Founded in 1941, the Pontificía Universidade Católica (PUC-Rio) was the first private institution of higher learning in Brazil. It is reputed to be one of the top five universities in the country. Much like Brown, PUC-Rio is a research university with a strong undergraduate curriculum and many quality graduate programs.

PUC-Rio is located on a wooded campus in the district of Gavea, one of the most pleasant residential areas in Rio. Although nominally a Catholic university, the composition of its administration, faculty and student body reflects the diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds of the Brazilian population.

Brown in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As part of this exchange program, graduate students and faculty from PUC-Rio come to Brown to conduct research. These visiting scholars receive funding for their stay through the exchange with Brown and the PUC-Rio.