Mentorship and Language Acquisition in Brazil (MLAB)
Mentorship and Language Acquisition in Brazil (MLAB)
12 Years of the Mentorship and Language Acquisition in Brazil program (2012-2024)
Since 2012, the DRCLAS Mentorship and Language Acquisition in Brazil (MLAB) program provides a one-to-one mentorship from Harvard students to high-achieving, lower-income Brazilian high school students. Offering a cultural and language immersion in Brazil for Harvard mentors, while supporting Brazilian students’ aspirations and development. This Report showcases MLAB's evolution throughout the years, and shares some of the ways it has impacted its participants lives.
Program Overview
About
High need youth often face significant challenges that prevent them from achieving their full potential. Since 2012, the Mentorship and Language Acquisition in Brazil Program, led by the Harvard Brazil Office, has offered one-to-one mentorships that help high-need Brazilian youth develop confidence, critical thinking, and English language skills.
Combining quality mentorships with engaging content, our program provides positive, life-enriching experiences for youth to learn from older peers and explore common interests. Through MLAB, past mentors have had the opportunity to engage with Brazil, learn from and connect with Brazilian youth, explore mentoring abilities with their peers, and practice their Portuguese language skills.
Mentor responsibilities include:
- 1:1 mentorship sessions (at least 3hrs/month) from mid-October to February
- Participation in the January 2-week in-person Immersion in Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Participation in online group activities
- Monthly check-ins with coordinators throughout virtual mentorship
- Planning involved virtual mentorship sessions (with support from coordinators)
- Engaging in active listening with mentees
- Researching and sharing relevant opportunities and resources with mentees
- Assisting in planning activities for the group based on mentee's interests and needs
Dates
- September 11: MLAB Information session at DRCLAS (4 - 5 PM)
- September 30: Mentor Application Deadline
- October 8-14: Mentor Applicant Interviews
- October 16: Application Status Update
- October 22-24: MLAB Mentor Training (date to be defined according to their schedules)
- October 29: Mentor-Mentee Match
- October 31: Deadline for flight purchases
- November 1: Program Opening Meeting
- November 1-December 29: At least 5 mentorship sessions
- November 17-21: MLAB Mentor group Pre-departure meeting (date to be defined according to schedules)
- December 6: Second Group Meeting
- January 8-22: Immersion in SP
- March 7: MLAB Closing Meeting
Eligibility
Harvard undergraduate or masters candidates interested in being an MLAB mentor must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion or currently enrolled in at least one Portuguese language course; or Completion or currently enrolled in a course on Brazil.
- Mentoring or related experience
- Commitment to mentoring and inspiring their Brazilian mentee over four months of virtual mentorship sessions
- Be able to travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil in January 2026, for a two-week immersion with mentees, and be able to meet with a mentee for individual virtual sessions
- Participate in all MLAB activities, including orientation, training, virtual events, and check-ins
- Interest in learning more about Brazil through cultural exchange and direct interaction with Brazilians
- Be in Good Academic Standing, and both enrolled in Fall 2025 and returning in the Spring 2026 Term
Application
- All candidates must submit a completed Application via CARAT, answering the questions and uploading a personal statement (up to 450 words), updated transcript and resumé.
Program Costs
MLAB has no program fee! Students are responsible for passport and visa fees as well as required vaccines, such as Yellow Fever. Expenses in São Paulo throughout the 2-week immersion are fully covered (i.e. transfers, housing, meals, cultural activities). The following financial aid will be provided to students on a need-based level for airfare costs to and from São Paulo for the January immersion:
- No need: $0
- Low to medium need: $500
- High need: Up to $1,100
- Very high need: Entire Airfare
Cancellation Policy
2025-2026 DRCLAS MLAB Cancellation/Withdrawal Policy:
Please note that students have until October 29, 2025 to withdraw from MLAB without incurring any fees. Starting on that date, the following policy will be enforced:
Cancellation/Withdrawal Amount: | Amount Charged to Student Term-bill | Additional Notes |
Starting on October 18, 2024 through December 1, 2025 | $250 Cancellation Fee | |
Starting December 1, 2025 and through the program | $250 Cancellation Fee + Airfare | Any funds utilized to cover airfare expenses must be reimbursed in full to DRCLAS |
Passport & Visa Information
Passport & Visa Information
Students selected to be MLAB mentors must have a passport with an expiration date after July 25, 2026. They must also apply for a visa immediately after being selected for the program (depending on passport's country of issue - students with a US passport need to apply for an e-visa).
Contact
Contact Camilla Roberts, Program Manager - Harvard Brazil Office, with any questions.
MLAB at a Glance
