The Third Country Training Program (TCTP) is a mechanism of trilateral cooperation that is part of the Partnership Program Brazil-Japan (JBPP) and implemented jointly by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The TCTP contributes to institutional strengthening and training of participating countries in strategic and priority areas for national development through technology transfer, capacity building and the dissemination of creative and innovative solutions.

The program aims to strengthen ties between Brazilian institutions and their counterparts in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia and East Timor. To do so, the initiative implements technical cooperation activities for sustainable development and the improvement of quality of life and social justice.

The Brazil-Japan Technical Cooperation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010. During this period, the partnership has proved successful and led to structural impacts in different areas of applied knowledge that are highly meaningful to the participating institutions. Japan is one of the partners that most contributes with both financial and technical resources in joint actions with the Brazilian government. Several Brazilian institutions have benefited from the Japanese cooperation in the past, and today replicate the adapted technology. About 200 Brazilian and foreign technicians were trained in 11 different courses in 2010. The 2011-12 Program is currently being expanded and already offers 22 courses (one to two months each) in strategic areas such as health, agriculture, the environment and urban management.

Applicants must:

1. Be nationals of guest countries or Brazilian (either native or naturalized);
2. Work in the public sector in areas relevant to the topic of the training;
3. Be appointed by their respective governments;
4. Commit to propagate their learning after completion of the training.

POST-TRAINING SUPPPORT TO PROPAGATE LEARNING

To provide additional support and supplement TCTP training, JICA provides follow-up cooperation to former trainees, including the following:

1. Surveys and research;
2. Seminars, workshops, etc..;
3. Development of education materials, books, etc..;
4. Activities of public interest;
5. Acquisition of equipment.

These should be requested at your local JICA Office.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

All applicants must:

• Have their application made official by the Focal Point in their respective countries (foreigners);
• Strictly observe the course program and not change the goals of their interaction with the implementing institution;
• Not interrupt the course or be absent without prior permission of the coordinator, even for health care, unless in cases of emergency or serious illness that impede continuation of training;
• Prepare reports, presentations and seminars as defined in the course program;
• Use appropriate clothing and safety equipment as requested;
• Abide by the rules of the coordinating institution and the institutions offering training, studies or field visits;
• Not be accompanied by any family member or relation not participating in the course;
• Not engage in illegal activity of any sort;
• Not behave inappropriately;
• Behave and dress appropriately and professionally, and act with civility;
• Not be in compulsory military service.

IMPORTANT REMARKS

LANGUAGE:

The courses are usually taught in Brazilian Portuguese but there may be training available in other languages (French, Spanish, English). It is essential for applicants to check the language of the course they intend to participate in to make sure they have sufficient command of it (advanced writing and conversation skills). Course evaluation will be conducted in Portuguese; and good command of English is recommended for further reading, even for courses taught in Portuguese.

PREGNANT WOMEN:

To avoid health complications and the participation in courses (laboratory and field activities) that may endanger their health and pregnancy, pregnant participants must submit a medical statement to inform their pregnancy. The document must confirm good progress and the current stage of the pregnancy, and authorize the applicant to participate in all planned activities.

This is paramount because some courses involve laboratory work and field activities that may involve risks both to the applicant and the baby.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

Applicants must previously inform if they have any special needs (like specific equipment or facilities) that must be catered for so they can participate effectively in the training courses.

WITHDRAWAL AND ABSENCE:

If an applicant’s participation is funded by a partnership under the Technical Cooperation Program, withdrawals communicated after travel arrangements have been made (tickets, insurance, per diem) and unjustified absence (even if for non-emergency medical treatment) will result in termination of the contract with the implementing institution and the partner institutions involved, which will therefore no longer be bound to the payment of per diem and any other expenses. The institution that appointed the applicant will reimburse all expenses incurred for his/ her participation.

VACCINATION:

Applicants are recommended to take yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to travel if they are going to regions in Brazil in which the disease is considered endemic. Please see “minimal qualification” information for specific courses to verify the need for other vaccination.

SCHOLARSHIP TO FOREIGN APPLICANTS

Once selected, applicants will be contacted by the program with information and guidance regarding the next steps.

The following items will be paid by the program:

• International airfare (roundtrip) in economy class;
• Airport taxes;
• Transportation airport/ hotel/ airport;
• Hotel accommodation as designated by the implementing institution (breakfast included);
• Travel insurance to cover basic emergency needs during the length of the trip;
• Daily stipend of BRL 60.00 for food, personal expenses and training consumables.

IMPORTANT REMARKS:

1. Brazil and Japan will NOT cover the following costs, which are the sole responsibility of participants:
• Additional expenses;
• Government taxes and fees;
• Visa fees;
• Fees to regularize permanence in Brazil (police registration, notary, etc.);
• Excess or loss of luggage (insurance);
• Health care, dental, maternity, medical examinations, check-ups, medicine, and any other related costs not covered by travel insurance.

The implementing institutions will inform if any other item should be added to the list above.

2. Withdrawals/ absence:

If an applicant’s participation is funded by a partnership under the Technical Cooperation Program, withdrawals communicated after travel arrangements have been made (tickets, insurance, per diem) and unjustified absence (even if for non-emergency medical treatment) will result in termination of the contract with the coordinating institution and JICA, which will therefore no longer be bound to the payment of per diem and any other expenses. The institution that appointed the applicant will reimburse all expenses incurred for his/ her participation.

ACCOMMODATION

The TCTP team will inform all participants of the hotel reservations made to their names. Participants may not change hotels or reservations.

BOARDING

The implementing institution will provide for transportation to restaurants or indicate restaurants near the training facilities. Food prices will be adequate to the daily stipend provided.

AIR TICKETS

If applicants live in locations not served by a commercial airport, tickets will be provided from the nearest available airport. In such cases, applicants must pay for their own transportation to and from the airport. Special cases regarding the reimbursement of these expenses may be considered individually.

HEALTH

Participants may not withdraw from training or be absent without previous authorization of the course coordinator, except for emergency health care or in case of incapacitating disease.

VISA

Once selected, candidates must apply for the appropriate visa to enter and remain in Brazil for the duration of the course at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate of Brazil in their respective countries. In accordance with current regulations by the Division of Immigration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIM/ MRE), consulates will provide TCTP training participants with Official Visas (VISOF) even in ordinary passports if the following documents are produced:

• Letter from the Government of the applicant’s country addressed to the Embassy of Brazil recommending his/ her participation in the training;
• Evidence that the applicant has been selected to participate in the training;
• Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry in Brazil;
• 1 passport size photo (white background);
• Visa application form filled out and signed;
• Yellow fever vaccination card.

Important:

• Visas are issued in approximately 48-72 hours, not counting postal delivery. Please verify specific information in advance.
• When filling out visa application forms, please read the instructions carefully, do not abbreviate or omit names, addresses and other data. Always use Portuguese unless expressly instructed on the form. Do not leave fields blank. If you have questions, consulate officials will be glad to assist you.
• ABC, the Brazilian institution and JICA are not responsible for visa application and registration costs, if applicable. Applicants must pay for these.
• Visas bind participants to the Brazilian institution, JICA and ABC. Your air ticket may not be altered, as the purpose of your stay in Brazil may not be changed. The travel insurance is also bound to the ticket purchased by the organizers and is void in case any changes are made.

Special Cases:

• While official visas are exempt of registration fees, tourist visas incur in a fee of USD 100, which will not be paid by the program.
• When the Embassy of Brazil indicates that nationals of your country are free of official visa fees, please check whether minimal validity applies to special passports and make sure to inform the Brazilian Federal Police during passport check for entry in Brazil that you are in an official technical cooperation mission. We suggest you bring a copy of the letter of indication from your government and documents that prove you have been selected to participate in the training.