The placid waters of the Tamega River flow under a Roman-era bridge in the scenic town of Amarante

Welcome to the Portuguese Program!

The Portuguese program at the University of Tennessee offers beginning and intermediate-level language instruction, and upper division studies focusing on Brazilian Portuguese and Brazilian culture, literature and cinema. We also offer a special introductory Portuguese class for graduate and undergraduate speakers of other Romance Languages (Port 400).

A Bachelors degree in Portuguese can include a concentration in Language and World Business or in the Latin American Studies interdisciplinary programs. A Portuguese minor is available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can also study in Brazil through our Study Abroad Program in Fortaleza, Ceará, and earn as many as 6 credit hours.

Portuguese is one of the world’s top 10 languages, spoken by almost 200 million people worldwide. Studying Portuguese will open new worlds in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Students interested in Global Studies and Environmental Issues would also benefit from Portuguese.

Why study Portuguese?
The Portuguese speaking world is a cultural space spread across three major continents - the Americas, Africa, and Europe. The ability to communicate effectively in the language translates into immediate and direct access to the people, events, and opportunities in countries like Mozambique, Cape Verde Islands, Brazil, and Portugal. Students with degrees in Portuguese are well placed to further their academic careers at the graduate level or occupy key positions in a multitude of professional spheres. Of particular importance is Brazil, situated as a potential world power in the making. Knowledge of Brazilian Portuguese, taught here in the department, opens up opportunities for those interested in foreign language teaching, cultural studies, international trade or business, and international political affairs. Brazilian Portuguese is a vital component of the overall professional preparation for those who are specializing in Latin America.

Knowledge of Portuguese will be in great demand with the 2014 Soccer World Cup in Brazil and the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

What can I do with a Portuguese major or minor?
The University of Tennessee offers two kinds of Portuguese majors - Latin American Studies (with a focus on Brazil) and Language and World Business with a Portuguese concentration.

There is also a minor in Portuguese Language. With this preparation, careers in the areas of education, translation and interpreting, international business, journalism, tourism, and diplomacy are guarantees.