AVENTURAS LANGUAGES: Portuguese Language Immersion Schools, Brazil (Rio, Bahia, Maceio, beaches) and Portugal

FAST FORWARD PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE is the premier language learning center in Brazil with a focus on efficiency and quick results. Located in Maceio, a tropical, calm and safe city in Northeastern Brazil, Fast Forward offers long and short term courses in Portuguese for students and business executives. Fast Forward is member of the American Chamber of Commerce and has 9 years of experience in providing the highest level of language development in the shortest time possible.

Our mission: Provide quality Portuguese language programs in a professional and friendly environment to create an effective and enjoyable learning experience for all our students.

Since 1991, Fast Forward has been devoted to providing high quality and personalized instruction in Portuguese for foreigners. All of our teachers are professional and experienced native instructors, university graduated and trained in Fast Forward's direct approach to language teaching.

The Portuguese language enjoys a lively and varied lexicon throughout the world today. Fast Forward is unique in its intimate approach to acquiring language through total cultural immersion. We believe it imperative to mix our institute´s academic setting with that of each individual city reality.

Fast Forward currently offers language institutions in Porto, Portugal, São Paulo, Brazil and Maceió, Brazil . Each of these cities offers a unique experience in the modern life of the Portuguese language and the peoples who natively speak it.

Language lessons at Fast Forward focus on communication; beyond grammar books and written exercises, our professors include a variety of oral and listening elements with up-to-date technology to stimulate a comprehensive concept of the Portuguese language. Students are encouraged to interact with their classmates, their professors and the entire staff here at Fast Forward. Our professors also dedicate their creativity and time to the organization of various activities during the students´ free hours, and weekend days. Enthusiastic and experienced host families also contribute greatly to students´ lives and well-being. (See the accommodation section).

We work hard to create an intimate atmosphere both during and after class time that welcomes, inspires, challenges and responds to each individual student. Since our Brazilian beginnings, we have taught many students and executives from all over the world. Judging by what they tell us and the exam results they achieve, our students find studying with a us a truly satisfying experience.

As you consider our different locations and course offerings, we are more than happy to offer extra information as well. We look forward to welcoming you in person soon!

Fast Forward offers group and private general language instruction, from absolute beginner to advanced levels. Portuguese Language exam preparatory courses are also available. Cultural programs are optional and available throughout the year. Upon arrival, students take a placement test to determine their level, and also decide which cultural programs they would like to participate in. Fast Forward also offers Bildungsurlaub for German employees as well as university credits for American students.

BILDUNGSURLAUB

Group Instruction: For starting dates please see our German link. Courses are held Monday through Friday.The time teached for Bildungsurlaub courses depends on the individual requirements of the German states.

GENERAL
Group Instruction: Maximum of 06 students per class. Classes begin on any Monday for intermediate students (once a month for beginners), and are held Monday through Friday.
Intensive: 4 classes of 50 minutes each day, mornings..
Super-Intensive: 6 classes of 50 minutes each day, mornings and afternoons.

Private Instruction: Offered for both beginners, advanced, and professionals with specific needs. Classes may start any Monday, and are held Monday through Friday.
Intensive: 4 classes of 50 minutes each day, mornings.
Super-Intensive: 10 classes of 50 minutes each day, mornings and afternoons. Ideal for professionals with little time. Includes lunch with professor. Classes conducted in various locations.
Executive: 6 classes of 50 minutes each day, morning and afternoons. Specifically focused on business terminology. Includes lunch with professor.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST PREPERATION
Brazil - CELPE-BRAS
This exam measures test-takers´ level of proficiency in Portuguese. CELPE BRAS is the official exam developed and given by the brazilian government, and is required for those who wish to live and work in Brazil. Businesses and educational institutions use it to determine employment and study placements. The exam is offered twice a year: April and October. Fast Forward´s exam preparation classes focus on developing the student´s abilities in all areas tested. Other important factors that greatly influence any given student´s performance are time spent in intimate contact with Brazilian culture and breadth of this
experience.

Materials used: Apart from our own authentic teaching materials, we use textbooks by the following publishers: (insert name of publisher). Fast Forward boasts modern teaching materials and equipment. Computers, CDs and video are among the aids used in everyday courses as well as sessions devoted to culture, regional studies, literature and business. Use of the multimedia library and our computer facilities is a good way of adding to and reinforcing the skills acquired in class work.

A word on methodology: We believe it is important to vary teaching methods in our Portuguese courses as much as possible. Every group and person is different, thus, our teachers use an individual approach and flexibly adapt their teaching methods to students' respective learning needs. We supplement various course books with authentic teaching materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, audio-visual materials, and activities inside and outside the classroom. One of our fundamental principles is to ensure a maximum of spoken communication. You are encouraged to practice your spoken Portuguese in real-life situations, with your teacher, and with other participants, in pairs and groups. Many activities outside of school are created with this idea of oral communication as well.

CULTURAL
By complementing your language studies with cultural activities, you effectively integrate your classtime education with the daily reality of Brazilian life. Here are some of the programs offered by Fast Forward:

Culinary
Instruction in preparation and history of typical Brazilian cuisine. With influences from the Portuguese, Arabs, Africans and Indians, the heritage is deliciously varied, and the associated festivities vividly enjoyed.

Rhythms and Dances
Experience the variety of cultural heritage in Brazil through dance classes of samba, forró, rítmos variados, and many more. Afternoon and evening classes, in groups or solo.

Capoeira
Classes in the Brazilian martial art/dance considered to be an essential part of cultural heritage. Local groups lead you to both playful and serious interactions with this beautiful tradition.

Wine
Porto is known world-wide for the wines of its surrounding regions. Explore the various vineyards and develop your wine-tasting skills on our educational trips.

===
You have a choice of host family, apartment, student residence and hotel accommodation the whole year round.

BACK TO TOP

Host families are the most frequently chosen housing option. Fast Forward ensures that each family offers a quality living situation and respects each students´ wishes as much as possible in the family selection. The host families themselves are experienced and enthusiastic participants in the student´s life. Considering immersion into life, language, etc., living with a host family is by far the most intense. It truly is an experience not to be passed up.

Options for those who prefer more independent living include:
Pousadas – These are lower cost hotels. They are fully
furnished, and almost like apartments.
Apartment – This is a more costly option, yet also offers a bit more luxury.
Hotels – each city offers a wide array of hotels in terms of price, location and style.

General Info
Accommodation is reserved from 12 noon on the Sunday prior to the start of the course until the Saturday following the last day of the course.
All options are an average of 10 to 20 minutes away from the school. The schools can be easily reached by public transport.
Breakfast or halfboard is included (evening meal 6 to 8 p.m.).
You are issued with your own front door key.
There is weekly cleaning of your room; bed linen is changed every 2 weeks; bed linen is provided, please bring your own towels.

MACEIÓ

	Weeks	1	2	3	4	Additional Week
Group	INTENSIVE (20 classes per week)	365,0	620,0	890,0	1.110,0	275,0
Group	SUPER INTENSIVE (30 classes per week)	490,0	840,0	1.210,0	1.590,0	375,0
Private	INTENSIVE (20 classes per week)	840,0	1.610,0	2.390,0	3.160,0	770,0
	EXECUTIVE (30 classes per week)	1.110,0	2.140,0	3.180,0	4.220,0	1.040,0
	VIP SUPER INTENSIVE (50 classes per week)	1.600,0	3.160,0	4.700,0	6.260,0	1.550,0

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

1.600
4 weeks of Portuguese classes plus 4 weeks of volunteering. Lodging with a family during classes with breakfast and dinner. Lodging in an apartment or hostel during volunteer work. Shared room. No meals.

SALUD MEDICAL BRASIL

1.600
For medical students only. 4 weeks of Portuguese classes. At Maceio focusing on tropical diseases and at Sao Paulo aiming at plastic surgery. Both places with hospital observation classes.

*Prices per week per person in US$.
All prices include course materials, accommodation in family house, breakfast and dinner. Options for hotels, pousadas(guest house)and apartments available on request.
Private VIP Super Intensive and Executive have lunch with the teacher included, Monday to Friday.
Airport Pickup in Maceio US$ 25.

Registration Fee

US$ 50

Start dates

Private instruction can start any Monday. For group instruction see table below. Students at Intermediate level can start any Monday.

2006 January 02 & 30 July 03 & 31

February 06 August 07

March 06 & 27 September 04

April 03 October 02 & 30

May 08 & 29 November 06

June 05 December 04

Holidays

The school will be closed for the following official holidays:

2006 January 01 July -

February 27 & 28 August -

March 01 September 07

April 14 & 21 October 12

May 01 November 02 & 15

June 15 & 29 December 08 & 25

SÃO PAULO

	Weeks	1	2	3	4	Additional Week
Group	INTENSIVE (20 classes per week)	390,0	660,0	955,0	1.240,0	310,0
Group	SUPER INTENSIVE (30 classes per week)	510,0	880,0	1.270,0	1.680,0	420,0
Private	INTENSIVE (20 classes per week)	870,0	1.670,0	2.470,0	3.260,0	800,0
	EXECUTIVE (30 classes per week)	1.135,0	2.210,0	3.285,0	4.360,0	1.075,0
	VIP SUPER INTENSIVE (50 classes per week)	1.660,0	3.260,0	4.860,0	6.460,0	1.600,0

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

1.800
4 weeks of Portuguese classes plus 4 weeks of volunteering. Lodging with a family during classes with breakfast and dinner. Lodging in an apartment or hostel during volunteer work. Shared room. No meals.

SALUD MEDICAL BRASIL

1.800
For medical students only. 4 weeks of Portuguese classes. At Maceio focusing on tropical diseases and at Sao Paulo aiming at plastic surgery. Both places with hospital observation classes.

BACK TO TOP

*Prices per week per person in US$.
All prices include course materials, accommodation in family house, breakfast and dinner.
Options for hotels, pousadas(guest house)and apartments available on request.
Private VIP Super Intensive and Executive have lunch with the teacher included, Monday to Friday.
Airport Pickup U$$ 40

Registration Fee

US$ 50

Holidays

The school will be closed for the following official holidays:

2006 January 01 & 25 July -

February 27 & 28 August -

March 01 September 07

April 14 & 21 October 12

May 01 November 02, 15 & 20

June 15 December 08 & 25

PORTO

Class

4h / day

Class

6h / day

1 Week

240 ¬

1 Week

432 ¬

2 Week

480 ¬

2 Week

864 ¬

3 Week

720 ¬

3 Week

1.296 ¬

4 Week

840 ¬

4 Week

1.512 ¬

Combined Courses Class + Individual

Class 3h / Day + Individual 1h / Day

360 ¬

Per Week

Class 3h / Day + Individual 2h / Day

510 ¬

Per Week

Class 3h / Day + Individual 3h / Day

660 ¬

Per Week

Registration Fee

40 ¬

Individual Classes

Up 60 Hours = 30 ¬/hour

+ 60 Hours = 28 ¬/hour

Private Groups

Up 60 Hours = 45 ¬/hour

+ 60 Hours = 42 ¬/hour

Other Information
Portuguese Holidays

The school will be closed for the following official holidays:

2006 January 01 July -

February 28 August 15

March September -

April 14 & 25 October 05

May 01 November 01

June 15 December 01, 08 & 25

Individual classes that coincide with bank holidays will be taught on a convenient date.

Starting dates:
Courses start on the first Monday of every month.

2006 January 02 & 30 July 03 & 31

February 06 & 27 August 07

March 06 September 04

April 03 October 02 & 30

May 08 & 29 November 06

June 05 December 04

VServices And Optional Activities

Lodging with a Portuguese family includes breakfast, bedroom linen and bathroom towel laundry.
One student: 108 ¬ - from Sunday to Saturday
Extra Night: 17.50 ¬

Transfer services, one trip: 40 ¬ - 1 student
45 ¬ - 2 students together

=============

We believe that a language program must be complemented with a wide range of social and cultural activities not only to allow students to use and practice the portuguese language but also to maximize student's exposure to Brazilian and Portuguese culture.

Our school has an active and exciting social program. Included are visits to theatres, concerts, restaurants, beaches as well as other events such as national festivals, sporting events and dance clubs. Fast Forward arranges these activities at least twice a week.

===========

AVENTURAS LANGUAGES OTHER PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOL OFFERINGS
WRITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

PORTUGUESE IN BRASIL SCHOOL -is a portuguese language course for adults who wish to learn Portuguese in a cultural context in Brazil. It was created in the year 2000 and aims to provide communication skills in Portuguese for those living or touring in Brazil. An additional service is to assist companies in providing non-Brazilian employees the linguistic and cultural capacity to function successfully in their new enviroment. More info on this school:

DIALOGO PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL: Diálogo is one of the first schools in Brazil to offer study abroad programs for students from all over the world. At Diálogo, you will receive the best of 17 years experience in teaching Portuguese language and Brazilian Culture. The school is recognized by the Bahian University FIB, offering university credits. Students can take advantage of excellent service and modern equipment: air-conditioned classrooms, audio-visual teaching, a fully-equiped kitchen for cooking lessons, a large dance room, an outside green area for leisure, and free access to the internet. The school is located 5 minutes on foot from the beaches of Barra district in Salvador. The area is fashionable and residentially up-market, containing good shops, cheap restaurants and trendy bars just 15 minutes from the historic center of the city. More info on this school:

We look forward to hearing from you with your questions
or to register for classes to begin your adventure!