Would you like to learn Portuguese? Or maybe improve on your existing knowledge of the language? You have just taken your first steps towards broadening your horizons... There is no better or easier way to learn a language than to live, eat and breathe it ... and there is no better place to study than in vibrant, beautiful Brazil!

Prices:

• 1 Week Portuguese Course prior to starting your placement - £495 / US $745 (including accommodation)

• Portuguese Language Lessons (5 hrs pw at the same time as your placement) - £120 / US $180 per week

• Portuguese Language Lessons (10 hrs pw at the same time as your placement) -  £195 / US $295 per week

Take Portuguese lessons alongside ANY project or as an intensive introduction course before you start.

• Take a course for any length of time to run alongside your placement - from 2 weeks onwards

• OR take a 1 week introductory course before you start your project at a super discounted price

• Choose from 5 or 10 hours a week

• Available at Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Superior levels

• You will study on a one-to-one basis, unless you are in a small group of volunteers who all have the same level

• Classes based on grammar and conversation, in which you will be strongly encouraged only to speak Portuguese

• Classes are held Monday to Friday, and will be fit around your volunteering schedule

• Enjoy the benefits of studying at a professional, prestigious school

• At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate issued by the School, stating that you have attended the course, to which level, and the duration in hours of the course you have completed.

Complete immersion in another culture is, without doubt, the fastest and most effective way to learn a new language. You not only learn to speak a language fluently, you also have the opportunity of learning about the culture of the language and living and studying with likeminded people with the same motivations as you. Learning a language may appear difficult at first when trying to learn by yourself or in a segregated classroom at home. However, when you are living, working, socializing and breathing a new language – you learn fast – and the whole process is exciting, memorable and a lot of fun…. especially in Brazil…!!  

There are many benefits to learning a foreign language abroad. You can interact with the local people and understand and appreciate the greater subtleties of a culture, such as the local literature, music, art, and folklore. You’ll never regret studying a language abroad. It is an experience that will build your character while helping you to achieve an impressive personal goal and acquire skills that will help you to succeed in life. ... And it's an excellent addition to your CV that might give you the edge of your competitors in a tough job market!

You will be enrolled to study Portuguese (Brazilian) within an established Language School in Rio de Janeiro. The language centre has an excellent reputation and we chose it for their track record providing quality language lessons to 'foreigners'.The experienced and dedicated teachers are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience learning Portuguese in Brazil! Portuguese classes are normally held within walking distance of your accommodation.

Most of the time your lessons will be during the day on Monday to Friday, but it is possible that occasionally your lesson times will vary slightly. Teaching revolves around an intensive language program that utilizes innovative techniques on a one-teacher to one-student basis. You will receive individual tuition and lessons prepared especially for you. Portuguese lessons are strongly recommended if you are a complete beginner or if you are undergoing a teaching placement and want to improve your Portuguese at the same time.

ABOUT BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE
Portuguese is similar to Spanish on paper but it sounds completely different to the ear. If you have an understanding of Spanish already you will find it easy to adjust to written Portuguese and you will be able to make yourself understood to local Brazilians, although you will probably not be able to understand them! Once you start to learn Brazilian Portuguese however it will be easy to transfer this knowledge to Portuguese and on to Spanish. These languages are widely spoken around the globe. Mastering this language is time well spent!

The Portuguese spoken in Brazil differs from Portuguese in Portugal in terms of pronunciation and certain vocabulary. When the Portuguese settled in Brazil in the 16th century they encountered a diverse mix of languages of the indigenous Indians as well as various idioms and dialects brought over with the African slaves. The result was quite an extensively transformed spoken Portuguese. Although the new generation will be different, currently not many Brazilians speak English and a basic understanding of Brazilian Portuguese is extremely handy!

The more you can interact with the local people and culture the more rewarding your travelling experience will be. Brazilian Portuguese is a beautiful language with a passionate musicality to its rhythm.