Is the word esforçam the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "esforçam" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical conjugation in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation and the syntactic placement of the reflexive pronoun that typically accompanies it.

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more melodic. In Continental Portuguese, vowels (especially unstressed ones) are much more "reduced" or closed, which can make the word sound shorter or more clipped to a Brazilian ear.
• Usage (Syntax): While the word itself is the same, the way it is used in a sentence with the reflexive pronoun se differs. In Brazil, it is natural and standard to place the pronoun before the verb (se esforçam). In Portugal, the standard and natural way is to attach the pronoun to the end of the verb (esforçam-se).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles se esforçam muito para passar na prova. (They make a lot of effort to pass the test.)
2. As crianças se esforçam para arrumar os brinquedos. (The children make an effort to tidy up the toys.)
3. Eles se esforçam para conseguir um emprego. (They make an effort to get a job.)
4. Os alunos se esforçam para aprender a matéria. (The students make an effort to learn the subject.)
5. Os atletas se esforçam para ganhar a competição. (The athletes strive to win the competition.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eles esforçam-se muito para passar no exame. (They make a lot of effort to pass the exam.)
2. As crianças esforçam-se para organizar os brinquedos. (The children make an effort to organize the toys.)
3. Eles esforçam-se para obter um emprego. (They make an effort to get a job.)
4. Os alunos esforçam-se para aprender a matéria. (The students make an effort to learn the subject.)
5. Os atletas esforçam-se para ganhar a competição. (The athletes strive to win the competition.)