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Program & Admission Information - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Our methodology uses an exclusive series of interactive video presentations combined with dynamic classroom instruction and interaction. The goal of this methodology is to make students feel comfortable using Portuguese in everyday situations, i.e., traveling, conducting business meetings, using the telephone, participating in a conversation effectively, etc.
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The classroom environment is "total immersion," which means that the student and the teacher speak only Portuguese. There is never any translation in the classroom and this forces the student to think in Portuguese. Rotating teachers allows the student to be exposed to many types of speakers and ensures that students will understand all people who speak Portuguese. Teacher rotation also keeps class fresh and interesting.
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Methodology focuses on speaking and listening. Grammar is very important and students will learn how to use it through a very practical approach without being tedious, boring and repetitive. Students speak Portuguese, not analyze it. The key to learning a new language is communication. Because communication includes reading and writing, they are included throughout the programs.
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Standard Portuguese Course
20 hours per week. The conversational aspect of language learning is emphasized, so students focus on speaking Portuguese. That's why the school limits their group size to never more than four people in a class. Group composition is fine-tuned based on the level of the students that are studying at the school at any given time. Using the results of the placement exam, the school will place the student in a group within one of seven levels which helps reduce the differences in language proficiency between students. Classes are held Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 13.00 (1:00 PM) with one break.
Note: If there are only 1-2 students per class, the number of group class hours will be reduced from 20 to 15 hours per week.
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Private Portuguese Course
20 hours per week. A special curriculum is designed for students based on an assessment of the student's language needs, interests, and the written test and oral interview taken during the first day. Depending upon the intensity of the program students will be assigned two or three instructors during the course. Classes are held Monday - Friday from 9.00 to 13.00.
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The advantage of private instruction:
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Learn at the student's own pace, not that of the slowest student in a group class.
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The students can cancel and reschedule classes at no extra cost provided he/she notifies the center's administrative office by 17.00 (5:00 PM) the day prior to classes.
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Because he/she is the only student, they will be speaking and thinking more in Portuguese. Consequently the student should learn faster.
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Portuguese Group + Tutor Course
30 hours per week: 20 hrs/wk Group + 10 hrs/wk Tutor. As an alternative to taking just a private or group course, the option of the combo course is offered, and utilized by many students. This allows the student to combine the Group Program with a two hour per day private course, in order to improve not only general communication skills in the language, but also to tailor the course to meet specific needs or interest of the student. For example, if you are interested in learning specific vocabulary and expressions used in business, law, medicine, etc., you can focus on those topics during your afternoon private classes.
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Executive Portuguese Program
The executive program is the most intensive and effective course we offer. It consists of eight hours per day of private lessons, which includes lunch with your teacher. For years, this program has been our most popular program with executives and professionals who want to learn a lot in a short period of time. With this course, you can super charge your language training, learning in weeks what would normally take a year or more.
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Study & Volunteer Program
This Study & Volunteer program in Rio de Janeiro offers a minimum 2 week study and volunteer placement combination in the community.
Students will study in the morning and volunteer in the afternoon.
All opportunities will work in partnership with local people in a variety of community-based projects.
This unique program offers exciting hands-on volunteering opportunities, meaningful cultural immersion, and an enriching language program.
As a volunteer, you can teach English or mentor at-risk youth. Volunteering is a great way to practice your Portuguese and get to know the community unique and meaningful way.
Youth Outreach Volunteer Duties
-Lead youth in sports and other recreational activities
-Organize and teach English classes
-Tutor kids in English and math
-Take care of children in the nursery
-Help out with meal time
-Assist with a variety of administrative tasks at the center
English Teaching Volunteer Duties
-Organize and teach English classes
-Read stories to children
-Tutor kids in English and math
-Assist with meal time
-Help organize the library
-Assist in administrative tasks
For more information about this program, contact us!
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Admissions & Academic Credit
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Admissions & Academic Credit
Students age 18 years and older are welcomed regardless of educational background, occupation or nationality. No previous knowledge of Portuguese is required except where otherwise indicated.
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Please Note:
Visa is required for entry into Brazil for U.S. citizens. Information on visas will be sent to student after Pre-registration form is received. For those traveling from countries outside the U.S., please contact your nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy.
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Students desiring credit for their study program should contact their home school or request the NRCSA Credit Fact Sheet. Generally, U.S. universities consider 15 hours of study to be equal to 1 semester credit.
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For information about academic credit in Portuguese speaking countries please click here. For general information on academic credit please click here.
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