Frequently Asked Questions

• [+] When can I start my classes?

  New classes start every Monday. In the event that a national holiday falls on a Monday, courses will begin on Tuesday.

• [+] What level of Portuguese should I take?

  Before beginning your classes, you will be tested to determine your proficiency, and placed in a class accordingly. You can also test yourself before you go abroad with our free Online Portuguese Test.

• [+] Is there a minimum language level required before arrival?

  No, in fact we encourage beginners to join our program, since being surrounded by a language is a great way to be introduced to it and allows a student to learn much faster!

• [+] Do you have a maximum or minimum age requirement at BridgeBrazil?

  Adults of all ages can participate in our programs. Whether you are a college student, a company executive, or a retiree, we are proud to provide first-rate services to people diverse in age, race, and nationality. We also offer special programs for teens and families.

• [+] How long should I study?

  The answer to this question depends on a number of variables including the type and intensity of the course you choose, your innate ability to learn a language, your knowledge of other languages, and your personal goals. We recommend contacting us to discuss your possibilities.

• [+] I want to learn Portuguese but I do not have much time to spend abroad. Which program is best for me?

  For motivated students with limited time, we recommend our Immersion Program. This one-on-one all-day course will propel you to a higher language proficiency level much more quickly than any other course, and gives you the specialized attention you require to focus on your personal learning needs.

• [+] Do you offer programs specializing in language for certain professions (business, health care, legal, etc.)?

  Yes, we can customize your course to cover areas and language that you specifically need. If you are interested in studying specialized terminology, we would recommend that you take a Private Course in order to focus on your area, or take a Group+ Course that supplements your group classes with private classes in the afternoon.
  We also offer Special Cultural Courses to supplement your Portuguese classes, such as Portuguese in Business or Brazilian History.

• [+] Can BridgeBrazil accommodate groups?

  Yes! BridgeBrazil can accommodate different-sized groups of students who want to study Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro. We can even custom-tailor a program to include excursions and trips. If you are a group interested in studying at BridgeBrazil, contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a program proposal.

• [+] What is the average day like?

  This depends somewhat on the type of course you choose, but in general the morning will be spent in class. Because of our conversational methodology, classes usually involve a lot of interactive talking. After class students usually will go to lunch together at a nearby restaurant, perhaps followed by a trip into the city center to explore all it has to offer.
  Several afternoons a week, we offer excursions guided by a teacher, or another type of school activity. The excursions are a great opportunity to practice the language you are learning, learn more about the city and culture, and to visit areas of the city that you may not discover on your own. The evenings are shared with your host family or discovering the city’s nightlife with fellow students.

• [+] What qualifications do the teachers at BridgeBrazil have?

  Our teachers are native speakers, have college degrees from some of the most prestigious Universities in Brazil and are experienced in teaching Portuguese to foreigners. In addition to their professional credentials, they are selected for their abilities to keep students interested, motivated, and entertained during class

• [+] How will my language skills be evaluated?

  The teachers and coordinators at BridgeBrazil are constantly evaluating your progress to assure that you are not only learning as productively as possible, but that you are enjoying your stay. As proof of your efforts, you will also receive a certificate at the end of your course. This states the language you studied, your level, the date, the school you attended, and its location.

• [+] Where will I live while I’m studying?

  Students may choose among a homestay (living with a local family), a hotel, an apart-hotel, a hostel, student residence, or a shared apartment. For premium language practice and cultural experience, we highly recommend host family stays whenever possible.

• [+] How far in advance should I register?

  To guarantee a spot in our school, you should register at least four weeks in advance. For registrations less than four weeks before the start date, we cannot guarantee a place in a group class or in a homestay, but we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options. To register, please visit our Enroll Online page.

• [+] How should I pay for my courses?

  Full payment can be paid by credit card, check, or bank transfer. If you decide to extend your program, payment for that can be made at BridgeBrazil. For program prices, please visit our Price List. We can also offer suggestions for fundraising. Previous students have paid for their courses with us through community donations, Americorps and Rotary grants, and family graduation presents. We’ll be happy to give you some ideas – just send us a request!

• [+] Can I get college credit for my classes?

  College credit is available for BridgeBrazil language study programs and the TEFL program. We have worked with several universities that grant credit for our courses, and we can provide your school with any documents needed for you to receive credit. You may also receive college credit through our university affiliate, New Mexico State University, which can then be transferred to your school. How much credit you can earn depends on your level and how many weeks you study with us. For more information, please see our University Credit page.

• [+] Is it possible to study abroad in more than one location?

  Absolutely. Spending time in more than one country can expose you to different accents, environments, and cultures.

• [+] Will I need a visa, or will a passport be sufficient?

  Students from the US, Canada, and Australia WILL NEED a tourist visa (NOT a student visa, which is for university study only) to visit Brazil; the tourist visa is good for 90 days. Students from the UK and EU do not need a visa to visit Brazil for tourism purposes, for a stay up to 90 days. Everyone is required to have a passport valid for six months. We can help provide you with more information on the visa process, but we recommend you also contact your Consulate for specific instructions on your country’s visa requirements.

• [+] Where can I find discount airfare?

  Bridge has joined with Exito and STA Travel to provide you with customized, affordable travel options. Please visit our Discount Airfare page for more information.

• [+] What’s it like living and studying in Rio de Janeiro?

  The city of Samba, Carnival, and Cariocas (Rio natives) is like none other in the world. The beaches are beautiful, the nightlife is unparalleled, and the atmosphere is like the weather—warm and comfortable almost every day of the year.
  Our Portuguese school is located in the “Centro” downtown area, in the same building as a wonderful Brazilian café and just blocks away from one of the city’s liveliest cultural centers. Students at BridgeBrazil will get an outstanding Portuguese education while discovering all that Rio de Janeiro has to offer.

• [+] What makes BridgeBrazil different?

  BridgeBrazil offers a practical, proven, and communicative approach that will have you speaking Portuguese from the very first day of class. Our professional teachers are qualified, dedicated, enthusiastic, and know how to make classes fun and effective. At BridgeBrazil, we also know that your experience abroad is about more than just class; it’s also about getting to know the local people and the culture. For that reason, we offer a rich program of activities, excursions, and special courses that allow you to make the most of your time in Brazil.