Research and Training
Florida/Brazil Linkage Institute
The Florida Legislature created the Linkage Institute Program
to help strengthen the state's foreign relations and promote business, educational,
cultural and scientific exchange between Florida and select foreign countries
and regions. The Florida/Brazil Linkage Institute was established in 1986.
Brazil is a major trading partner with Florida and has growing business
and investment interests in the state. Similarly, Florida seeks new opportunities
for business with Brazil.
The Florida/Brazil Institute links the resources of the 11 universities
of the State University System and the 28 community colleges of the Florida
Community College System with those of state government and business to
forge a network of partnerships with Brazilian educational, government and
private-sector institutions.
Currently, the Florida/Brazil Institute has two main programs:
The Out-of-State Tuition Exemption Program exempts qualified Brazilian citizens
studying at Florida public institutions of higher education from paying
out-of-state tuition. During the 2006-2007 academic year, 35 Brazilian community
college and graduate students (25 FTE) enrolled at 12 public institutions
were awarded out-of-state tuition exemptions.
The Florida/Brazil Institute Business Link is a website that serves as a
resource for business people and members of the academic community who are
interested in improving business relations between Florida and Brazil. Site
users have access to area profiles, business advice, academic publications,
as well as information on language and international business programs.
A key component of the site is videotaped interviews with executives of
private companies, officials of chambers of commerce, and industry associations
in Brazil and Florida. Business Link was funded by a grant from the Florida
Department of State Office of International Affairs.
The Florida/Brazil Institute is housed at the Center for Latin American
Studies at the University of Florida. It is co-administered with Miami Dade
College.
Contact Information
Center for Latin American Studies
University of Florida
319 Grinter Hall
P.O. Box 115530
Gainesville, FL 32611-5530
Tel: (352) 392-0375 ext. 800
Fax: (352) 392-7682