer 2026 programs will launch early in the Fall 2025 semester. Early Action Deadline: December 1 (recommended) Regular Deadline: February 5 |
| Detailed Information | To learn about accommodations, eligibility, health & safety and logistics, please visit the PackAbroad program page. |
| FAQs | Learn more about our refund and withdrawal policy here. Get your general questions answered by visiting the FAQ page. |
Academics
MBA 590: Sustainable Business in Emerging Markets
(3 Credits, graded)
Through a combination of pre-departure classes, in-country site visits, discussions with local business and community leaders, real-world projects and post-visit activities, students will gain insight into global and regional business sustainability issues in emerging markets, using Brazil as a case study. The course will provide students with the opportunity to explore the historic, economic and business context of the country as well as a foundational understanding of global sustainability-related business challenges, opportunities and strategies. The course includes visits to companies in Sao Paulo and Rio with a range of business models from certified B Corporations, to small social enterprises as well as large, multinational businesses. This course also counts towards the practicum requirement for the MBA.
Sample Itinerary
*for illustrative purposes only
| Saturday, May 24 | Arrival in São Paulo Orientation Session Welcome Dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse |
| Sunday, May 25 | Cultural Tour of Villa Madalena and Batman Alley Meet and greet with local business leaders |
| Monday, May 26 | Networking event with Brazilian Students B Corp Event- Meet & Greet |
| Tuesday, May 27 | Visit Natura, one of Brazil’s most innovative B-Corps Service Learning at Litro de Luz |
| Wednesday, May 28 | Fly to Rio de Janeiro Sunset at Sugar Loaf Mountain |
| Thursday, May 29 | Visit with AMBEV |
| Friday, May 30 | Visit to local Favella & social project organization Visit to Christ the Redeemer Farewell dinner with the group |
| Saturday, May 31 | Depart from Rio de Janeiro for home |