The family in Brazil is a very close unit. Parental decisions are respected and followed, and parents have the last word in discipline and other family matters. Children's opinions are taken into account but they are not allowed to make their own rules. Activities gathering the whole family are very common - from watching TV to travelling for holidays. The sense of “family” usually includes all relatives, especially if they live close together.

Brazilians usually eat two main meals a day, lunch and dinner. They eat a light breakfast which usually consists of milk, coffee, bread, sometimes cheese, a fruit and some juice. Some families also have a snack in the afternoon.

Brazilian parents require their children to let them know about their activities. So if you plan to go out, they will want to know with whom and when you are coming back.

Exchange students are placed in the two upper social classes.