Overview

Designed to foster advanced language proficiency and intercultural competence, the program places Flagship students in a fully immersive environment where they take university courses in Portuguese, engage with local communities, and gain valuable professional experience through internships. By combining rigorous academics with meaningful cultural and workplace engagement, the Capstone equips Flagship students with the skills and global perspective needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

After completing a Domestic Flagship Program, students who demonstrate high-level language proficiency participare in the Overseas Capstone experience. During the spring semester, students take classes at the Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, while engaging in a variety of cultural activities, educational travel opportunities, and sustained language immersion. In the fall semester, students participate in internships aligned with their academic field or personal interests, gaining hands-on experience in a different cultural environment, using Portuguese in professional settings, and deepening their understanding of local culture.

Eligibility

All Capstone applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
• Be undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Arizona with strong academic records.
• Demonstrate a commitment to achieving professional-level Portuguese proficiency.
• Submit a completed application, including the two required essays.

Financial Support

Portuguese Flagship students are strongly encouraged to pursue funding opportunities available through their home institutions and external programs, including the Boren Scholarship and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.