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Upcoming AmSoc events: Sep 21st - Vida Jovem Gala Oct - VIP Cocktail Oct 27th - Halloween Party for Kids Nov 21st - Thanksgiving Dec 7th - EggNog Party

Monthly Newsletter September 2012 www.AmSoc.com.br

Helping Hands / Patron Members - Join us for the VIP Cocktail


The Amsoc Board is planning their annual extra Thank You cocktail evening for our Patron and Helping Hands members and all our corporate sponsors in October. Extra special this year will be our welcome to the new US Consul General who is arriving this month. More details will be provided in the next months Forum. Also keep an eye out for your personal invitation which will be sent to all our VIP members. If you are interested in upgrading your membership to Patron or Helping Hands, please call the office on (11) 5182-2074.

The Education Issue


STEM
Page 7: Have you heard about Brazils STEM programme to send Brazilian students to the US?

International Schools
Page 10: A summary of the cost of education in the international schools in this city.

Halloween Party
For most expats in So Paulo, Halloween is one of those things that you had to leave behind. It just doesnt happen here. True, it is becoming more popular in So Paulo, and the shops have a lot more Halloween decorations now than they did 10 years ago, but trick-ortreating is as scarce here as Candy Corn. Every year however the American Society comes to the rescue of this tradition and throws a huge Halloween party for kids. There are lots of games with prizes, trick-or-treating with mountains of candy, and even a haunted house. Kids love the sweets, the hotdogs and cupcakes. And parents love reliving their own childhood Halloween excitement as they watch their kids have fun. Preparations for this years party are beginning now. Its time to volunteer for this fun event! We need helpers to help decorate the morning of the party and also some volunteers to set up and work the games. We need volunteers to help shop in the Centro for the prizes. We also need volunteers to dress up and work the enchanted forest (That includes men too!! Come on dads, your kids will never forget this!). Are you traveling to the US on business? We need American candy. Candy Corn, Tootsie Rolls, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, stuff like that. Because thats one of the cool things about our party, we give out lots of American candy too! Dont know if this is appreciated more by the kids or the parents... For the party to be a success for your children, we need your help! If you can contribute in any way, please contact the office. The party will happen on October 27th, so mark your calendars!

A New Start
Page 16: Considering adult education in So Paulo? Our columnist offers some ideas on what you could consider.

Our Mission
The American Society of So Paulo promotes friendship by organizing social, cultural and athletic events for its diverse membership; encourages integration with the Brazilian society; and supports the American traditions of education, philanthropy and volunteerism.

Presidents Corner
I really enjoyed watching the Olympic Games, very nice to have at least 6 channels transmitting different events. Congratulations to Great Britain on organizing the event and to the By Joe Sherman, AmSoc president impressive third place finish in terms of gold medals (29) or fourth place in terms of total medals (65). As Steve Merrick informed me the Brits are very good at sports where one participates sitting down: horse events, cycling, rowing, sailing Beautiful opening and closing ceremonies, a well organized event all around. What is difficult for me to swallow is how Brazil, with a young population of about 200 million, the 6th largest economy in the world, only wins 3 gold medals, 17 in total. The Brazilian Olympic Committee informs us that R$2.1 billion were invested, or R$123.5 million per medal. This compares to R$80 million per medal in the last Olympics in China. Amazingly Brazil does not even have an official Olympics training center as many countries do. Artur Zanetti, who won a gold medal in the gymnastics ring event, was paying R$25.00 per month to train in the local gym. Luckily in March Sadia decided to sponsor his training as I assume
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Volunteer Opportunity
they realized he was a potential medal winner. I wonder how much was spent on the Brazilian soccer team, a major disappointment considering strong teams such as Argentina and Germany were not present. I dont know how the funds are distributed (where does the money go?), but clearly Brazil can do a better job of channeling funds to individual athletes providing coaching and training facilities, a better investment for Olympic medals. Congratulations to Artur Zanetti and Sarah Menezes (judo) on their individual gold medals - heroes in my opinion. Congratulations to Brazilian volleyball, a gold for the women, and silver for the men. Coaches Jose Roberto and Bernardinho do a great job in putting together excellent teams. So on to Rio in 2016! The U.S. was the overall winner with 46 gold medals and 104 in total; a country that has a culture of recognizing the importance of education and the sports experience in building character, teamwork. It begins with Little League and continues with High School and College sports - a good example to follow. Congratulations to the U.S. Olympic team.. Get your tickets for the Vida Jovem event on September 21 at the Jockey Club. There wont be any horse races but you can place a sure bet in the silent auction. Abraos, Joe
Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layout Ernest White II, staff writer Forum is printed by EGB. (http://www.egb.com.br) Views expressed in Forum do not necessarily reflect those of the American Society board of governors, members, or staff. Forum reserves the right to edit content for brevity and/or clarity.

The American Society of So Paulo Rua da Paz, 1431 04713-001 So Paulo, SP Tel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155 email the editor: mail@falaphoto.com

Casa Limiar welcomes volunteers. A home for 22 children between 0 and 17 years old, Casa Limiar offers various opportunities for people who want to make a contribution. Many of the children were taken from situations where they were in personal or social risk. Some of the children were abandoned. You can really make a difference here. Whether you hug babies, play with the toddlers and small children, organize a simple craft activity for the older kids or teach English; your presence will be appreciated. Within the last month, Casa Limiar received four newborns that were abandoned by their mothers in hospitals. These babies were born with dependencies to chemically dependent moms. Two of them have syphilis, which they are being treated for. Like all babies, they love to be held. You dont need to speak Portuguese to do this. The other children love to play and make things. They are content doing simple things like making paper chains, painting, glueing. As far as activities go, its good to keep things simple. If you have a special talent and youd like to share your knowledge with kids, this is the place to go. Located near Clube de Campo, Casa Limiar is a house with two outside play areas. a computer room and a TV room. If you plan an activity for the kids, there are separate spaces you can use. There is privacy if you want to work with a child on a one on one basis. The atmosphere is cozy, the directors, Luiza and Bete are extremely helpful, as are the other workers. If youd like to visit and see if this is the place where youd like to do volunteer work, please get in touch and we can plan a visit. Please email Nadja if you are interested or have any questions. art@nadjavenezian.com.br

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September

The American Society of So Paulo

Welcome to Our New Members


Welcome the following New Members who joined us recently. We are very grateful for your support! Name Robert CAHALAN Amit SINGHI Spouse Shelley CAHALAN Usha SINGHI Membership Family Patron Membership Family Patron Membership Family Membership Family Membership Family Membership Helping Hands Membership Helping Hands Membership Helping Hands Membership Company Ford Motor Company FORD Air Products (Chemicals) Brazil Ltda. LDS Church (Gregory) Unilever Brazil Ltda. Delta Airlines General Mills Global Logistic Properties Nationality Amrican American American American/French Filipino American/Brazilian American American/British

Sarah Beth HOUSEHOLDER Paul David HOUSEHOLDER Christina CLARK Oliver SICAM Paulo S. MIRANDA Janie WALKER Scott PRYCE Gregory CLARK Marianne SICAM Kristy L. MIRANDA Sean WALKER Isabelle PRYCE

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AmSoc Board Bio - Isabel Franco


I was born in So Paulo but my mothers family was from Austria and my father used to say that this is why I became an American! He was Brazilian and did not speak German and my mother insisted that her kids should go a German school in So Paulo. Her efforts to make us speak German were not very successful so she settled to have us go to other foreign schools. So, we grew up among nonBrazilians in the Chcara Flora neighborhood where the largest foreign community lived and the lingua franca was always English. I decided to go to college in the US and landed in San Diego. Eventually, I thought that I should return to Brazil and go to university here. So, I returned to So Paulo and went to law school at USP. Somehow, at that age I didnt seem to be able to get used to Brazil so I spent years going back and forth living between So Paulo and the States. Then, I married an American and we were transferred to Hong Kong where I lived for almost four years working as a lawyer at a British firm. From there, in 1990, I moved to New York where I stayed until a few years ago. I then got my masters degree in New York. I also started a career with the Bar Association and am very proud for having been elected as the chair of the New York State Bar Association, the Section of International Law (the first woman!). AmSoc are great there are so many opportunities to be with the American community for all sorts of occasions. It is so important to keep our traditions of Thanksgiving, the carols at Christmas, even Halloween. The AmSoc also gives us an opportunity to help Brazilian charities which can really use the assistance of our fellow members. The Angel Party is one of the most sensational opportunities to make a difference with underprivileged children. I also benefit professionally from the networking opportunities that AmSoc provides. I work for a lot of US companies in Brazil, especially in compliance. I am an expert in anti-corruption legislation both US and Brazilian and being with the AmSoc gives me opportunities to share my work right in the heart of the US community in Brazil. All in all, everything about the AmSoc is a lot of fun. Our last project, the gala dinner, was a wonderful event. I could write pages about it. But, rather than doing that, I invite you, readers, to come and work with us to prepare our 2013 event. I guarantee a lot of excitement!

The Big Apple was definitely my hometown but the business opportunities in So Paulo became so attractive that I decided to return for the excitement of living in the new Brazil, the B in BRIC. But back here, I really miss the US. I joined the American Chamber of Commerce and was a board member and legal counsel for a few years to feel closer to the States. But it is with the American Society where I mostly mato as saudades. The events sponsored by

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The American Society of So Paulo

Consulate Corner: Diplomacy Takes to the Road on Route 66


By Jonathan Posner Taking his cue from famed songs of Woodie Guthrie, Will Rogers, and Bob Dylan, Ambassador Shannon kicked off U.S. Mission Brazils new Route 66 outreach initiative in March, which will take U.S. diplomacy on the road to Brazils 66 largest cities. Twenty-three of these cities fall within the So Paulo Consular District. The program has gotten off to a very strong start with Consulate officers visiting Campinas, Campo Grande, Caixas do Sul, Guarulhos, Piracicaba, Porto Alegre, Santos, So Bernardo do Campo, So Jose dos Campos, Sorocaba, and Tres Lagoas, with many more to come (visit http:// Sopaulo.usconsulate.gov/events.html to read press stories of our completed Route 66 trips). The initiative, which designates a Consulate officer to visit one of the cities periodically and serve as the Missions liaison to the city, is designed to strengthen diplomatic ties with important communities where we do not have a permanent U.S. government presence. The visits engage local municipal and state leadership from public, private, and civil sectors, including contacts with municipal government, Chambers of Commerce, Binational Centers, leading universities, and major U.S. and Brazilian companies. Officers also participate in press events not only to continues to expand our engagement. Starting with President Obamas visit to Brazil in March 2011 and the reciprocal visit made by President Rousseff to Washington in April 2012, Brazil has witnessed an unparalleled array of visits by our most senior Executive Branch leadership from the Department of State, the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Energy to name a few. With these high level visits came a plethora of agreements focused on such important topics as education, technology, trade, and support for the World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016, which the Mission is highlighting in the Route 66 outreach. We encourage you to read more about this strengthening relationship on our website at http:// brazil.usembassy.gov/. And if you hear about an upcoming Route 66 trip we encourage you to reach out and we would be happy to say hello! As always, if you have any questions specifically about American Citizen Services, such as passport services or emergencies regarding American citizens please contact SoPauloACS@ state.gov or visit our website at http:// brazil.usembassy.gov/service.html

highlight our Route 66 visit, but also to answer questions related to the strong and growing bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Brazil. It is due to the ever-strengthening bilateral relationship we share with Brazil that the U.S. Mission in Brazil

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Angel Party: Call for Sponsors


underwear and a candy treat. This would need to be done by the end of September. You can donate R$350 and well do the shopping for you. You can volunteer to help at our October bag organization

The American Societys Angel Party is only two months away. This event, which will take place on November 10 at Chapel School, is a Christmas party for 240 of the children that AmSoc supports through its community service work. These children, from orphanages and daycare centers, will spend a rollicking day playing games, seeing shows, eating less-than-nutritional food and at the end, receiving a large gift bag from Santa. If youd like to help with the party, there are several ways you can do so. We need 50 more sponsors for gift bags. You can go shopping for one child and buy tennis shoes, a sweatshirt, pants, a shirt, a toy of R$60 or more, a backpack, socks,

day.

You can volunteer to help on the day of the party. You can make a donation which well use for any one of the myriad of needs to make the party happen (from candy to transportation). This party is one of the American Societys biggest events and a day which will leave you feeling energized, fulfilled and ready to help out even more. Please consider taking part. For more information or to help, contact Sue Banman Sileci at sue@sileci.com or Eileen Tasso at eileentasso@gmail.com.

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The American Society of So Paulo

Science Without Borders: Brazils Global Rise in STEM Education


By Kristina L. Dooley, Former AMSOC Member Ever since the Fulbright Commission was established in 1957, Brazil has sent thousands of students to study in U.S. universities. Since being elected in 2010, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has been working on an initiative, announced in August 2011, which would provide scholarships for Brazilian students to study at universities around the world. This new scholarship program, Science Without Borders, will provide one-year scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students wishing to study in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). In addition to covering educational costs for students accepted into the program, students will also receive food, accommodations, and a US$300 per month allowance. The goal of the Science Without Borders program is to expose Brazilian students with strengths in STEM fields to top universities worldwide. The hope is that these students will return after their year abroad to complete their studies in Brazilian universities, thus aiding Rousseffs vision of Brazil as a global leader in the STEM arena. Current estimates show that Brazilian students who have earned university degrees earn nearly 3.6 times more than high school graduates. The Brazilian government hopes that by the end of 2015 approximately 100,000 students will have participated in the Science Without Borders program, with at least half of them having studied in the United States. The United States has traditionally been the most popular study destination for Brazilian students. Last year approximately 9,000 Brazilian students studied in the U.S., a 15.7% increase over 2010. However, these numbers pale in comparison to the numbers of students coming from countries such as China and India which, combined, sent nearly 260,00 students to U.S. universities last year. In fact, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE), Brazil was the fourteenth largest source of students heading to the U.S. for education or English-language training. However, when considering only students attending intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) training within the U.S., Brazil ranks sixth. The hope of those behind the inception of the Science Without Borders program is that Brazilian students studying abroad in the U.S. will now bring back valuable educational expertise in the STEM fields, and not just improved English capabilities. In order to be considered for Science Without Borders, students must meet several requirements including: - Brazilian citizenship - Current enrollment in a Brazilian university - Completion of at least 40% of their degree in Brazil, but no more than 80% - Demonstrated proficiency in English - Agree to remain in Brazil following completion of the Program for twice the amount of time they studied in the U.S. This final requirement is the one that may help Brazil with the fight against brain drainthe idea that many of these top students will choose to remain in the U.S. to complete their studies and continue on to employment. In fact, the Brazilian government may have little to worry about when it comes to students extending their stay in the U.S. as the National Science Foundation numbers show that Brazilians actually ranked lowest in numbers of foreign students receiving doctorates in the U.S. who ultimately stay stateside. The reality is that there is far more funding for scientific research in Brazil than in the United States, according to the Sao Paulo Research Foundation. Recent reports show that those applying for National Science Foundation grants in the U.S. have just a 19% chance of receiving one. That number nearly triples for those applying for grants in Brazilan obvious incentive for Brazilian science students to return home upon completion of their degree. Its obvious that the Brazilian government is trying to make large educational strides within the STEM fields via the Science Without Borders program. Based on the outside sponsorships the program has received from well-respected players in the STEM arena such as NASA, The Smithsonian Institute, GE, and Boeing, and the support the program is already receiving from top universities, Brazil could truly become a heavy-hitter in these fields in the future. Kristina L. Dooley is the founder of Estrela Consulting, an Independent Educational Consulting firm helping families navigate the college, boarding school, and summer program search processes. Kristina is a former AMSOC member now living in Mexico City and can be reached via email at Kristina@ EstrelaConsulting.com or online at www.EstrelaConsulting.com.

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Attend the Upcoming Benefit & Make an Impact on Another AmSoc Supported Charity
The AmSoc Gala in May raised significant funding for NGO Maria Helen Drexel. On Friday, September 21st the AmSoc/ Vida Jovem Silver Jubilee Dance Party at the elegant Jockey Club will help Vida Jovem meet the costs of its extensive social programs. Vida Jovem provides family-like for children who for no fault of their own have been taken from their families by child welfare services and placed in its care. The reasons are many but the conclusion in each case it the same: life with their families is no longer safe or healthy for the child. Vida Jovem nurtures these children and offers educational programs for its residents and youth from neighboring favelas. In total, over 350 children and youth are impacted directly through its programs each year. In addition, 7 Vida Jovem youth are currently enrolled in post-secondary school university and vocational programs. It was 25 years ago that Edward Dougherty, an American who still lives in Campinas opened the first home with a group of friends who became the first Board of Directors. They were inspired by the success of the St. Louis, Mo.based Boys Hope Girls Hope program. This US NGO continues to support its Brazilian affiliate in many ways: it provides university scholarships to qualifying Vida Jovem high school graduates, program orientation and best practice insights. Given Vida Jovems American roots, focus on children and education, the AmSoc Community Action Committee (CAC) decided to include it among its supported entities over 15 years ago. Today, there are 6 American citizens on Vida Jovems 26-member Board. AmSoc makes a significant contribution to the charities it supports, like Vida Jovem. Over the years, many volunteers have found Vida Jovem through AmSoc. The entitys children the critical funding they need. AmSoc and the Vida Jovem Board have partnered for this large annual benefit since 2004. Besides offering an enjoyable social event and amazing auction items, this party promotes Brazilian culture and celebrates the successes of the youth served. The Silver Jubilee Dance Party will feature a number of innovations: on-line silent auction, duel of standup comedians, dance party reaching the wee hours of the morning, VIP parking included with all tickets and opportunities to win incredible travel packages! A special R$ 150,00 Cocktail ticket is being offered this year that enables the participant full access to the entire event (allnight open bars serving Chivas Regal, MUMM and Absolut, delicious appetizers, entertainment throughout the evening and great silent and live auctions with over 400 items). Few tickets remain for the Complete ticket (R$ 350,00) that offers all of the above plus an incredible dinner menu catered by Brazil-renowned Chef, Charl, and a chance to win a trip to Aruba, the US or 3 other must have items in the Grand Prize Drawing! Call AmSoc to purchase your tickets: 5182-2074. Your participation will go a long way in helping to transform the lives of deserving children and youth!

have the time of their lives and receive much needed and desired clothes and toys at theAmSoc ChristmasAngel Party every year. Emergency repairs from the CAC matching fund and Helping Hands membership contributions and CAC-organized special campaigns help the AmSoc supported organizations meet their budgets in an ever-increasing cost environment. AmSoc promotes communication and sharing of best practices among its supported charities. And, AmSoc lends its organizational expertise and promotes benefits such as the upcoming Silver Jubilee Dance Party to help these organizations raise

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The American Society of So Paulo

Little League Calendar 2012


Sign-ups On Saturday morning August 18 at Graded School, AmSoc held its second semesters Little League signups accompanied with the breakfast of (blueberry) pancakes, topped with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and of course good ole American syrup! John Kennedy again will be the Coordinator of Little league, but this season Paul Groom will run the soccer program while John will run baseball along with his trusty coach John O`Brien. David Owen will coach volleyball and Marybeth Verga will teach tennis for ages 6 to 12. Again this semester, Aldo Petrolino and his squad of all-star girls will coach soccer for the older kids, ages 9-13, while Jared Alamat and Paul Groom, among a few other, will coach the 5-8 years olds. This semester we have plans for a very exciting Little League program highlighted with several Friendly Competitions against other soccer and baseball teams within So Paulo City. So the regularly scheduled practices that take place two Saturdays per month at either Graded or Chapel Schools will be coupled with a third Saturday playing games against well trained teams. Now our practices will take on a new meaning to prepare our kids for those games! The Saturday practices start at 9am with boys and girls from ages 5-13 playing either soccer or volleyball until 10:30am. Then from 10:30 until 12 noon, boys and girls from ages 5-13 can practice and play either baseball or tennis.

The following Saturdays and locations will make up our second semester of Little League: August 25 Chapel School September 1 Chapel School September 15 Friendly Competitions at SPAC September 22 Graded School September 29 Graded School October 6 planning Friendly Competitons October 20 planning Friendly Competitons October 27 Chapel School November 3 planning Friendly Competitons November 17 Graded School November 24 Chapel School December 1 and/or 8 Year-end Games, Awards & BBQ - location TBD

REMINDER TO ALL ADULTS If you desire to play softball (August to October) and flag football games (in November and December) check the Little League schedule. The adult games will follow immediately after the Little League games and last until 4pm. Please contact John Kennedy for any more information: john@kennedy-partners.com

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Guide to International Schools in So Paulo


By Ernest White II, Staff Writer the lower school, made up of students in the Montessori Preprimary program through elementary up to grade 5; the middle school, with grades 6 through 8; and the high school, with grades 9 through 12. Graduates obtain an American high school diploma, certifying their readiness to enter university, and International Baccalaureate (IB) and Brazilian high school diplomas are also offered. Students who graduated in 2011 were accepted at such prestigious universities as Brown, Columbia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Yale. The price tag for a Graded education: from R$3,000 a month for the halfday Preprimary program to R$5,400 a month for high school students, in addition to the R$28,350 one-time entrance fee, which is discounted 25% for each additional child. Interested parents can preview the school via its website, www.graded.br, or by calling 3747-4800. Parents looking for a school with a Christian component to the curriculum can consider Chapel School, also known as the Escola Maria Imaculada, originally founded in 1947 to educate the children of English-speaking Catholics, but open to all denominations. With a diverse student body of only 730 students spread over elementary, middle, and high schools, the intimate nature of the campus allows for a more ideal student-teacher ratio while still offering the American, Brazilian, and IB high school diplomas. Also accredited by AdvancED, Chapel is a Catholic institution, requiring students to attend a minimum of two religion classes per week, though participation in sacraments is optional, as the school respects the religious convictions of its students. In the last three years, Chapel graduates have been accepted at elite universities such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Georgetown, and Northwestern. Tuition at Chapel starts at R$4,398 for elementary through R$4,992 for high school, with a R$6,156 entrance fee. Preview the school via its website, www.chapelschool.com, or by calling 2101-7400. Another option for religious education is the Pan American Christian Academy (PACA), founded in 1960 and currently enrolling 340 students on the pre-school, middle school, and high school levels following an Americanbased curriculum. Situated on a spacious 9-acre campus near Interlagos, PACA is accredited by AdvancED and according to the schools website, their Christian educators integrate Biblical truth in all areas of instruction. Students are prepared for continuing university education and receive an American or Brazilian high school diploma upon completion. Advanced Placement courses and credit are also available. Recent PACA graduates have been accepted into universities as varied as Cornell, Emory, UC-Berkeley, and the American University of Paris. Monthly tuition at PACA ranges from R$2,040 for pre-K to R$2,605 for high school students, with a one-time entry fee of R$4,000. Find out more about PACA at its website, www.paca.com.br, or by calling 5929-9500. For an even stronger international component to education, Saint Pauls SchoolSo Paulos British school, located in Jardim Paulistano has been offering a strong British curriculum since 1927. The student body is divided into Pre-Prep (children aged 3-5), Preparatory (children aged 6-11), and Senior levels (teens aged 12-18), with Preparatory and Senior levels subdivided further into preps and forms respectively. The college preparatory curriculum at this highlyregarded institution, accredited by the UK Government Department for Children, Schools and Families, results in either the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a Brazilian high school diploma, or the IB diploma. Recent graduates from Saint Pauls have

Educating the brood is of primary importance to any parent, but expat parents have a specific set of concerns beyond the basic inculcation of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Parents want to know that their children are getting high quality education, learning useful social skills, and being guided on the path to becoming productive world citizens, and like in many countries, Brazils public education system just doesnt cut it. In So Paulo particularly, traffic and safety concerns compound these considerations, and expat families are often left to their own devices in searching for and finding the best match for their childrens futures. This can seem a herculean task, given the very limited number of English-language international schools in So Paulo and the very large number of parents eager to get their children enrolled in an English-language programwaiting lists for all schools are obnoxiously long. Well, weve decided to try and help make that search a little bit easier with our rundown of international schools in the city. If youre lucky, you might even find a space for one or two of the youngins. For parents interested in a nonreligious American curriculum for their children, Graded has been the top choice since 1920, when the school started with only six students in downtown So Paulo. Today, Graded educates over 1,200 students from ages 3 through 18 on its sprawling Morumbi campus and is accredited by AdvancED (formerly Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). The student body is comprised of three divisions:

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been accepted at Boston University, Georgetown, New York University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Tuition at Saint Pauls begins at R$4,094 for pre-prep up to R$5,282 for senior level, in addition to the one-time entrance fee of R$16,780. Interested parents can preview the school via its website, www.stpauls. br, or by calling 3087-3399. A second option for the British educational system is Saint Nicholas School, a relatively new institution established in a quiet corner of the Pinheiros neighborhood in 1980. The student body, with children from over thirty countries, is divided into infant (ages 18 months-7 years), junior (ages 8-11 years) and senior (ages 12-18 years) with concurrent IGCSE, IB, and Brazilian diploma programs. Tuition at Saint Nicholas ranges from R$3,562 for the infant level to R$4,598 for the senior level, along with the R$2,932 entrance fee. Parents can preview the school via its website, www.stnicholas.com.br, or by calling 3465-9666. For families living near Pinheiros or Jardim Europa, Saint Francis College operates two campuses in the city. Dedicated to high-level instruction in both English and Portuguese, Saint Francis is pursuing designation as an IB World School, operating with the IB curriculum from the primary through secondary levels and culminating with the IGCSE in certain subjects, and the IB or Brazilian diploma. The school accepts very young children into its Early Years program, before promoting them into the Primary Years (ages 3-12), Middle Years (ages 11-16), and Diploma (ages 17-19) programs. Monthly tuition ranges from R$3.150,00 (Alpha 2 ) to R$4.350,00 for Alpha 3 to Year 6 and R$5.550,00 from Year 7 to Year 12. There are discounts for a second child. Find out more about both campuses via the schools website, www.stfrancis.com. br, or by calling 3905-6200 (Jardim Europa) or 3728-8050 (Pinheiros). If youre only searching for a school with Early Years or Primary Level programs, the brand new British College of Brazil, located in Cidade Jardim, has a young staff and the backing of the British Schools Group. Currently, the student body is comprised of children between the ages of 2 and 9 and study under the British National Curriculum. Monthly tuition ranges from R$2,520 for halfday pre-nursery and nursery students to R$3,456 for primary students. Interested parents can preview the school via its website, www. britishcollegebrazil.org, or by calling 3031-4697. Besides English-language institutions, So Paulo also has the Lyce Pasteur, a French school associated with the French governments Allance Franais cultural and educational network. Started in 1923, the school occupies a campus in the centrallylocated Vila Mariana neighborhood and students graduate with either the French National or Brazilian diploma and having studied four required languages, including English. The 1,000-pupil student body consists of four levels: kindergarten (ages 3-5), elementary (ages 6-10), middle (ages 11-14) and high school (ages 15-17). Monthly tuition ranges from R$1,294 for kindergarten through R$1,742 for high school students, with extra fees for examinations. Parents can preview the school via its website, www.flp-sp. com.br (French and Portuguese only), or by calling 5904-7822. There is also the German school, Colgio Visconde de Porto Seguro. one of the oldest educational institutions in the city, dating back to 1878 when it was founded as the Deutsche Schule by German immigrants. With three campusesMorumbi, Valinhos, and PanambyPorto Seguro has over 10,000 students combined and offers Brazilian and German curricula on four levels, spanning ages 5-18 and culminating in a German or Brazilian high school diploma. Monthly tuition starts at R$1,730 for kindergarten up to R$1,900 for high school, with no entrance fee (though monthly fees are paid for 12 months, rather than the usual 10 month academic payment schedule). Find out more about all three campuses via the schools website, www.portoseguro. org.br (Portuguese and German only), or by calling 3749-3250 (Morumbi) 3829-5000 (Valinhos), or 3746-1600 (Panamby).

Booking now for Christmas Sessions!

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Why Study Abroad?


By Melissa Harkin, AmSoc member If you are one of our Expat members with children you already know that studying aborad is a life-changing experience and one of the most rewarding t h i n g s somebody can do. If you are one of our non-expat members you might be wondering though what real benefits you (or your children) can reap from an extended stay in a foreign country Here are 10 very excellent reasons why you (or they) should take the plunge: Study abroad is the optimal way to learn a language. There is no better and more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in a culture that speaks the language you are learning. Youre surrounded by the language on a daily basis and are seeing and hearing it in the proper cultural context. Language learning happens most quickly under these circumstances. Study abroad provides the opportunity to travel. Weekends and academic breaks allow you to venture out and explore your surroundings - both your immediate and more distant surroundings. Since studying abroad often puts you on a completely different continent, you are much closer to places you might otherwise not have had the opportunity to visit. Some more structured study abroad programs even have field trips planned in or around the curriculum. Study abroad allows you get to know another culture first-hand. Cultural differences are more than just differences in language, food, appearances, and personal habits. A persons culture reflects very deep perceptions, beliefs, and values that influence his or her way of life and the way that s/he views the world. Students who experience cultural differences personally can come to truly understand where other cultures are coming from. Study abroad will help you develop skills and give you experiences a classroom setting will never provide. Being immersed in an entirely new cultural setting is scary at first, but its also exciting. Its an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems. You will encounter situations that are wholly unfamiliar to you and you will learn to adapt and respond in effective ways. them to reconsider their own beliefs and values. The experience may perhaps strengthen those values or it may cause students to alter or abandon them and embrace new concepts and perceptions. The encounter with other cultures enables students to see their own culture through new eyes. Study abroad expands your worldview. In comparison with citizens of most other countries, Americans tend to be uninformed about the world beyond the nations boundaries. Students who study abroad return home with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples. Study abroad gives you the opportunity to break out of your academic routine. Study abroad is likely to be much unlike what you are used to doing as a student. You may become familiar with an entirely new academic system and you will have the chance to take courses not offered on your home campus. Its also a great opportunity to break out the monotony of the routine you follow semester after semester. Study abroad enhances employment opportunities. Did you know that only 4% of U.S. undergraduates ever study abroad? Yet, the world continues to become more globalized, American countries are increasingly investing dollars abroad, and companies from countries around the world continue to invest

Study abroad affords you the opportunity to make friends around the world. While abroad, you will meet not only natives to the culture in which you are studying, but also other international students who are as far from home as yourself. Study abroad helps you to learn about yourself. Students who study abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. The experience abroad often challenges

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The American Society of So Paulo


in the international market. Through an employers eyes, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges, and able to cope with diverse problems and situations. Your experience living and studying in a foreign country, negotiating another culture, and acquiring another language will all set you apart from the majority of other job applicants. Study abroad can enhance the value of your degree. While abroad, you can take courses you would never have had the opportunity to take on your home campus. In addition, study abroad gives your language skills such a boost that it is normally quite easy to add a minor in a language or even a second major without having to take many more additional courses after the return to your home campus. If youre still wondering if study abroad is a good idea for you, then read the U.S. Senate Resolution citing 13 reasons why it is imperative for more Americans to study abroad: In recognition of the long-term national benefits of sending American students abroad, the U.S. Senate issued a resolution designating 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad to raise awareness and to help increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad. The resolution itself lists the 13 reasons why broad-based support of study abroad programs is important and necessary on a national level: Ensuring that the citizens of the United States are globally literate is the responsibility of the educational system of the United States. Educating students internationally is an important way to share the values of the United States, to create goodwill for the United States around the world, to work toward a peaceful global society, and to increase international trade. 79% of people in the United States agree that students should have a study abroad experience sometime during college, but only 1% of students from the United States currently study abroad each year. Study abroad programs help people from the United States to be more informed about the world and to develop a shortage of professionals with international knowledge and foreign language skills; Institutions of higher education in the United States are struggling to graduate enough students with the language skills and cultural competence necessary to meet the current demands of business, government, and educational institutions. Studying abroad influences subsequent educational experiences, decisions to expand or change academic majors, and decisions to attend graduate school. Some of the core values and skills of higher education are enhanced by participation in study abroad programs. Study abroad programs not only open doors to foreign language learning, but also empower students to better understand themselves and others through a comparison of cultural values and ways of life. Study abroad programs for students from the United States can provide specialized training and practical experiences not available at institutions in the United States. Officials in the federal government are becoming increasingly cognizant of the dire need for citizens who possess the skills to communicate, negotiate, and do business in diverse regions of the world. This Senate Resolution is one in an increasing number of initiatives to train Americans to cope successfully with the globalization, migration, increasing economic interdependence, communication, and travel that are increasingly bringing cultures into ever closer contact with one another. Melissa Harkin runs a translation company called Melissa Harkin Translations. Visit her site at www. melissaharkin.com or contact her at contato@melissaharkin.com (1198428-8714)

the cultural awareness necessary to avoid offending individuals from other countries. 87% of students in the United States between the ages of 18 and 24 cannot locate Iraq on a world map, 83% cannot find Afghanistan, 58% cannot find Japan, and 11% cannot even find the United States. Studying abroad exposes students from the United States to valuable global knowledge and cultural understanding and forms an integral part of their education. The security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States in an increasingly complex global age depend largely upon having a globally competent citizenry and the availability of experts specializing in world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs. Federal agencies, educational institutions, and corporations in the United States are suffering from

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classifieds
H ousing
Vila Nova Conceio So Paulos best place to live. Near Ibirapuera Park. Modern building, with all Sports facilities, heated swimming pool, gym, play room, barbecue, multi purpose sports court. Three bedrooms (1 suite), living room with terrace, complete kitchen,maids bedroom and bath, big service area, two parking spaces. Fully furnished,with all appliances. Call Ana Beatriz or Eliane Phone (011) 3849.7085 or (011) 99626-6229-mail to: anabeatriz@caboverde.com.br Interiors Rental Furniture Quality and refined furniture rental for your home away from home. We offer great variety! A complete line of appliances, kitchen devices and linen & towels. Complements such as rugs, lamps and decor items. www.interiors.com.br or interiors@interiors.com.br Penthome - Jardins 3 bedrooms, 2 garages, large balcony, loads of sun! - Available now! Unique floor plan. Large Room w/ wooden floor. Large balcony w/ wooden deck and Jacuzzi. Huge skyline. 3 Bdrm (1 suite) w/ cabinets. 3 Baths w/ showers, marble counters, cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Office/additional Bedroom. Planned Kitchen w/ small granite counter w/ seating. InUnit Laundry/utility room. Garage w/ 2 parking spaces included. 267 sq.m. Rent: R$12.000,00 per month.CAM Cost: R$ 1.700,00 per month. Property Tax: R$350,00 per month. Will be plain painted by owner, according to tenant preferences. Contact Mr. Gilberto Sampaio, ga-sampaio@uol.com.br, Phone: + 55 11 30342055 / Mobile: + 55 11 999 740 499 For sale Apt. of 254 m a.u. Excellent vista facing Praa Roosevelt (Consolao) in front and Presb. Cathedral and Cultura Artstica in back. 3 bdr. 1 suite, also a large room for office or bdr. Lots of closets built by Portuguese carpenters. LR window of 8.25m x 3 m. 3 parking spaces. Balcony. ACM Centro gym within 300 m. Reformed in 2004-05. Have to see. R$ 1.400.000. Contact Luis at 11-3257-9343 after Sept. 18.

S ervices
Math and Science Tutor Currently teacher at School St. Francis. 25+ years of experience. Tutors Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Science for all levels, including but not limited to the IB, IGCSE, SAT, ACT, AP and Brazilian vestibular. Elementary and middle school students are also welcome (all subjects). Call Fernando Knijnik at (11) 99134-6700. Former Chapel and Graded teacher. Qualified Learning Specialist Success in school leads to success in life. Areas of expertise include in-home support for academics, behavior modification, and intensive preparation for SSAT, PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, TOIEC, IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme. References furnished upon request. Dr. Wendy M. Smith can be reached at: 3885.7256 [office] or 99236.5267 [mobile]. Personal Trainer I will come to your home, office, or workout facility and create an exercise/fitness program tailored to your health concerns, fitness goals, and schedule. For adults and children, individuals or groups. Sessions in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. For more information please contact Daniela Franco at (11) 99739-6191 or dsf29@hotmail.com. Argos Dog Kennel Traveling? What about your dog? Argos Kennel Hotel could be his second home in the country. Food, water, and shelter with lots of love and personal care. No lonely kennel for him, but our home and the freedom of a spacious garden. Fetch and carry service. English and French spoken. Call Jean or Christiane at (11) 4661-1430 or (11) 97434-2430 or send an e-mail to Jean. chris@uol.com.br. Embu Guau, SP. American-Licensed Expat Psychologist Richard Morhaime, Psy.D., offers skilled psychotherapy for children and adults. He also provides complete diagnostic evaluations in English for children with academic or behavioral difficulties, featuring individualized recommendations for school and home. For more information, contact Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 99669-8057 or visit www.expatpsychologist.com.br American-Licensed Psychotherapist In this busy and ever-changing world, people often feel stressed and overwhelmed with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/ counseling can provide a safe place to receive professional guidance and support. Brief or longer-term therapy offered depending on your needs, goals and expectations. Services: individual, couples, child/adolescent. Certified to conduct Adoption Home Study for American Citizens. Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at 99656-2106 or send an e-mail to pamwax@gmail.com. Located in Moema. Psychologist My name is Mirella Giglio. I am a Graded School Alumni and a psychologist in So Paulo. I work with children, adolescents, adults and couples. Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 1572, cj. 1110 (Across Av. Rebouas), Jardim Paulistano, So Paulo. Tel.: 11 3032 5737. Cel.: 11 99259 9445 E-mail: mirella.giglio@gmail.com Marketing Research BACO Marketing Research, founded 1975, offers growth opportunity for Bilingual Research Assistant in International Department. Friendly environment with interesting work. Convenient Avenida Paulista subway location. Requirements: Grammatically correct English, moderate Portuguese; appropriate degree, some relevant experience, Brazilian work documents. Spanish desirable. Rsum with salary history: RESEARCHER, to AG8@AbacoResearch.com Piano and Keyboard Classes Beginning music classes for piano or keyboard. special method for children four years or older, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Classes in portuguese or English. Contact Suely Azevedo 984565365. Years of successful experience! Class in your house in Morumbi or south area. Real English Native english teachers needed (with or without experience) to work in a quickly growing english school in the zona sul of So Paulo. Please contact us. Real English (11) 5631-3794

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calendar
September 2012
04 Tuesday
Important Dates: 3 Labor Day (Us) anD 7 InDepenDence Day (br)

The American Society of So Paulo


Learn more about this months AmSoc events (highlighted) at www.AmSoc.com.br.
CHAPEL SCHOOL:(CIS) College International School Fair Elvis Experience Brasil Around 35 national and international universities will visit Chapel School. At 8:00 am (only for Chapel students). It will be the first time that an exhibition of such size is shown outside the United States. The Elvis Experience will feature over 500 rare and personal items such as documents and photos, most never seen outside of Graceland. Opens at 10:00 am daily at Shopping Eldorado, Av. Rebouas, 3970 - Pinheiros. Buy your tickets you online at: www.ingressorapido.com.br From 8:30 am to 11 am. At Emporio Santa Maria, Avenida Cidade Jardim, 790, 1454-000 -So Paulo

From 05 to 18 Everyday

05 08 12 16 21

Wednesday Saturday Wednesday Sunday Friday

SP Newcomers Club: INC Monthly Coffee Softball Games CHAPEL SCHOOL: Lecture with Dr. Anthony Wong, pediatrician and specialist in toxicology CHAPEL SCHOOL: Chapels 65th Anniversary Vida Jovem 25 years!

Theme: Drugs and Alcohol in adolescence. At 7:00 pm (only for parents and students) There will be also an Oblate Celebration. From 10 am to 4 pm. R$10,00 Fun-filled celebration party with cocktail, dinner, auctions, entertainment and a fantastic auction! At 7:30 pm, Jockey Club de So Paulo. Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1263 Family day and Feijoada lunch at the Jockey Club. Reading Contest aimed at PACAS students and their parents. The activity provides the reading incentive for the student, who must record the readings done at home throughout the month of October. At the end of that month there will be an award ceremony.

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Sataurday Friday

Canadian International Society: Day at the Races PACA SCHOOL: Elementary Reading Contest - Kickoff

Enjoyed this publication? Become an American Society Member and get a free Forum subscription!
For more than 60 years The American Society of So Paulo has worked to establish a strong network for expats living and working in So Paulo. Join Today!!! Visit our website at www.amsoc.com.br and fill in our on-line form or call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074
Forum does not check all of the advertisers appearing in this newsletter. We urge you to use these services; however, thoroughly check prices and services prior to finalizing any service or purchase agreement. A classified of up to 350 characters costs R$60 for AmSoc members and R$80 for non-members. To place a classified please call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., or send an e-mail to AmSoc1@ americansociety.com.br.

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2012

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15

A New Start
By Maureen Kennedy Alves This month will mark my second year anniversary here in So Paulo. I can remember clearly those first few months of life in this crazy metropolis: finding an apartment, getting the cable and internet installed, figuring out where to buy groceries, let alone a few candles to make our apartment cozier. It was like being a child all over again, relearning how to navigate the world. I found this time to be exciting, exhilarating, frustrating, exhausting. You name it. My emotional barometer went up, down and all around, often in a matter of minutes. Somewhere around the six-month mark, when the novelty wore off and I began to feel like I had a handle on this thing called life in Brazil, I began to notice a deeper yearning starting to surface. Yes, it was wonderful to be able to be there for my son, to make new friends from all over the world, and to explore a brand new culture and country. But I started start wanting something more for myself something for my own growth and development. As a former career woman from New York City, that itch, for me, was to start working again. But getting a job in my former profession was not, for a variety of reasons, the path I wanted to go down. And thats when I became a big proponent of using this time here in Brazil as a way to reinvent yourself. Or at least to try something you wouldnt have had been able to do back home. Being in a new country and new surroundings is a great time to take on something totally different: youre already out of your comfort zone and away from your default definitions of who you are. There is perhaps no better way to get a new start than through education. And in todays super-connected world, language and location dont have to be barriers. Below are some ideas, both online and off, that may help get you going. Get ahead in business Maybe you left a job in marketing, finance, or communications to come to So Paulo. Or youve always had an interest in business. Why not take this time to get an MBA? How cool would that be on your resume? There are several schools here in the city that offer MBA and Executive MBA programs-- in English. Business School So Paulo: bsp.edu.br University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business: www.business.pitt. edu/katz/emba/locations/Sopaulo/ FIA Business School: www.us.fia.com.br Become fluent in Portuguese With Brazil becoming more and more of an economic powerhouse, you never know what doors Portuguese fluency may open for you when you head back home. But who can afford all those private tutoring sessions? Take advantage of the intensive Portuguese programs offered at universities here in the city youll get hours of instruction each week for a fraction of the cost of private Portuguese classes. MacKenzie University www.mackenzie.br/portugues_estrangeiros.html FAAP (in addition to Portuguese, FAAP also offers seminars in English on a variety of topics) http://www.faap.br/english/home/ Turn a passion into a profession Have you always been interested in health? Or maybe youve always wanted to write a novel or become a great painter, but just havent found the courage or the motivation. Nows your chance: Holistic Health Coaches This super cool job is all about helping people improve their diet and lifestyle. Both schools below offer distance learning courses. Institute for Integrative Nutrition www.integrativenutrition.com Duke www.dukeintegrativemedicine.org Masters of Fine Arts Low residency programs allow you to get your MFA in writing or the arts with two short campus visits per year. Just do a Google search for low residency MFA and youll find programs all over the States. The Great Courses Reinvention doesnt have to mean starting a whole new career path. But it can be diving into a topic that you never had the time to study. These audio and video courses cover every subject you can imagine science, art, philosophy, history, even wine all from university professors. www.thegreatcourses.com

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