100 Things to Love about Brazil (Part 5 of 10)

41. Brazilian Citizenship

 Regardless of the nationality of the parents, every baby born in Brazil automatically receives Brazilian citizenship.

42. Preferential Treatment

If you're over 60 years old, pregnant, disabled, or have a small child, you have the right to go to the front of just about any line!

43. School Uniforms

The majority of schools in Brazil have uniforms.  Most uniforms consist of a white shirt with the school's emblem plus matching shorts or jeans.  Although some students may not appreciate the advantages of school uniforms, one benefit is not having to decide what to wear to school each day.  

44. Half Days of School

Students in kindergarten through high school enjoy a 4-hour school day.  This allows schools to save money by accommodating more students in the same facility.  Students may attend class in the morning or afternoon, and many high school students have class in the evening.  To make up for the fewer hours of class time per day, Brazilian schools are required to be in session 200 days per year versus only 180 in the United States.  

45.  T.N.T. Cloth

These next two materials are found in the States, they are not used to the extent that they are in Brazil.  

T.N.T. stands for tecido não tecido or cloth not cloth.  Similar to the material of disposable hospital booties in the States, this disposable yet durable fabric is widely used in decorating and school crafts.  It can even be used to create make-shift costumes.

46. E.V.A. Foam

Need to decorate something?  Why not use E.V.A. foam?  From hats to flowers, notebook covers to posters, Brazilian creativity shines through with this material.  Many elementary school teachers will decorate a notebook for each of their students and put all of the child's assignments in it during the year.

46. School Year Follows Calendar Year

Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite those of the Northern Hemisphere.  This means that Brazil enjoys Summer during December and January.  The Brazilian school year follows the calendar year in that it starts in January and February and ends in December.  A short Winter break usually falls in July.

48.  Free College

Most public universities in Brazil offer free tuition!  However, perspective students must pass a grueling entrance exam which can last up to three days.  At some prestigious universities, hundreds of students may vie for a few openings. Students must also commit to a major before they are even accepted to a college and must pass the entrance exam related to that field.  In order to change majors, students must retake the entrance exam.

49. Paid Vacation and Holidays

Compared to the United State's measly average of 16 vacation days, Brazil grants its workers 30 paid vacation days per year, plus holidays.  Interestingly, time off typically must be taken in increments of 10 days or longer.      

50. 13th Month Bonus

Somewhat like the American Christmas bonus some employees receive in the States, many Brazilian workers are paid what is called a 13th month bonus.  Instead of an arbitrary amount based on the benevolence of the employer, the 13th month bonus is actually part of the labor law and is equivalent to one month's pay.