General Info
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.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS COURSE:
• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
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 have been chosen by Travellers for their track record providing quality language lessons to 'foreigners'.The experienced and dedicated teachers at the school 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Teachers try, where possible, to hold classes predominantly in Portuguese, but most teachers are fluent English speakers and will assist you in English if or when you get stuck. Having the classes in held in Portuguese helps to immerse you in the Brazilian language and encourages the you to converse and gain confidence in speaking Portuguese.
If you are doing another placement in Brazil you may want to consider taking some Portuguese Lessons as a supplement - even some basic knowledge will be beneficial to you during your teaching assignment. For combination programmes, we will ensure that your timetable is arranged to give you plenty of time in between your different placements.
CERTIFICATION: 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.
Any student attending a course should ensure to bring with them a good quality, compact dictionary that includes a comprehensive Grammar tables. If you want to buy a phrasebook in preparation for your trip, ensure it is a Brazilian Portuguese phrasebook and not Portuguese.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.
