Culture, Cuisine and Universities in the BRICS Countries

The QS University Rankings: BRICS is an annual ranking of the top universities in the BRICS countries. These five countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, are geographically and culturally disparate, but united by the fact that they are among the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Globally, the BRICS countries matter. They account for 40% of the world’s population; and they are forecast to represent up to 37% of global growth between 2011 and 2016, and almost 20% of the global GDP, which stood at US$13.7 trillion as of 2012. In order to realize their potential for continued growth in industrial, economic and cultural terms, the BRICS countries are all also investing heavily in developing their higher education systems – and it’s their progress in doing so which the BRICS ranking sets out to track.

To celebrate the launch of the second edition of the QS University Rankings: BRICS, here’s a look at what international students arriving in one of the BRICS countries might expect to encounter and enjoy. Read on for an overview of some of the great cultural and natural sights (and smells) on offer in all five nations…

Brazil

Brazilian culture

As well as football, cachaça, capoeira and well-priced flip-flops, Brazil is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, helping international students feel instantly at home.

Carnival has become a renowned cultural phenomenon in the region, and every year major Brazilian cities’ streets are filled with lavish costumes, fast rhythms and huge crowds of passionate dancers. Carnival isn’t only a yearly occurrence, however; for Brazilians, fiesta is a way of life. Reveillon (Brazilian New Year) is almost as big a celebration. This, along with yearly events such as Festa Junina, Semana Santa, Festa do Divino, Festa Nacional do Índio, St Vito and various LGBT pride parades, makes living and studying in Brazil one big party!

Alongside the dreamy beaches, year-round heat and multitude of rural waterfalls, Brazil hosts two of the world’s most famous natural landmarks; Iguaçu Falls  and the Amazon River and Rainforest. (Discover more of Latin America’s most beautiful places here.)

Brazilian cuisine

If you like experiencing new, fresh flavors, Brazilian cuisine will tickle your palate. Local fresh fruit is particularly notable, offering a chance to sample mysterious foods such as carambola (star fruit), acerola (Caribbean cherry), pinha (‘sugar-apples’) and cashew fruit.

Universities in Brazil

Brazil boasts 22 entries in the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings, of which the highest is the Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Universities in Brazil also dominate the QS University Rankings: Latin America, and have a good showing in the QS University Rankings: BRICS. Of the 45 universities in Brazil featured in the top 200 of BRICS institutions this year, the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) is the highest ranked in Brazil, in 7^th position.

Top tip: Those wishing to study in Brazil may be eligible for a number of study abroad scholarships and international programs. Find out more about studying at universities in Brazil in our country guide.

Russia

Russian culture

Bigger than the former (and possibly soon-to-be reinstated) planet Pluto and almost double the size of the US, Russia is the largest country on Earth. Boasting more than size, however, Russia has rich histories and cultures unrivalled by much of the world.

Russia’s arts world is particularly notable for its literature (from the likes of Bulgakov, Pushkin and Dostoevsky, classical music (Tchaikovsky), theatrical styles (Stanislavski) and architecture (St Basil’s Cathedral). Many of Russia’s most famous writers and cultural pin-ups hold memorials and namesake museums within the capital city of Moscow.

Besides Moscow, St Petersburg is the country’s second most-visited city and holds a very distinct European influence. Among the local attractions are Voltaire’s library, the Kunstcamera museum, Palace Square and St Isaac and Kazan Cathedrals.

Russian cuisine

If you’re not a fan of the famous brightly colored beetroot Borscht, then Russia also offers specialties such as vafli (waffles), pirozhkis (small savory pastries), blini (thin pancakes) and ikra (fish eggs).

Universities in Russia

There are 18 universities in Russia ranked within the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings, led by the capital’s Lomonosov Moscow State University at 120^th. Within the BRICS rankings, Russia excels further, with 53 institutions in the top 200 and Lomonosov Moscow State University within the top three.

Top tip: Students applying to study in Russia should remember to apply for a Russian student visa well in advance. Find out more about universities in Russia in our country guide.

India                                       

Indian culture

With a growing population of 1.2 billion, India is the world’s largest democracy. Whether it’s the beaches of Goa or the busy cities of Mumbai and Calcutta you want to explore, India has much color and culture to offer.

The annual Holi Festival of Colors is one such cultural event, literally filled with color, but the Kumbh Mela Festival is even bigger and more popular – attracting approximately 100 million each year, it takes the title of the largest gathering of people in the world.

In addition to the iconic Taj Mahal, India is also home to the Valley of Flowers, Corbett National Park, the Golden Temple Amristar, Dal Lake, Bodh Gaya, the Orchha tryst and hundreds more incredible manmade and natural sites.

Media is also massive in India; over 4,700 newspapers are produced in 300 languages daily. And of course, there’s the Indian film industry, “Bollywood”, which is actually even larger than Hollywood.

Indian cuisine         

There are many reasons why Indian cuisine is famous the world over, and international students here will have the chance to explore the diverse tastes of each region, from street-side food stalls to classy restaurants. Although the tikka masala was long the country’s favorite dish, the jalfrezi, a dry curry marinated in oils and spices, has recently taken the title. Naan, samosa and pakora (battered vegetables) are also international favorites.

Reflecting India’s love of flavor, Khari Baoli in New Delhi is the largest wholesale spice market in the whole of Asia.

Universities in India

In the 2013/14 QS World University Rankings, India’s highest entry is the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), with 10 more universities in India featured. In the 2014 QS University Rankings: Asia, India claims eight entries within Asia’s top 100 and nine more in the region’s top 300. In this year’s BRICS ranking, India has 20 institutions within the top 200, with the Indian Institute of Delhi in 13^th place.

Top tip: Many of the most prestigious universities in India are those carrying the “Institute of Technology” title. Find out more about studying in India with our country guide.

China

Chinese culture

The fastest growing nation within the BRICS countries, China is the world’s second-largest economy and is set to overtake the US in GDP by 2030 according to Goldman Sachs. Its rapid growth is largely thanks to dynamic automobile, electronics, FMCG and technology industries.

With Chinese civilizations dating back 5,000 years, Chinese culture is as eclectic as it is mesmerizing. Awe-inspiring sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors; traditional pastimes such as tea ceremonies, martial arts and paper-cutting art; and annual celebrations such as Chinese New Year, and the Lantern and Dragon Boat Festivals – international students here will definitely find plenty to explore!

Beyond the huge international cities of Beijing and Shanghai, China boasts plenty of natural attractions, with highlights including the Himalayas, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Taklamakan Desert and the sand dunes of Dunhuang.              

Chinese cuisine

Whether it’s Peking duck, momo (boiled dumplings), noodle soup or “century egg” (preserved egg) that piques your appetite, Chinese cuisine is full of international favorites. When enjoyed locally and authentically produced, Chinese food is actually among the healthiest traditional cuisines in the world – if your only experience of Chinese cuisine so far has been greasy takeaways, get ready for a pleasant surprise.

Universities in China                                                                                                   

The 2013/14 QS World University Rankings features 25 universities in China, including three within the world’s top 100: Peking University (46^th), Tsinghua University (48^th) and Fudan University (88^th). China boasts one of the strongest representations in the QS University Rankings: Asia, with nine entries within the region’s top 50, and 73 of the top 300. In the BRICS ranking China takes the two top spots with Tsinghua University and Peking University, along with another 69 entries within the top 200.

Top tip: When applying to universities in China, international students can use the centralized application system offered by CUCAS (China’s University and College Admission System). Find out more about studying abroad in China with our country guide.

South Africa

South African culture

Sometimes known as the adventure capital of the world, South Africa has much to offer thrill-seekers and site-seers alike. Whether it’s bungee jumping off of the third highest bridge in the world, diving with sharks or trekking through a myriad of national parks, it’s hard to be bored in South Africa.

Diverse wildlife is a major attraction for visitors to South Africa, and international students should be quick to take advantage of this. Take a safari through any number of national parks, a river cruise with hippos, kayak with crocodiles or ride through wildebeest lands on horseback. If this sounds too much like hard work (or just a bit scary), South Africa’s beaches are sunny and sociable sites year round.

Set to the background of Table Mountain, the capital city of Cape Town is the country’s most popular international city, complete with liberal politics, forward-thinking innovations and urban vibrancy.

South African cuisine

South Africa’s cuisine has sometimes been called “rainbow cuisine” thanks to its international influences and sources. The nation definitely enjoys its meat, often in the form of boerewors (coiled barbequed meat) or biltong (tough beef jerky), in a carb-heavy bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry), or in a traditional bobotie (a spiced minced meat bake with a creamy topping). For dessert, try melktart (milk tart) and koeksister (deep fried dough in syrup).

Universities in South Africa

The University of Cape Town is South Africa’s highest entry in the QS World University Rankings, with six more universities in South Africa ranked at this level, including the University of The Witwatersrand and Stellenbosch University. In the BRICS ranking South Africa boasts 11 institutions within the top 200, the highest ranked of which is the University of Cape Town in joint 9^th place.

Top tip: In addition to Cape Town, other major student cities in South Africa include Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. Find out more with our country guide.