Study in Porto, Portugal – 2012 / 2013
Portuguese Language & Culture
1 Week – 272 euros / 4 Weeks – 954 euros
| (est $395 USD) | (est $1395 USD) |
The Program
Study Portuguese language and culture in the coastal town of Porto, second largest city after Lisbon. Programs are offered year-around, and all levels are available: beginner – advanced. Group classes are small and provide each student with much attention in learning the lessons of four(4) intensive classes in the morning (M-F). Teachers use an individual approach and flexibly adapt their teaching methods to the students respective learning needs. Housing is with local host families or in nearby “pousadas” (apt), and there are several activities that engage the students in sightseeing, boat trips, theatre, and dinners.
Overall, the focus is to learn the Portuguese language and enjoy what Porto has to offer. Join us for a memorable experience!
The Location
Porto is a European city with an immense historical patrimony, yet is also well linked to the present and future times. Located on the Rio Douro, it has been a major trading center over the centuries, providing for a number of distinctive atmospheres in the city. The quarter around the riverside, known as the “Ribeira” is full of narrow, twisting streets with houses once painted or tiled in colorful facades, and full of bustling energy of working people during the day and the liveliness of busy “tascas” and restaurants at night. The district around the Cathedral is full of monuments of past achievements and streets lined with houses built like layers of cake. The “Cordoaria” quarter is steep streets and interesting shops. The “Baixa” quarter is the civic center with broad avenues lined with banks and outdoor cafes, and also where the two tiered covered market goes about its business. Of course, Porto is world renowned for the wine of its surrounding regions, and students have the opportunity to visit vineyards, producers, tasting, festivals, etc.
Courses
All students take 4 intensive classes of 50 minutes each, Monday – Friday. Students are tested upon arrival and placed in the proper level course. Small class groups (less than 8 students) so as to guarantee student-teacher interaction and involvement. Beginner students must start on the “beginner dates” mentioned below. Intermediate and advanced level students can start on any Monday. Classes are offered year-around. All students receive a transcript (certificate) of completion. Open to all students and adults worldwide.
Academic Credit
2 – 4 credits for 4 week program. See the “Academic Credit” section of main menu for details.
Financial Aid
See the “Financial Aid” text of the main menu…..located in the “Academic Credit” section.
Activities
All activities are conducted in English and Portuguese, by a guide or one of the teachers. There will be small fees required to pay for some of the activities such as boat trips, dinners, theatre tickets, etc.
Activities may include the following sites:
- Ribeira – riverside district is the most alluring part of Porto.
- Jardins do Palacio de Cristal – 19th Century park.
- Solar do Vinho do Porto – finest place in Porto to taste Port wine.
- Se Catedral – fortress of a Cathedral dominates central Porto from its highest hill.
- River Cruises – in barcos rebelos (colorful boats) once used to transport port wine.
- Sao Joao – most popular party in Porto – everything is open along waterfront.
- Fado – many restaurants where you can listen to Fado.
- Library of Faculdade de Letras – one of Europes most important libraries.
- Feira de Espinho (street market) – traditional market.
- S. Francisco Church – Gothic medieval building – one of few remaining.
- Casa do Infante (House of the Prince) – where Henry the Navigator was born.
- Tram to Foz – take tram along river to beach.
- Palacio do Freixo – 17th century palace.
- Santa Maria de Feira (Medieval Market) – see castle and medieval village.
- Torre e Igreja dos Clerigos – high baroque tower offering great city views.
- Lello Bookshop – an art deco delight with 2nd hand and antique books.
- Opportunities to visit vineyards and producers.
Housing
Housing is provided in a local host family, student type residence, apartment or hotel. Host families are the most frequently chosen housing option. Single or double rooms include breakfast, cost 135 euros (est $195 USD) per week. Can pay in advance (added to balance), or pay upon arrival and check-in. Housing begins on Sunday prior to start of course (Monday), and ends Saturday, following last day of course.
Rates for apartments (studios) average about 80 euros per week ($117 USD). Single studio apartments are fully furnished, have cable tv, internet access, laundry, telephone. Also has equipped kitchenette. Located near the New Campanha Intermodal Station, minutes away from a variety of cultural and leisure facilities. Meals not included. Also, if you prefer to stay in a hotel, then check CSA travel website for Porto hotel options and rates.
If you prefer to arrange your own housing, that is fine with CSA.
Dates and Fees
* Absolute beginner start dates for 2012:
Jan 9, 30 / Feb 6/ Mar 5 / Apr 2 / May 7, 28 / Jun 4 / Jul 2, 30 / Aug 6, 27 / Sep 3 / Oct 1, 29 / Nov 5 / Dec 3
* All other levels can start on any Monday (intermediate to advanced levels).
FEES – Prices in Euros
| 1 week | 272 euros (est $395 USD) |
| 2 weeks | 545 euros |
| 3 weeks | 818 euros |
| 4 weeks | 954 euros (est $1395 USD) |
* Addtl week = 238 euros (est $350 USD)
Holidays: (school closed): Jan 1 / Feb 16 / Apr 22, 24, 25 / May 1 / Jun 3, 10, 24 / Aug 15 / Oct 5 / Nov 1 / Dec 1, 8, 25
Arrival
Plan on arriving the day before classes begin. Earlier arrivals will require you to arrange own housing.
Porto airport pick-up service is available for 50 euros (paid directly there). Most students just take a taxi from airport to housing assignment. But if you want airport pick-up, please e-mail us in advance, and e-mail us your flight arrival details at least 7 days prior to arrival.
Requirements
Minimum age is 16. Passport required. Visa not required for U.S. citizens unless staying longer than 90 days. Non U.S. citizens, please check entry requirements at the nearest Embassy (Consulate) for Portugal.
See the “Visa/Passport” and “Resources” web-links for additional information regarding travel entry documents.
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.
