Study in Maceio, Brazil – 2012 / 2013
Portuguese Language & Brazil Culture
2 Weeks – $995 USD / 4 Weeks – $1795 USD
* Price includes housing
The Program
Study Portuguese and Brazilian culture in the beach town of Maceio. Programs are offered year-around, and all levels are available: beginner – advanced. In addition, there are extra classes offered like: Diving, Cooking, and Brazilian Dance.This program is popular among students and working adults from all over the world, for it’s location of Maceio is such a beautiful and safe place for foreign visitors. Airport pick-up (escort) is included. The program is located in Ponta Verde, the most modern section of Maceio. Join us for a memorable experience!
The Location
Maceio has a warm and sunny climate year-around and many miles of wonderful beaches, washed by the warm clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Maceio is a safe and relaxed location as well as a modern city. Students can visit shopping malls, theaters, restaurants, sport events, disco clubs, as well as the most beautiful and alluring beaches in South America. Besides Praia da Pajucara, its main attraction, with jangadas (small sailing boats) that take visitors to the piscinas naturais (tidal pools), Maceio has the sea and lagoons that are the envy of many tourist driven cities all over the world.
Maceio also has a very friendly, social and cultural life to offer the visitor. Here you will find that there is always something new and exciting to do whether that be to explore the historic sights, or simply enjoy the attractions of living in a modern, vibrant and youthful environment that offers everything to the international visitor.
Besides being on the coast, Maceio also has a broad scope of cultural and environmental attractions. Places like Penedo and Marechal Deodoro (historic colonial cities) have beautiful architectural sites and museums, while Ponto do Peba (banco de camaroes), Murici (Atlantic Forest) and Barra de Santo Antonio (a sea cow reserve) are the favorites for those seeking more environmental sites. The staff in Maceio organizes excursions every 2 weeks to places like: Amazon Forest, Chapada Diamantina, Olinda, Pantanal, Foz do Iguacu, and others.
Maceio was elected the 2002 America’s Capital of Culture by ACC (the Organization of the American Capital of Culture) and therefore a lot of activities such as international meetings related to culture and science, artistic events (music, theater, dance, etc) will begin to take place like never before.
Courses
All students take a placement test upon arrival to determine level. Students are then placed in the proper level. All levels are offered: beginner, intermediate, advanced. There are 4 classes per day, 50 minutes each, Monday – Friday. Classes are held in the morning and afternoons. Small group of 4 – 8 students per class guarantees student-teacher interaction and involvement. All students receive a transcript (certificate) upon completing the course.
- Intensive Portuguese Language (weekly, monthly)
- All levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced.
- Small group classes of 4 – 8 students per group
- Offered year-around: January – December
- 4 classes of 50 minutes each daily, M-F.
- Extra courses available: Cooking, Brazilian Dance
- Non-beginners can start any Monday.
Levels- (Placement test upon arrival)
- Elementry # 1: Unable to speak the language. No prior language instruction.
- Elementry # 2: Some prior training. Able to speak simple sentences using present tense.
- Intermediate # 1: Able to speak more complex sentences using command form.
- Intermediate # 2: Able to handle predictable situations and beginning to speak in the simple past and future tenses.
- Intermediate # 3: Able to initiate, sustain and close simple conversations using past, present and future tenses.
- Intermediate # 4: Able to participate in conversations and express an opinion.
- Advanced # 1: Able to participate in conversations and discussions. Able to express and partially define an opinion; using “if” clauses.
- Advanced # 2: Able to participate in conversations and discussions. Able to defend and explain an opinion.
- Advanced # 3: Able to converse in the language with ease about a wide range of topics.
NOTE: Non-beginners can start on any Monday.
Academic Credit
3 – 4 credits for 4 week program. 6 – 8 credits for 2 months (8 weeks). 9 – 10 credits for 3 months (Quarter). All students receive a transcript (certificate) upon completing the course. See “Academic Credit” section of website.
Financial Aid
Yes…..financial aid can be used for this program. Have your school financial aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and return. CSA has no financial aid programs for students. CSA can only assist in helping students use the aid from their “home school” for this program…..through “Consortium Agreements”.
Activities
- Extra courses in Cooking and Brazilian Dance.
- Excursions to nearby places, including: Amazon Forest, Chapada Diamantina, Olinda, Pantanal, Foz do Iguacu, and others. (optional – cost extra)
- Social gatherings with students at local places.
- Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
- Enjoying the beaches nearby
- Junes Special “Fiestas Juninas” – possible 3 day trip to Campina Grande. The most popular celebration in Northeastern Brazil (music & dance).
- Maceio Fest (November) – Carnival in Maceio (4 day street party)
- Mini-courses in History, Buisiness, Music, etc.
Housing
Live with a family to experience the day-to-day lifestyle and practive Portuguese with your host family. Our families are carefully selected, ensuring a clean and comfortable home. They have hosted international students before, and are in safe neighborhoods nearby the school. Each student has a single, private bedroom in a good home that is conveniently located close to the school. Double rooms may be reserved for two students who want to stay together. 2 meals a day are served (breakfast and dinner).
Local hotels or Pousadas (small, inexspensive hotels) are available upon request. Prices vary per hotel, location (budget to deluxe).
Participants can also make their own housing arrangements if they prefer. CSA will just need to know where (address) and a phone number of where they are staying.
Dates and Fees
- Weekly courses, year-around: January – December
- 4 classes per day, 20 per week.
- All levels: beginner – advanced.
- Non-beginners can begin any Monday.
| Absolute Beginner Starting Dates – 2012 |
| January 2, 30 | February 20 | March 12 | April 2 |
| May 7, 28 | June 11 | July 2, 16 | August 6, 20 |
| September 3 | October 1, 29 | November 5 | December 3 |
Note: Non-beginners may start on any Monday.
| Vacations (school holidays) |
| Jan 1 | Mar 7, 8, 9 | Apr 21, 22 | May 1 |
| June 23, 24 | Aug 27 | Sept 7, 16 | Oct 12, 15 |
| Nov 2, 15 | Dec 8, 25 |
| Fees (U.S. Dollars) * Prices include housing |
|
| Session | Brazil |
| 1 week | $595 |
| 2 weeks | $995 |
| 3 weeks | $1395 |
| 4 weeks | $1795 |
| 5 weeks | $2195 |
| 6 weeks | $2595 |
Addtl week = $400 per week.
Requirements
Minimum age is 18. Passport and Visa required.
Tourist Visas are issued within 24 hours if submitted in person. Contact the Brazilian Embassy or nearest Consulate for details and applications. Brazilian Embassy – Consular Section, 3009 Whitehaven St. NW, Washington DC 20008 Tel # 202-238-2828. http://www.brasilemb.org
Also check the web-links in the “Resources” section of the CSA website for additional information on passports and visas.
CSA will send the confirmations and arrival documents shortly after the balance payment is received by CSA.
Medical and Accidental insurance coverage required. See “Travel Information” section of the Main Menu. Send CSA a copy of insurance card.
Arrivals
Plan on arriving 1 – 2 days prior to the starting date. If you want a staff person to meet you upon arrival at the Maceio airport, please inform CSA in advance your flight arrival information. This service is included in the program fee. The staff escort person will meet you at the Maceio airport and escort you to your housing and show you where you check-in for the program.
Register
Register online. CSA Registration Deposit of $45 USD required to be fully registered. Can pay online by credit card. CSA also accepts personal checks, cashier checks, money orders, wire transfer, or direct deposit. Please review the “Register Overview” section for details. We will send an e-mail confirmation receipt and additional information shortly after receiving your online registration form. Thank you.
