Choosing the best exchange agency is essential to ensure a pleasant and successful international experience. However, with so many options available, this task can become confusing and challenging.
To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared a list of the 10 best companies in the sector in Brazil, highlighting the main services and advantages of each one. Check it out!
How to Identify the Best Exchange Agencies
As we mentioned earlier, choosing the right company can transform your international experience. To find a good exchange agency, it is essential to evaluate several important criteria, such as:
- 1. Reputation and Credibility: First, check the history of each agency, their certifications, and, most importantly, reviews from other customers. Companies with good reviews are more reliable.
- 2. Experience and Specialization: Choose agencies with extensive market experience that specialize in the type of program you want to participate in.
- 3. Services Offered: Next, assess whether the company offers services such as visa guidance, travel assistance, and course and program options. While it may seem subtle, these details can make a big difference in your experience.
- 4. Transparency and Costs: Ensure that the exchange agency provides a detailed description of what is included in the package and the costs involved. This helps avoid surprises and unexpected expenses.
- 5. Support and Customer Service: Contrary to what many people think, choosing a company that offers efficient support and is always available to answer your questions is essential to ensuring a good experience.
A good strategy for researching and comparing agencies is to use review sites, participate in online groups, and consult recommendations from people you know who have already participated in exchange programs.
7 Best Exchange Agencies
Below, you will find a list of some of the leading exchange agencies in Brazil. Check it out:
1. CI Intercâmbios
Founded in 1988, CI is widely recognized as one of the largest exchange agencies in Brazil. The company offers a wide range of programs, including language courses, cultural exchange, as well as au pair and high school programs.
CI currently has around 130 stores and branches in Brazil and is present in several countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Ireland, with a total of more than 700 consultants. In addition, they have a rating of 8.1 on Reclame Aqui, with 91.7% of complaints resolved.
We must also mention that they offer comprehensive support with complete guidance for visas, support for emergency situations, and ongoing assistance throughout the exchange experience.
2. STB (Student Travel Bureau)
Next up is STB, an exchange agency that has been in the market since 1971 and stands out for its diverse portfolio of products and services, serving students from 8 to 80 years of age.
They offer a wide variety of services, such as vacation exchange programs for teenagers, high school programs, undergraduate programs abroad, language courses, professional training with certificates and diplomas, au pair programs, and much more.
STB received the Top Education Award in the Exchange category in 2012, 2013, and 2015, recognizing its excellence in the sector. In addition, the agency is certified with the BELTA Seal, a seal that certifies compliance with technical quality standards for exchange agencies.
3. Blue Intercâmbios
Although it was founded in 2015 and is a relatively new exchange agency, Blue Intercâmbios has partnerships with some of the most renowned English schools in the world and offers programs in countries such as Ireland, England, Malta, and Canada.
The entire team is made up of experienced exchange students who deeply understand the expectations, curiosities, desires, fears, and frustrations of those seeking an exchange program.
To make everything more practical, Blue Intercâmbios offers a complete experience. This means that they take care of every step of your journey, including booking temporary accommodation, travel insurance, purchasing tickets, airport transfers, currency exchange, and personalized support for students.
4. ePlanet Intercâmbio
Another excellent option is ePlanet, an exchange agency founded in 2015, which offers programs in 29 different destinations and has partnerships with more than 500 schools and universities around the world, including countries such as Ireland, Canada, and Germany.
In addition, the company has 125 positive reviews on Google and an average rating of 5 stars. This recognition, combined with high-quality support and personalized service, makes ePlanet one of the best exchange agencies on the market.
5. AIESEC Brasil
Unlike the other agencies we have listed so far, AIESEC is an international organization that offers volunteer and internship programs abroad, focused on leadership experiences and social impact.
Founded in 1948, shortly after World War II, AIESEC is present in more than 110 countries and has about 2,000 members in Brazil alone, providing more than 2,000 exchange experiences per year.
AIESEC offers volunteer programs at NGOs, schools, and foundations around the world, opportunities to develop leadership skills in international work, and exchange experiences at schools and educational institutions that can last from 3 to 18 months.
For more information, visit the AIESEC Brazil frequently asked questions page.
6. Optima Intercâmbio
Next, we will talk about Optima Intercâmbios, an agency founded in 2012 by partners who lived in Ireland and regularly helped newly arrived Brazilians who were unprepared and facing difficulties.
Over the years, the company has grown and earned important certifications, such as Belta, Cadastur, IALC, and Quality English, consolidating its credibility in the exchange market.
Optima offers exchange programs for destinations such as Ireland, Australia, England, the United States, and Malta. Among the extra services offered are: assistance in purchasing airline tickets, travel insurance, certified translation, and foreign currency acquisition.
We must also highlight that the company has 109 reviews on Google, with an average of 4.6 stars, and responds to 100% of complaints on Reclame Aqui.
7. Beeducation
Finally, we have included Beeducation Intercâmbio, an agency led by women with over 20 years of experience in the international education and exchange sector, which deserves a place on our list.
This exchange agency offers more than just international travel packages. Its main objective is to support people who want to have a unique experience abroad through an enriching cultural exchange.
To ensure that its clients’ journey goes as smoothly as possible, Beeducation matches each person’s profile and goals with the programs available at the institutions, offering a tailor-made exchange plan.
Have you found the best exchange agency?
We hope this article has clarified the importance of choosing an agency that meets your needs. With a reliable agency, you are guaranteed comprehensive support and smooth planning for your journey.