Fast Forward Language Institute offers group and private general language instruction, from absolute beginner to advanced levels.

Portuguese Language exam prep courses are also available. Cultural programs are optional and available throughout the year. Upon arrival, students take a placement test to determine their level of fluency, and also decide which cultural programs they would like to participate in.

Fast Forward Language Institute also offers Bildungsurlaub for German employees as well as University Credits for American students.

General

Group Instruction: Maximum of 6 students per class. Classes begin on any Monday for intermediate students (once a month for beginners), and are held Monday through Friday.

• Intensive: 4 classes of 50 minutes every morning.
• Super-Intensive: 6 classes of 50 minutes every morning and afternoon.

Private Instruction: Offered for beginners, advanced, and professionals with specific needs. Classes start any Monday, and are held Monday through Friday.

• Intensive: 4 classes of 50 minutes every morning.
• Super-Intensive: 10 classes of 50 minutes every morning and afternoon. Ideal for professionals with little time. Includes lunch with professor. Classes conducted in various locations.
• Executive: 6 classes of 50 minutes every morning and afternoon. Specifically focused on business terminology. Includes lunch with professor.

Language Proficiency Test Preparation

Brazil - CELPE-BRAS

This exam measures test-takers' level of proficiency in Portuguese. CELPE BRAS is the official exam developed and given by the Brazilian government, and is required for those who wish to live and work in Brazil.

Businesses and educational institutions use it to determine employment and study placements. The exam is offered twice a year: April and October. Fast Forward Language Institute's exam preparation classes focus on developing the student’s abilities in all areas tested.

Other important factors that greatly influence any given student’s performance are time spent in intimate contact with Brazilian culture and the breadth of this experience.

Materials used: Apart from our carefully selected standard teaching materials, Fast Forward Language Institute boasts a large variety of modern teaching resources and equipment. Computers, CD's and videos are among the aids used in everyday courses as well as sessions devoted to culture, regional studies, literature and business.

Use of the multimedia library and our computer facilities is a good way of adding to and reinforcing the skills acquired from class work.

A word on methodology: We believe it is important to vary the teaching methods used in our Portuguese courses as much as possible. Every group and person is different, thus our teachers use an individual approach and flexibly adapt their teaching methods to the students' respective learning needs.

We supplement various course books with original teaching materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, audio/visual materials and activities inside and outside of class.

One of our fundamental principles is to ensure a maximum of spoken communication. Students are encouraged to practice spoken Portuguese in real-life situations, with the teacher, and with other participants, in pairs and groups.

Many activities outside of school are created with this idea of oral communication as well.

Cultural

By complementing your language studies with cultural activities, you effectively integrate your class time education with the daily reality of Brazilian life. Here are some of the programs offered by Fast Forward Language Institute:

Culinary

Instruction in preparation and history of typical Brazilian cuisine. With influences from Portugal, the Middle East, Africa and India, the heritage is deliciously varied and the associated festivities vividly enjoyed.

Rhythms and Dances

Experience the variety of cultural heritage in Brazil through dance classes of samba, forró, rítmos variados, and many more. Afternoon and evening classes, in groups or individually.

Capoeira

Classes in the Brazilian martial art/dance considered to be an essential part of cultural heritage. Local groups lead you to both playful and serious interactions with this beautiful tradition.

Photography

Study Photography at a well-respected Photography school against the colorful backdrop of Sao Paulo. All levels of instruction are available, from beginner to professional.

Click here to download a complete pdf file
on our Photography Program

for Medical Students

Salud Brazil

Summer Medical Internships - Tropical Diseases
(06 July – 30 July), Maceió, BRAZIL

Summer Medical Internships - Plastic Surgery
(Check with us for dates), Sao Paulo, BRAZIL

Salud Brazil is a 4-week program developed by Fast Forward Language Institute in partnership with the Federal University of Alagoas and the Hospital Universitário in Maceió and the Hospital das Clínicas, Hospital Brigadeiro, and Hospital Sirio Libanes in São Paulo.

Combining Portuguese language classes and medical vocabulary, with an emphasis on either Tropical Diseases or Plastic Surgery, with a 2-week hospital internship, this course provides participants with key information for understanding the reality of Brazilian medicine.

This course is geared towards medical or pre-med students only.

During this internship, students see diseases being treated in the real life practice of medicine in Latin America, and the reality of Brazilian medical care, by accompanying doctors to their clinics and hospitals.

The program includes seminars, language training, supervised research and field excursions that have been developed jointly by Fast Forward Language Institute and the local health ministry.

The time spent in the hospitals will be purely for observation; students will not participate in any medical procedures.

Click here to download a complete pdf file
on the Salud program on tropical diseases.

Click here to download a complete pdf file
on the Salud program on Plastic Surgery.

Internship Program

Working with Brazilian businesses from various fields, we have developed a Paid Internship Program in Brazil. You will gain important work experience and develop intercultural competency, opening professional doors.

The Paid Internship Program is directed at people from 18 to 30 who are currently studying in a degree-program at a university, and who are fluent in a language other than Portuguese. Portuguese classes are required prior to starting an internship.

We work in conjunction with prominent businesses in cities throughout Brazil. These companies are interested in helping you become your best and are ready to help you in learning the best that they have to offer, enriching your future professional life.

These placements are a great way to put to use the knowledge you developed in a degree program at home while adding valuable international experience and language skills to your resume/CV.

We offer three program types:

“Standard Internship”: sign up for one of the various options in our current listings according to your field of study and interests.

“Find an Internship”: tell us what kind of internship you are looking for, and we will find the best opening that fulfills your requirements.

“Do it yourself”: find your own internship, and we will handle the necessary paperwork to facilitate the visa.

Click here to download a complete and detailed pdf file
on our Paid Internship Program

To request an application form, current Standard listings, or for more information, please contact the Internship Program Coordinator at info@fastforward.com.br

Work

Fast Forward Language Institute has created a successful volunteer program that combines true cultural immersion with deep personal rewards. Many opportunities for volunteer work are available. Such work commonly takes place in Children's Cancer Homes, Hospitals, Youth Outreach Programs and Orphanages.

Volunteer work is a great way to put to use the Portuguese skills developed throughout a language program. Please contact us for a complete list of available options.

Placement fee: $300.00 (helps cover administration costs, volunteer recruitment and support, and to maintain and establish working relations with each organization).

Click here to download a complete pdf file
on our Volunteer Programs + Language Classes in Maceio, Brazil.

Click here to download a complete pdf file
on our Volunteer Programs + Language Classes in Sao Paulo, Brazil.