There has been strong upsurge of International interest in studying in Brazil over the past years. Brazil is the most westernized and politically stable country of the BRICs - as the fast growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China are called. In 2001 an article economists from the J.P.Morgan company,  presented the four BRIC countries as just growing economies who would challenge the traditional global leadership of the USA, Japan and Europe. Since that time, Brazil has grown steadily and attracted large volumes of international investment, surpassed only by China.

Brazil, however is a country with a rich western culture, a happy optimistic outlook on life, and fewer challenges related to extreme poverty and ethnic issues, when compared to oher BRIC countries such as China and India. According to the GEM- Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, a report on global entrepreneurship coordinated by Babson College in the US and the London Business School, Brazil is one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world. A land of opportunities with a broad racial blend, with a mixed Afro-European, Asian and indigenous background, and a single language which is similar to Spanish, Brazil welcomes immigrants of all races, religions and regions in a true melting pot.

Since the early 1990’s, Brazil opened up its borders to more foreign trade and international competition, creating a large demand for more qualified managers, engineers and professionals. With strong policies to improve income distribution and include the poorer population into a modern consumer economy, this fueled investment by international companies. Brazil has also caught international attention with its vast natural resources, and global leadership in using renewable energy resources.  It is home to Vale, one of the largest mining companies in the world, and has become a huge net exporter of food, with some of the most modern farm and cattle growing technologies, developed by local organizations like EMBRAPA, an agricultural research company.  Leading technology development in some energy areas like ultra-deep sea oil production, the biggest hydroelectric dams and and production of a huge fleet of  millions of ethanol powered cars, Brazil has attracted much attention as a pioneer in putting new and renewable energy systems in operation. In the last decade, Brazilian multinational companies have spread their operations to North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, showcasing a new and effective approach to doing global business.

As a result, student exchanges at top Universities have grown, particularly in the field of management, and students from the US and Europe have come to study for MBAs in English Language courses at internationally accredited courses in Brazil.

Opportunities for entrepreneurship and for jobs in Brazil are significant, including areas such as agribusiness, energy, auto industry, financial and consulting services, mining, tourism and information technology, among others.

Major new projects and events are in motion, particularly transportation infrastructure, steelworks, housing and construction, and these areas are progressing strongly, especially since Brazil, the land of soccer, will host the 2014 World Cup, a mega event, as well as the 2016 Olympic Games, to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

Great projects, great opportunities and a welcoming people are ready to receive all those who wish to study in a new and exciting region of the world. With some world class Universities and top ranked MBA programs that are internationally recognized, spending time in Brazil is a great way to broaden horizons and get real life experience in one of the fastest growing regions of the world. English language courses, a stable democracy, and modern western-style cities make Brazil a very attractive option for starting an international career.

James Wright, is a Professor of Strategy at USP-University of Sao Paulo, and Director of the International MBA at FIA Business School