Portuguese Course in Barra, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Idioma - Escola De Português, Salvador:
At IDIOMA Portuguese language school, adults can discover the culture and traditions of Brazil and, more specifically, the city of Salvador da Bahia through the porthole of this beautiful language. IDIOMA operates all year and courses start every Monday at any level, from duration of one week up to a month.

- Enjoy a more meaningful and personal experience in Brazil! Knowing the language makes that possible. From the start of your program you will be in contact with native speakers, within and beyond the classroom. Via your host family, regular intercultural meetings or a language exchange partner there will be many opportunities for you to learn to express yourself in a real-world setting. We can even assist those interested in volunteering in the area, offering an exchange that involves not only language but the gratification of helping others as well.
- Gain a deeper insight into the magnificent and captivating country that is Brazil by delving into its culture, traditions and history, all of this while enjoying the benefits of the lively capital city of Salvador.
- Surround yourself with a staff of teachers and other service professionals whose mission is to focus on you and the quality of your experience. Get to know our group of talented, dedicated people who spare no effort responding to your needs, whether through customized lesson plans or individually planned adventure packages based on your interests.
- Know that if you are not satisfied in any way or things do not go according to plan, you’ll have not only a shoulder to lean on, but also a staff willing to move heaven and earth to help ensure that your experience in Bahia is the best it could possibly be.

Experience has taught us to pay attention to what is important to our students. Thus, our first objective is to develop each student's practical communication abilities in the Portuguese language. First,we focus on talking and listening with understanding. Then we introduce reading and writing (to avoid building up knowledge that has no link with effective communication). Our classes, which are limited to just seven students, require active participation from our learners. Our teachers provide numerous student-centered opportunities to practice speaking and hearing Portuguese.

We achieve this goal using a broad range of materials: structured grammar exercises including verbal and written replication; simulations; comprehension of written and spoken texts or radio broadcasts based on current affairs in the Brazilian economy, politics and society; interactive role-play and games; interviews and, of course, Brazilian music!

Group Portuguese Courses; Individual Portuguese Lessons; Brazilian Literature; CELPE-Bras Exam Preparation; Portuguese Grammar Intensive Courses; Learn Portuguese & Dive Classes; Learn Portuguese & Cook Classes.

All teachers at IDIOMA are native speakers with a university degree. They offer a background of solid teaching experience and an understanding of various teaching methods which they can use according to a student's needs. And, of course, they love teaching our students!

Continuing training is the personal responsibility of all our instructors. Their specialty is teaching Portuguese as a foreign language. In weekly teachers' meetings they are up-dated on the latest materials and methods.

In order to make our students' stay in Salvador as comfortable as possible, IDIOMA devotes a great deal of attention to lodging assignments.
All housing is checked periodically to make sure that everything is in order. Most of our housing facilities, especially for family stays, are located within easy reach of the school, generally within walking distance.

The following options are available:

- Host Family Stay
A host family provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about our life style and culture. The best way to learn the Portuguese language is by being deeply immersed in it.IDIOMA has selected a wide range of middle-class host families who will do their best to help you feel at home and perhaps make lifelong family connections. Our classic home stays provide single or double rooms with breakfast included.

- Shared apartment with Brazilians
For those who prefer a more independent and economic lodging option. Sharing an apartment with Brazilians means that you have your own room in an apartment where Brazilians live. Breakfast is not served, but you can use the kitchen. All apartments have been visited by the school´s staff and most of them are located within walking distance of the school and the beach.

- Pousada
Cheaper than a hotel with fewer amenities, but more typically "Brazilian," clean and generally with 24-hour services, a pousada is an option for those who prefer being more independent. There are packages with or without breakfast included.

- Hotel
You have a wide choice of locations and categories. Please inform us of your needs and we will suggest some hotels and book your stay.

- Apartments
A limited number of apartments are available throughout Salvador. Location, quality and prices vary. After you register we encourage booking apartments at least 30 days in advance. Please contact us for details.

As part of our language program, once or twice a week IDIOMA offers complementary cultural activities such as trips to regional folklore festivals, cinema school, workshops on important aspects of Brazilian culture and communication, visits to fruit and vegetable markets and museums, an evening at the folklore ballet or a soccer match and many other destinations that are part of Brazilian everyday life. Participation in any or all of these activities will help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the culture and customs of the country.

Afro-Brazilian dance classes, Bahian cooking workshops and diving lessons are a few examples of interesting and fun additions to your Portuguese studies.