The HSG Latam Term is a semester of exchange in Brazil. It presents an unparalleled international opportunity for Bachelor’s students seeking to immerse themselves in Latin American culture and deepen their understanding of its economic and political landscapes. Held during the spring semester, this program welcomes undergraduates keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Latin America's cultures while delving into the intricacies of emerging markets.
Crafted in collaboration between HSG and the renowned Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), recognized as one of the world's premier think tanks, the program unfolds at FGV’s School of Business Administration in São Paulo. Blending academic rigour with practical application, the curriculum boasts a diverse range of core courses and elective options tailored to individual interests and career aspirations. Co-designed with input from private sector partners, government institutions, and international organizations, both courses and extracurricular activities provide invaluable insights into real-world challenges and opportunities.
Participants of the Latam Term enrich their intercultural competencies through direct interaction with FGV students hailing from diverse corners of the globe. Beyond the classroom, students engage in a spectrum of extracurricular pursuits, from networking events and volunteer initiatives to internships, consultancy projects, and enlightening study excursions to neighbouring countries. Nestled in São Paulo, students are enveloped in a dynamic, culturally vibrant, and metropolitan environment, fostering personal growth and global perspectives.
São Paulo is Brazil's most populous city and the 4th largest urban agglomeration in the world with over 20 million inhabitants. Rivalling major European metropolises like London, Paris, and Berlin, its economic significance is equally impressive, the region alone had a GDP of around 280 Billion USD in 2022, constituting a vital cog in Brazil. As the nation's financial nucleus, São Paulo's economic ecosystem encompasses finance, manufacturing, services, and commerce. Strategically positioned for global connectivity, São Paulo thrives as a pivotal air travel hub, courtesy of Guarulhos International Airport, facilitating seamless connections worldwide.
São Paulo's allure extends beyond economic prowess. It serves as a fertile ground for professional development, offering abundant opportunities across finance, business, technology, and innovation. The city's diverse culinary landscape tantalizes the taste buds, inviting students to embark on a gastronomic journey spanning continents. Amidst the city's bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods, students find themselves immersed in a cosmopolitan urban tapestry, pulsating with energy day and night.
Facilitating seamless navigation, São Paulo's well-developed transportation infrastructure, comprising buses, metro lines, and trains, ensures easy access to its myriad attractions. São Paulo stands as a beacon of innovation in urban solutions, championing sustainable development, urban planning, and smart technology. Its experiences offer invaluable insights for cities worldwide grappling with similar urban challenges.
FGV's prominence further elevates the program's credentials. Consistently ranking among the top institutions in Brazil, its undergraduate programs command respect, as reflected in the Brazilian Ministry of Education’s General Course Index (IGC). Additionally, FGV's global stature is underscored by its remarkable presence in the QS Global 200 MBA Rankings, where it stands among the top ten in Latin America. Furthermore, as a leading think tank in the region and a top contender on the global stage, FGV epitomizes excellence in academia and thought leadership.
São Paulo stands out as a gateway to Latin America, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, emerging market exposure, and professional opportunities for students seeking a dynamic and enriching academic experience.
The HSG Latam Term is an optional exchange programme accessible from your bachelor's 6th semester. It takes place between January and June.
You can also stay an entire year abroad if you consider spending a second semester at another of our partner universities. That is an exclusive option for participants in the HSG Latam Term programme.
If you want to apply for an exchange in the Spring semester of 2026, mark your calendars! The application period opens on 21 November 2024 and will close promptly at 16:00 St Gallen time on 12 December 2024.
Eligibility for the HSG Latam Term requires you to study in a HSG bachelor programme by the time of application. Additionally, applicants must uphold an overall grade average of at least 4.50.
Now, let's talk about language. Since English proficiency is crucial for success in our programmes, we require one of the following certifications as proof: a minimum of 100 points on the TOEFL iBT or iBT Home Edition, a grade of at least 7 on the IELTS Academic Test, or a minimum grade B on the Cambridge C1 Advanced, among others. These certifications should not be older than two years by the date of the exchange application deadline.
In terms of academic credit, you must complete a minimum of 16 transferable ECTS course credits with a positive grade at the host university to ensure that these credits count towards your HSG degree. You can transfer a maximum of 32 ECTS course credits per exchange semester at the bachelor level, excluding the bachelor thesis.
