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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, for example: 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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Group 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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Semi-Intensive Tutor 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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Group/Tutor
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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Group & Volunteer Program
30 hours per week: 20 hrs/wk Group + 10 hrs/wk Volunteer activities. This program offers students the opportunity to study Portuguese while teaching English, art or sporting activities to children from Rio's Cantagalo, Pavao-Pavaozinho Favelas. The favelas are located on a steep hill overlooking the world famous beachfront, middle class and tourist neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema in the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro. The initial settlement of the hill dates back to the early decades of the 1900's. Today, its population exceeds 12,000 inhabitants.
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The volunteer program takes place at the Community Education Center, a non-profit organization that works with RDJ Language School. It is housed in several of the former mansions at the foot of the favela which have since been donated by their former owners to provide the infrastructure necessary to teach children living in these favelas. This non-profit organization offers full-time schooling and day-care to students age 3 months to 14 years. In addition, there is a small medical center staffed by volunteer doctors, which supports approximately 1,500 families.
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Children are accepted into this program based on need, and only those considered to be in high-risk households with the most need for social assistance are accepted. The goal is to provide a solid education, as well as moral and professional development, and eventually transform students into influential agents of positive change in their communities.
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The Group & Volunteer Program includes:
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20 hours per week of intensive Portuguese group instruction for 2 or 4 weeks.
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Full orientation and advising by local school staff and continued support for the duration of your program.
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10 or more hours per week of volunteer activities.
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Free weekly excursions in Rio.
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Accommodation in a carefully selected Brazilian middle class host family, includinng breakfast and dinner.
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Free on-line TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate Training for volunteers interested in teaching English.
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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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