Brazil Retreat
November 4-7, 2025
Be a part of the Alumni club
Retreats only for members
Full Board ,Lectures, activities, Graduation Ceremony, And more.
Get together One on one with Tal
Connect, grow, and inspire at our HSA alumni gathering. Join Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar for an unforgettable afternoon.
Be a part of our WhatsApp Initiatives
Connect with fellow alumni, share your passion, and take part in meaningful actions together.
Local Chapters with Real Connections
Where alumni and students can connect in person with others who share their passion for happiness and well-being.
Events That Spark Happiness
Join us for inspiring live and on-demand webinars, lectures, and conversations led by experts in happiness
Library Monthly Topics
Discover videos, articles, and information that inspire joy, well-being and a fulfilling life.
Mentoring for Meaningful Growth
An exclusive mentorship program led by graduates of the Certificate in Happiness Studies.
Job Opportunities With Impact
Discover fulfilling careers that spread joy and enhance well-being worldwide
In the program:
The HSA Alumni & Business Club was founded with a vision to support the Happiness Studies Academy’s students and graduates in their journey to bring the happiness revolution to their communities, their clients, and the world.
We are a diverse group of committed people who got together to create a platform for networking, shared resources, best practices, ideas, and more.
This platform provides opportunities for all members to share their knowledge, experience, skills, and gifts with each other and the world.
Join us in the magical wilderness of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for an unforgettable retreat.
Surrounded by lush rainforests and the rhythms of the Atlantic coast, connect and rejuvenate with fellow Happiness Studies Academy alumni. This is a transformative experience in the heart of Brazil’s vibrant beauty.
* Please note that this schedule is subject to change. We appreciate your understanding.
November 7th
Friday
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8:00 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM: Morning Retreat Session
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11:00 AM: Farewell Session
November 6th
Thursday
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6:00 AM: Morning Visit to Sugarloaf Cabl Car
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9:00 AM: Breakfast
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10:00 AM: Morning Retreat Session
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1:00 PM: Lunch
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2:00 PM: Afternoon Retreat Session
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7:00 PM: Graduation Ceremony and Party
November 5th
Wednesday
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8:00 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM: Morning Retreat Session
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1:00 PM: Lunch
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2:30 PM: Visit to Corcovado, Panoramic City Tour
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7:00 PM: Dinner
November 4th
Tuesday
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3:00 PM: Check-In & Registration
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7:00 PM: Welcome Cocktail
Schedule
Costs
Retreat
Price: $1085
Full Board (Lunches, dinners, coffee breaks, and beveragesincluded), Lectures, activities, Graduation Ceremony, And more.
For any questions regarding the retreat please contact:
Hotel
Price: $1085
Full Board (Lunches, dinners, coffee breaks, and beveragesincluded), Lectures, activities, Graduation Ceremony, And more.
For any questions regarding the retreat please contact:
How to save your spot
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Hotel & Flight
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Finland 2025
Beijing 2025
Mexico City 2024
New Jersey 2024
Cartagena 2023
Shanghai 2023
Lake Como 2023
Akumal 2022
Miami 2022
Previous Retreats
Sandy Mora
Executive Manager of the HSA Alumni & Business Club
Organizing our retreats is a true privilege and one of the things I enjoy the most. Each event is a magical journey where relationships blossom, kindness overflows, and learning takes center stage. We create unforgettable memories, ensure endless fun, and deeply immerse ourselves in a live practice of the S.P.I.R.E elements of happiness. These retreats are not just events; they're peak experiences that enrich, strengthen, and bring together our global community and that help us put the Happiness Revolution into actio.n
Astrid Baumgardner
US
The retreat has been great. We're really connecting, having lunch with people, just the conversations we're having. I actually have found a mentee that I'm going to be working with. I now have a whole bunch of new friends. I have all these Mexican and Latin American friends who I would never have met. So it's just great. I can't wait for the next one.
Alex García
Mexico
For me, it was a life-changing, knowing very authentic and generous people from all over the world just open up my imagination to so many possibilities, just being here among so many wonderful people. It makes me just want to improve in so many areas I didn't even know about.
Karla Muñoz
Mexico
The Cartagena retreat was truly spectacular for me.Every activity aligned with the SPIRE model, fostering global connections and inspiring well-being efforts. I eagerlyanticipate future extraordinary experiences.
Winy
Canada
These four retreat days truly empowered and rejuvenated me. So, I consider it a fantastic activity. I look forward to our next meeting.
Patricia Santos
Brazil
HSA's Cartagena retreat, applying SPIRE, transforms camaraderie into brotherhood, creating unforgettable moments, enduring bonds, and cherished memories.
FAQ
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How is the PhD program structured?You’ll take one course at a time, each lasting 8 weeks. This focused approach helps students dive deeply into each subject without overwhelm.
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Who teaches the courses and supervises dissertations?Most courses in the first cohort will be taught by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and Ashley, with guest faculty joining. Dissertations are guided by a three-person committee: two advisors (with doctoral degrees) and one reader. Students choose their advisors from an approved list.
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Is teaching experience required?No, teaching is not mandatory - but it's encouraged. Many students use what they learn to teach in universities or lead educational initiatives.
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When are the live webinars?Weekly on Thursdays, alternating between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM ET to accommodate global students. All webinars are recorded.
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Can I travel during the program?Yes. Just let instructors know in advance if you’ll miss a live session or need materials early.
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Is there a part-time PhD track?The program is designed to be flexible for working professionals. If needed, you can extend your dissertation timeline.
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What kind of dissertation topics are accepted?Topics should relate to human flourishing or happiness studies. Creative or personal research (such as poetry, writing, or healing) is welcome as long as it's academically sound.
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Can I do a longitudinal dissertation?Yes, you can start a longitudinal study within the program’s timeframe. Many students publish the first study as their dissertation and continue afterward.
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Is publishing required?No, but it's encouraged. Many students aim to publish their dissertation or parts of it in academic or applied journals.
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Who is eligible to apply?You must hold a master’s degree in any field. Priority is given to graduates of our MA and Certificate in Happiness Studies programs.
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Is there a quota for non-HSA students?No formal quota, but the first cohort prioritizes HSA alumni who are already familiar with our model.
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When can current MA students apply?Once you’ve graduated. For example, MA students finishing in December 2026 would be eligible for the September 2027 PhD cohort.
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What if I apply late?The first cohort is limited to 25 students. If it's full, late applicants may be waitlisted or considered for the next cohort. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
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How much does the PhD cost?$66,000 total, paid in installments of $3,000 every 8 weeks (for each 3-credit course). The program runs for 4 years.
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What’s required to apply?If you’re an HSA MA graduate, the process is streamlined—no transcripts, recommendation letters, or English proficiency tests required. Other applicants will need to submit those materials.
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