Social Volunteer

If you requested our pick up service, you will be welcomed at the airport by our guide, who will take you to your accommodation. If you didn't request the pick up service you can take a taxi to the accommodation address. Your host family will be waiting for you.

Classes and orientation will take place on the next weekday, at the Portuguese School office. Should you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, you will spend the weekend getting a taste of Brazilian life. On the following Monday you will be introduced to your language teacher and begin the program orientation.

During the program you will have two kinds of accommodation:

1. The first one is a Brazilian host family, close to the school and to the beach - an excellent way to learn about our way of life and to practice the language. Bahians have a reputation for being warm and fun-loving, making it easy for you to feel right at home. You will have a private room including breakfast and dinner. We will keep in touch with you and your family throughout your stay to assure that you both have a rewarding home stay experience.

2. The second one is a beautiful guest house, walk distance from the school and the beach (5 minutes). You will have a shared room without meals (this second option is less expensive). You will also have access to a basic kitchen and laundry room.

Your language classes will take place during the first 4 weeks of the program for you to gain a functional knowledge of the language as quickly as possible. The course will contain classroom and activities applying and practicing new language knowledge. The goal of the course is to learn practical communication and create a base for further language study.
You will have four group classes a day, from Monday to Friday, with a 10-minute coffee break. Our teachers know how to adapt to your learning style (not everyone learns a language in the same way!) and to develop your confidence and skills in using the language.
Besides the classes, your foreign language skills are expected to improve quickly as you go to places, talk with people, watch movies, play and live daily life.

On the first day classes, you will start by meeting the staff and the didactic coordinator for a cross-cultural orientation; together you will discuss your first impressions of the home stay and living in Brazil with a family. Other topics such as: health and security measures; Brazilian cultural aspects; transportation systems and conditions; staff to contact in case of emergencies; procedures regarding classes; volunteer work; do's and don'ts; and home stay issues will be also covered in this meeting. An orientation brochure with useful information will be given to you at this time. After that, classes will begin.