Studying in Brazil

I think that studying in a foreign country is a very good Idea. Although it has been many years since  I last attended any school as a student. My reasons for this is from a USA citizens perspective. 

Many students in universities in the US has no idea what it is like in other parts of the world. Studying in Brazil would give them a perspective of the opinions and views that Brazilians have of the US. It would also be a cultural education for them as well.

Americans tend to have a self centered view on things however all the world isn't American and to study abroad would give them a wider view of things.  To live and study in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about how the rest of the world is.  You can't get this from a text book or from videos you have to live the experience.

For sure spending a year in Brazil is a well-worth experience and if "studying" is the pretext to do so, I would say, go for it. However, educational infrastructure is generally pretty bad and the level, compared to international standards, not so high. I'd rather indicate it as a cultural experience than as a solitary studying trip. Unless you want to research on animals in the Amazon forest that is.

The Federal universities are considered the best. In particular the one of São Paulo (USP), Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Minas Gerais (IUFMG), Santa Catarina (UFSC) and Paraná (UFPR). Some Catholic universities also are indicated like PUCPR and PUCRS.
For Brazilians it's hard to get into federal uni's, but many of them have international student exchange programs. Few teach in English though, learning Portuguese would be must.

On the other hand there's a myriad of private universities, which you can enter more easily, upon presenting a valid credit card.

Personally, I would say the south of Brazil is better for a long-stay.

Noteworthy is the high cost of living in Brazilian cities, similar to European capitals.

Thank you Pelle.

You do not mention Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) and Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul, which are also well ranked on the QS Top Universities ranking (well, they appear among the Top 500 universities in the world).

One question: between Brazil, Argentina and Colombia, what country leads the game in South America, in terms of teaching quality?

If it was a voting thing I believe Brazil leads over Argentina and Columbia in terms of quality of education in its best rated universities, I might be wrong on this because I am biased as far as Brazil goes. Brazil leads the game

I would love to study in Brazil. I was about to do it, some years ago, I was already accepted for Masters degree in both UNICAMP and UFPR. And the studies would be free! But, I couldn't get a leave from my job... :'(

The level of studies is good, and the university camps are also good. I visited UNICAMP campus which is wonderful, and UFSC which is nice.

Another big motive to study in Brazil is everything outside the studies: Brazilian culture and people, and the whole country with all these majestic sceneries...

University of Sau paulo(USP), UNICAMP etc are one of the best institutes of the world and not just Brazil. They are no less than any top notch universities when it comes to research. I applied for USP a few months ago for my MS in Computer Science but couldn't make it to the final round as there were only 7 vacancies left for the Artificial Intelligence.  I opted USP over German and a few other European universities. Saying Educational infrastructure isn't that good sounds quite lame to me. Most of the universities of every country are not at par anyway and same goes with Brazil. Not all the universities are good but the ones which are , are known to be one of the best among the top universities of the world.

You should have gone for it. It was a golden opportunity. I applied for USP but couldn't make it. Hopefully next time.

well my friend I wish I knew but I don't,trying to get there myself.

It is a great idea to study abroad. I believe an experience of a lifetime. The rates will be a little cheaper but not as cheap as one will expect. When it comes to living a happy and fulfilled life that is what we refer to as "priceless". Best of luck.