Language Programs in Brazil

When it comes to intensive language programs in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is by far the most popular destination. If you’re interested in a more tranquil experience in a less cosmopolitan city, there are still plenty of options for language learning abroad in Brazil!

Rio de Janeiro. This city is the heart of Brazil’s culture and art scene. Students of Brazil language schools can wander down the Copacabana boardwalk, visit the art district of Santa Teresa, and enjoy samba dance performances in Lapa during their free time. 

Salvador. Located on the western coast of the country, Salvador is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture. Also located on the water, students of Brazil language schools will find that the beaches in Salvador are not quite as busy as the ones in Rio.

Maceio. If you are a lover of the sea, Maceio may be your paradise for language courses in Brazil. This city has emerald clear waters, white sand beaches, and reefs just off the coast for language students to explore via snorkeling. Maceio is easily navigated by bike, and the city even offers an excellent bike-share program!

With dozens of language schools in Brazil to choose from, you’ll have the chance to customize your language learning experience based on your needs and interests. While Portuguese may be the obvious choice for study, there are plenty of other languages to choose from! Language courses in Brazil include Arabic, German, Thai, and even Turkish.

Portuguese is the most common language of study in Brazil by far. As the Portuguese hub of South America, it’ll be your best choice for Portuguese language-learning outside of Portugal. There will also be a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the language, especially if you opt for cultural experiences like homestays.

Spanish is another logical choice for intensive language programs in Brazil. The country is located in South America, which almost exclusively speaks Spanish. Spanish-speakers have naturally trickled into Brazil, so there won’t be any shortage of people to practice with!

English programs in Brazil are actually quite widespread, thanks to Brazil’s globally relevant economy. If you’re a non-native English speaker, Brazil would be a cool place to put your skills to the test—you’ll have plenty of English-speaking expats at your disposal.

Most Brazilian language schools offer classes for 20 to 30 hours a week, with opportunities to enroll in group classes (seven to ten students), private one-on-one lessons, or a mixture of the two. The length of most language courses in Brazil is flexible, lasting from two weeks to 12 months depending on the schedule and desired fluency of each student. It’s good to keep in mind though that no matter what you envision for your language learning, you will most likely be able to customize a program to fit it.

For the majority of language schools in Brazil lasting for more than six weeks, students will have the option to receive college credit for their coursework, although it will come at a higher cost. If you find yourself needing a little help, don’t hesitate to find yourself a tutor, either through your chosen program or locally. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone to interact with locals to practice your new skills. Make sure to keep your own learning style in mind as well, as it will be integral in choosing the right program or way to learn languages in Brazil.

Brazil, like the rest of Latin America, is a very laid back country. This can be great in terms of relaxing and gaining important skills like patience, but can be really frustrating when you’re really hungry and it takes 15 minutes for a server to even take a look at your table. Prepare to wait, and always keep a snack with you at all times to avoid getting hangry.

It may seem obvious, but Spanish and Portuguese are not the same language. If you have a background in Spanish, it can be both a blessing and a curse. It is easy to get confused with false cognates and misinterpret something in Portuguese for what it sounds like in Spanish. 

Regional dialects vary greatly, so the Portuguese you learn in Maceio may sound strikingly different from what you hear on the street in Salvador. Don’t be discouraged! It is often a conversation starter to throw out regional slang to the locals, and then ask them about the word’s origin and about any other regional differences. Brazilians are known to be warm, kind, and outgoing people; they’re easily approachable and will be excited to chat with you about almost anything!