Living in Sao Paulo
With an estimated population of 17 million people, greater São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world. This makes it one of the best places in the country for food, art, and entertainment comparable to many world capitals.
Because of the incredible ethnic diversity within the city, Paulistanos enjoy almost every kind of cuisine in the many different neighborhoods. São Paulo division into smaller, diverse bairros, each with their own unique flavor, makes a large city highly accessible. Whether you are enjoying a cheap snack in one of the million street-side lanchonetes, hopping between museums or art galleries in the city centre, or spending an afternoon in Parque Ibirapuera where you can run, join a soccer game, listen to an open air concert, check out contemporary art or simply people watch, it is possible to never be bored in São Paulo.
After you’ve sampled everything São Paulo has to offer, head off to one of the many beaches within the state, an hour or two away by car, to relax and enjoy the Brazilian warmth you’ll find wherever you go.
Living in São Paulo
Current Employees
“When I first arrived, the thing that I was most surprised by was how kind people were even though I didn’t know the language. People were very helpful in taxis, shopping centers and restaurants.”
- Leigh Anne, High School English
“A definite plus living here – there is a different kind of food on every corner.”
- Lauren, Grade 2 teacher
“São Paulo may not be exactly as you imagine it. Living near the huge Parque Ibirapuera in one of the ‘chic’ bairros in the city, I don’t get that concrete jungle feeling I expected and I feel very comfortable walking around my neighborhood. I can honestly say that though it is a huge urban center, I haven’t suffered from the ‘big city blues’ I expected. With such diversity in the city, there always seems to be a new place to discover.
- Brad, High School English
“Though São Paulo faces the reality of poverty and the urban development problems that come with this, it also has many things to offer – great restaurants, night life, theatre and music. It’s a good place to live.”
- Matt, High School Social Studies
“São Paulo has a nightlife that can put Paris, New York, and London to shame. This really is a city you can sink your teeth into.”
- Tony, High School English
“This is a city that never sleeps – the night life is alive! Sometimes, I have a desire as I drive around to simply stop at a place I’ve never been before and just join one of the outside parties.”
- Patricia, High School Math
“Because I came with no expectations, I was able to fully embrace the many wonderful facets of Brazil – food, culture, people, and language. It’s an amazing experience and São Paulo is an amazing city with lots to see and lots to do.”
- Nadene, High School Science
“This city is more like New York City than I anticipated – the food is great, the people are warm and the weather is often like Miami’s.”
-Howard, IB Coordinator
“The thing that surprised me the most about São Paulo was how truly multicultural the city is.”
- Mike, High School Science