Brazil Summer Program
Program Purpose
The Summer Abroad in Fortaleza consists of a six-week program of Portuguese language and Brazilian culture through a hands-on cross-cultural educational experience. This cultural immersion enables students to live as Brazilians while they learn/further Portuguese language skills. A program director will be on hand at all times to evaluate student performance, arrange excursions, and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Course Work
Class time is spent in intensive language training (approximately 60 hours) and lectures (approximately 10 hours) from experts in the various areas of Brazilian cultural studies. Students will meet for class activities in the morning. These classes will not only cover material from language manuals but also deal with items of important cross-cultural learning that students experience on a daily basis. Students will be placed in sections that correspond to their actual level of competence upon arrival in Fortaleza. Groups are small and are taught by the experienced staff of the Federal University of Ceará. Students will receive six semester hours of undergraduate credit upon successful completion of the course work. Graduate Students may also make arrangements to receive graduate credit for their work/studies in Fortaleza. Students are expected to show measurable improvement in language skills and exhibit sincere interest in the people and culture of Brazil.
Host Families
While in Fortaleza, each student will live with a host family selected by a member of the Brazilian staff on the basis of the student's application material. Families will provide the students with room & board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and also with a safe and comfortable home setting. The opportunity for learning and personal growth in a home stay is tremendous and unique. Although it may cause a certain discomfort in the form of "culture shock" for some, the home serves as an informal and more lively environment where students can have a first-hand experience of the lifestyles of Brazilian families. A thorough orientation dealing with this aspect of cross-cultural learning will be part of our program.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará, is situated on the Atlantic Coast in northeastern Brazil. There is never a lack of sunshine in Fortaleza. The temperature rarely dips below 70o F. Home to the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza is a large city with the tranquil, easy-going atmosphere of a small town. Enjoy the best it has to offer: sunshine, a soft breeze, lovely beaches, and the exotic typical food. The seafood is very much appreciated, especially lobster, shrimp and prawns. Alongside the luxurious shore and looking to the sea you can find excellent hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants. When evening comes, Fortaleza acquires a magic and charming atmosphere. It is time to enjoy the romantic serenade music or just have a drink or tropical fruit juices in a little bar by the sea. At the famous "forrós" you can dance and listen to this typical Northeastern music and rhythm, whose main instrument is the accordion.
Culture Life
Various cultural activities are developed in local community centers, libraries and museums that preserve and present the local folklore. The local handcraft is the country's most varied. Laces and labyrinths (a kind of embroidery typical of Ceará) take to the rest of the country and abroad the technique of a simple and creative people. Pottery, basketry, and straw weaving works also deserve to be seen. The articles can be bought in several places, such as the Mercado Central (Central Market), the Tourism Center and the shops along Monsenhor Tabosa Avenue. Because of its location and its natural beauty, Fortaleza is frequently chosen for events such as meetings, seminars, conferences, and fairs. As it is a seaside city, many cultural events take place on the sea. The main ones are the "Dragão do Mar" raft race and the fishermen's procession on St. Peter's day.
Program Fees
The fees for the program cover tuition both at UT and UFC; orientation program and hotel stay upon arrival in Brazil; room and board in Fortaleza; one of two weekend excursions to beaches or other tourism attractions near Fortaleza; language classes and lectures at the Federal University of Ceará; the expenses of the UT faculty member who accompanies the group. The tentative cost for the program is $2,600. We reserve the right to increase the price of the program if there are significant inflationary increases or changes in the exchange rates. Students are responsible for international and domestic flights and the expenses incurred in obtaining a Brazilian visa.
Dates
The dates for the program are usually early June to mid-July each summer. Application deadline is April 1st. All application forms must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of $200.00. Students who cancel after the deadline are fully responsible for any and all penalty charges incurred by ground transportation, hotel and university fees, lodging and other expenses related to tourism excursions.
Requirements
One year of Portuguese is suggested but not required for admission. Because the group size is limited, however, participants will be chosen on the basis of their language skills, interest in Brazil, and grade point average. All applications are subject to approval by the organizers of the program.
Scholarships
A US$500.00 scholarship is awarded each year depending on enrollment of seven (7) or more students. Recipients are chosen among UT students only, and selection is based on merit and demonstrated interest in the Portuguese language and Brazil.
Contact Information
Dr. Eurídice Silva-Filho
Program Director
Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures
701 McClung Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996-0470
Phone: (865) 974-0076
Fax: (423) 974-7096
E-mail: esilva@utk.edu