Portuguese Language Immersion Program & Study Tour of the Azores
This year's trip is full.
Please bookmark this site and join us in July of 2011.
Fill out this form if you'd like to be put on our waiting list:
Learn Portuguese in the Azores Slideshow
Check out these beautiful photos of the Azores that will inspire
you to study Portuguese here.
A
three-week Portuguese language immersion is planned for July
1 - 20, 2010. Students will attend Portuguese language classes
at Escola Profissional das Velas (pictured in the photo to the left) each
day from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. four days per week. Afternoons
and weekends are reserved for sightseeing, tours of the Island of
São
Jorge, visits to Pico, Faial, and Terceira and much more. Students
will be able to practice their newly learned skills with local tour
guides and residents, most of whom are native Portuguese speakers.
Classes instructed by Maria Oliveira and other credentialed native speakers.
PLEASE NOTE: This immersion
program is for adults
aged 21 and older only.
Rates
20 days in the Azores for just €1.995,00 euros (double occupancy) and €2.495,00 euros (single occupancy).
Our price is in Euros. Click here to find out why.
The price includes:
- Transfers from and to the airports
- Accommodations (double occupancy)
- Classes (16 hours of instruction)
- Class materials (two books and two CDs)
- Three cruises between the four Islands
- Inland planned tour of each Island
Not included:
- Meals
- Airfare
A deposit of €350,00 euros (or its equivalent in USD) is required at the time of booking, with the total balance due 55 days prior to departure. Of the €350,00 deposit, €200,00 is non-refundable for cancellations made two weeks prior to departure.
Maria Oliveira Language Consulting Service reserves the right to change dates or to cancel the trip if there are fewer than 6 participants.
For flight arrangements from Oakland to Terceira and Terceira to São Jorge we recommend:
Carlos Medeiros
San Miguel Travel
1139 Santa Barbara Way
Petaluma, Ca 94954
Phone & Fax: 707-778-0877
Click here for a currency converter
Contact Maria for more info about this Portuguese Language Immersion Program
Learn more about Escola Profissional das Velas
Payment for the Portuguese Language Immersion Program is now based
on euros because expenses must be paid in the local currency.
Euros fluctuate regularly; therefore, to determine the actual dollar amount due at the time of payment, participants may use the currency converter provided at http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic?lang=en . To use the converter, simply enter the euro amount, set the exchange for dollars, and click on 'convert.'
Payment may be made
by check or wire transfers.
Preparing for your trip
CLIMATE
Weather is warm and humid at sea level and cooler in the mountains.
A windbreaker will be needed for some of the sightseeing tours
and ferryboat rides.
Current Local Time in the Azores
MONEY
ATMs work well. Euros can be purchased anytime. Instructions are
in English or Portuguese. Click
here for a currency converter.
PACKING / CLOTHING
PACK LIGHTLY! Washing machines are available. Moving heavy luggage
is no fun.
Casual clothes are appropriate: walking shorts, tee shirts, slacks, sturdy walking shoes, sandals, bathing suit, sun hat and a windbreaker. Cottons/blends are good choices.
Bring all medications and a copy of any prescriptions you are taking. You will take several ferryboat rides. Bring medication if you tend to get seasick.
Pack sunglasses and cosmetics, including sunscreen (expensive to buy).
Do not fill your suitcase. Leave room for souvenirs.
PHOTOS
Bring camera(s)
and film. Film developing is reasonable in Velas,
and one hour service is available. For digital cameras, bring extra
memory cards.
SHOPPING
Small shops carry a limited variety of merchandise, but it’s
fun to “poke” around. Shops close during the lunch hour,
usually noon -1:30.
All health remedies are sold only in pharmacies, including over-the-counter medications.
Some stores / factories / artisan shops will ship purchases to the US.
FOOD
Most restaurant meals feature meat and fish. There are not many vegetarian
options. Rice and potatoes are often served, but not many vegetables.
Restaurants begin serving dinner about 6:00 p.m. Local wines are reasonably priced and enjoyable.
INTERNET ACCESS / COMMUNICATION
Computers are available at the library in Velas for sending or checking
e-mail.
Telephones are available at the post office from 9:00am to 5:00pm on week days.
An emergency line is available 24 hours for incoming
calls. Family can call and leave a message at any time for a student.
Go to the itinerary for this Portuguese language immersion tour of the Azores
Read more about the Azorean culture
