vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

Look up any Duolingo word — find out how it differs between Brazilian and European Portuguese

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

No. While the spelling, grammar, and literal meaning of the word are identical, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "intercambista" is the standard, most natural noun used to identify a person on an exchange program. In Portugal, while "intercambista" is understood and used in formal contexts, speakers more frequently prefer descriptive phrases such as "aluno de intercâmbio" (exchange student) or "estudante em intercâmbio" (student on exchange).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu sempre quis ser intercambista no Canadá. (I have always wanted to be an exchange student in Canada.)
2. A nossa escola recebe muitos intercambistas todos os anos. (Our school receives many exchange students every year.)
3. Ela voltou do Japão como intercambista. (She returned from Japan as an exchange student.)
4. Ser intercambista é uma experiência transformadora. (Being an exchange student is a transformative experience.)
5. Onde você pretende morar quando for intercambista? (Where do you plan to live when you are an exchange student?)

European Portuguese Examples

1. O meu irmão é aluno de intercâmbio na Alemanha. (My brother is an exchange student in Germany.)
2. Estivemos a falar com um estudante em intercâmbio. (We were talking to an exchange student.)
3. Ela viajou para a França como estudante de intercâmbio. (She traveled to France as an exchange student.)
4. O programa para alunos de intercâmbio é excelente. (The program for exchange students is excellent.)
5. Como foi a tua experiência de estudante em intercâmbio? (How was your experience as an exchange student?)