Language Courses

Language courses are the most popular study abroad programs.
These include general language courses, which cover all levels of language proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
Other options include: preparatory programs for proficiency exams, language courses for specific purposes, programs for minors and seniors and language courses combined with tourist, sporting and cultural activities.
Find out more about each program:

General language

The languages on offer are: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and Mandarin. Depending on the number of hours studied, the courses can be semi-intensive, intensive or super-intensive. Semi-intensive courses range from 10 to 15 hours a week, intensive courses from 20 to 25 hours, and super-intensive courses from 30 to 35 hours a week. Individual classes can also be offered alongside the course. The duration of the course depends on your needs and interests, but generally ranges from 1 to 48 weeks. Classes usually have between 5 and 15 students per class, depending on the school and the type of course. General language courses focus on reading, grammar, conversation, writing and listening comprehension.

Preparation for proficiency exams

Proficiency exams are certifications that formally or officially attest to knowledge of the language in all its forms: writing, reading, listening and speaking. A preparatory course for a specific proficiency exam greatly increases the candidate's chances of passing. This is because these programs prepare students with exam tips, study methods, mock exams, and often have teachers who have already been official exam takers. To join any proficiency exam preparation course, you need to have an advanced level of language knowledge. Find out more about some of the proficiency exams for English, Spanish, French, German and Italian:

English

The most widely recognized proficiency exams are: IELTS, TOEFL, CAMBRIDGE, MICHIGAN, GMAT and GRE.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

It is required for those wishing to enter high school programs, colleges or universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
IELTS is organized jointly by the University of Cambridge ESOL, UCLES, the British Council and IDP Education Australia.
There are two types of IELTS: General English, usually taken by those who want to go to high school, college or work programs; and Academic English, taken by those who want to enter undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s and doctoral programs.
Both exams consist of 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
The exams last approximately 3 hours.
The difference between the two is in the Reading and Writing tests, where Academic English is more required.
For admission to postgraduate programs, most universities require a grade between 6 and 7, depending on the course chosen.
For admission to programs that require General English, the grades requested are usually between 5 and 6.
The maximum score for both exams is 9.
IELTS can be taken every month in 105 countries, including Brazil.
The exam is valid for 1 to 2 years.
The result is released thirteen days after the exam.
A score is given for each module of the test.
The individual module scores generate an overall score.
In Brazil, the exam can be taken at the British Council.
For more information, visit: www.ielts.org or www.britishcouncil.org/brazil.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

Exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (New Jersey – USA).
It is required for those wishing to enter high school programs, colleges or universities in the United States or Canada.
The test can be taken every month in 180 countries.
In Brazil, the test is given at some English schools and at Brazilian-American cultural centers.
The TOEFL is a multiple-choice test, divided into three parts: Listening, Structure-Written-Vocabulary and Reading.
The three parts are weighted equally.
For more information, visit: www.toefl.org.

CAMBRIDGE (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE):

Cambridge is considered to be the most internationally recognized English language exam.
Cambridge certification is made up of 5 modular exams, which assess different levels of knowledge of the English language: KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).
Cambridge is required for admission to British colleges and universities.
The type of exam will depend on the university and the course chosen.
Cambridge is also highly valued by those who want to enter the job market, especially English teachers, interpreters and translators.
The exams consist of 5 parts: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Structural Competence.
The exam lasts between 5 and 6 hours and the candidate often completes the tests in 2 or 3 days.
For more information, go to: www.cambridge-efl.org.uk/brazil.

MICHIGAN (ECPE and ECCE):

The Michigan test, awarded by the University of Michigan, is divided into two parts: the ECPE – Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English, suitable for those who need to prove their knowledge of English for academic or professional reasons at an advanced level, and the ECCE – Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English, suitable for those who have an intermediate level of the language.
Both exams take place in two stages.
The first is a compulsory preliminary test, with 35 multiple-choice questions on grammar and vocabulary.
The second is the final exam, consisting of an oral assessment, grammar questions, text interpretation, comprehension, vocabulary and writing.
The Michigan exams can be taken at some English schools and Brazil-USA culture centers.
For more information, visit: www.isa.umich.edu.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test):

Suitable for those who want to enter MBA programs in the United States or other courses in finance, accounting and mathematics.
The certificate is awarded by the same institution that regulates the TOELF.
The candidate takes a test with questions on grammar, logic, mathematics and writing.
The GMAT can also be taken in Brazil at English schools and Brazil-USA culture centers.
For more information, visit: www.gmat.org.

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations):

The GRE can also be requested for those wishing to enter postgraduate courses in the United States.
The certificate is awarded by the same institution that regulates the TOEFL.
The test is made up of multiple-choice questions, which assess the candidate’s knowledge of the language, reasoning ability, general analysis and argumentation.
An essay is also required, which assesses writing at an advanced level.
In addition to the general test, there is also the Subject, a test with specific assessment questions in the candidate’s area of expertise.
The GRE can also be taken in Brazil at English schools and Brazil-USA culture centers.
For more information, visit: www.gre.org.

Spanish

The main Spanish language proficiency test is the DELE – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera.

DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera):

The DELE certificate is awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science in conjunction with the Instituto de Cervantes.
The exam certifies three levels of knowledge of the language: initial, basic and superior.
The last of these allows you to teach the language.
The DELE is required for admission to Spanish-speaking universities.
The test is multiple choice with questions on text interpretation and grammar.
There are also comprehension, oral expression and writing tests.
In Brazil, Hispanic cultural centers and some Spanish-speaking schools, such as the Instituto Cervantes, administer the DELE exam.
Registration takes place in March and September, and the exams in May and November.
For more information, visit the website: www.dele.org.

French

The language proficiency tests are the DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française and the DELF – Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française.

DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française):

Awarded by the French Ministry of Education, the DALF is a higher-level diploma in French for foreigners.
The DALF allows entry to a degree course in French-speaking countries.
The exam is divided into four parts: oral, written, comprehension and expression questions.
To take the DALF, you must first take an entrance test or have DELF level 2.
In Brazil, the exam can be taken at the Alliance Française.
Registration takes place in September and the exams in November.
For more information, visit: www.aliancafrancesa.com.br.

DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française):

Also awarded by the French Ministry of Education, the DELF is accepted for entry to higher education courses or internship programs.
The DELF is modular and divided into six units, from A1 to A6.
The tests for each unit are taken separately, with oral and written questions.
The candidate who takes only the first four will receive DELF level 1, which certifies basic knowledge of the French language and culture.
With this certification or through an access test, the student can take DELF level 2, which includes units A5 and A6 and certifies advanced knowledge of the French language and culture.
Registration is in April and September and the exams are in June and November.
In Brazil, the exam can also be taken at the Alliance Française.
For more information, visit: www.aliancafrancesa.com.br.

German

The language proficiency tests are the KDS – Kleines Deutches Sprachdiplom and the ZOP – Zentrale Oberstufenprufung.

KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom):

Awarded by the University of Munich, the KDS is accepted by universities in German-speaking countries for admission to higher education.
The exam takes place over two days.
The student first takes the written part, which covers literature, grammar, comprehension and text structure, and then the oral exam.
In Brazil, the KDS exam can be taken at the Goethe Institute.
Registration runs from August to September and the exams are held in November.
For more information, visit: www.goethe.de/br.

ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprufung):

Equivalent to the KDS, the ZOP exam is also accepted at all German universities.
Assessment and certification are carried out by the Goethe-Institut itself.
The exam takes place in two stages: one written and one oral.
The months for registration and the exam are the same as for the KDS.
For more information, visit: www.goethe.de/br.

Italian

The proficiency tests are the CELI – Certificazione di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana and the CILS – Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera.

CELI (Certificazione di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana):

Awarded by the University for Foreigners in Perugia, the exam certifies the level of knowledge of the Italian language for academic and professional purposes.
The exam has five levels and the candidate chooses the one they want to take.
The CELI consists of questions on listening comprehension, text interpretation, writing and oral expression.
In Brazil, the exam can be taken at Italian cultural institutes.
For more information, visit: www.iicsanpaolo.esteri.it

CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera):

Awarded by the University for Foreigners of Siena, the CILS certifies the level of knowledge of Italian for academic and professional purposes.
The exam is divided into four levels.
The exams are made up of questions on oral comprehension and expression, text interpretation and writing.
In Brazil, the CILS can be taken at Italian cultural institutes.
For more information, visit: www.iicsanpaolo.esteri.it

Language for specific purposes

A number of language study programs in specific areas of activity are offered abroad. The main ones are English, Spanish, French, German or Italian courses for Executives, Lawyers or Legal Professionals, the Oil Industry, Aviation, Actors, Language Teachers, Doctors, Journalists, Chefs, among others. In this type of program, the vocabulary of the course is geared to the student's area of expertise. In some cases, in parallel with the course, seminars and lectures are also held on the profession in that country, which also includes an exchange of professional experiences. The focus of the program is always to develop the student's language in the area in question. To join this type of course, you need to have an intermediate/advanced level of the language. It is also possible to take a general language course in parallel, for those who have a greater need to practise the language base, and thus achieve a better result in the course aimed at the student's area of expertise.

Courses for teenagers

Language programs for minors can take three forms: The first is a summer camp where the student spends 1 to 2 months abroad, always during their school vacations in Brazil. The student practices the language in the morning and does interactive, sporting and leisure activities in the afternoon. Generally, in this type of program, students stay at the school itself, although it is also possible to stay with a host family. In most cases, meals are included. This program is excellent for groups of students and is aimed at improving language skills, gaining maturity and gaining cultural knowledge through living with students from all over the world. The second option is long-term courses, in which the student spends 6 months to 1 year abroad, studying the language more intensively in classes aimed at teenagers. The third option is to study the language in parallel with a secondary school or high school program. In this case, students can intensify their knowledge of the language in order to improve their academic performance.

Courses for the elderly (50 and over)

In many countries it is possible to run courses for the elderly. Classes are divided by age (50 and over) and when possible by language level. This is a type of course and exchange audience that has been growing a lot, because these are retired people, people who are already financially well-off and whose great pleasure in life is to travel. And there's nothing better than traveling, learning a little more about the language and culture of the country. The trip becomes more interesting, providing an opportunity for new friendships or even new love stories for single 50-somethings.

Courses with activities

Other programs are language courses combined with activities. Courses can be combined with sports, cultural, artistic and gastronomic activities. In this case, the language course takes place in the morning and the activities in the afternoon or evening. Depending on the activity, no previous knowledge is required. Some examples of these programs for adults are: English courses with surfing in Hawaii, with diving in Australia, with golf in Africa, Spanish with flamenco dancing in Spain or with tango in Argentina, Italian with painting, French with wine or gastronomy in France, among many others. For teenagers there are also programs such as Spanish with tennis, English with drama classes, English with soccer at Arsenal Soccer School, among others. NOTE: At the end of all language courses, no matter what they are, students always receive a certificate attesting to the level of language they have achieved and their attendance at the course.