About the Program 

Our Portuguese program offers introductory, intermediate, and advanced proficiency levels aligned with the standards set by the EPE , American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This program is for people looking to study, pursue an academic career, work and/or obtain Portuguese and/or Brazilian nationality, etc.
   ->>> see EPE Certificate Brochure 

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            Introductory Portuguese

Introductory Portuguese is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of the language.

The introductory level of our Portuguese course comprises of four sections: POR101, POR102, POR103, and POR104. Each section lasts for a period of eight weeks. Students will have had sixty-four hours of in-class instruction by the end of the four sections, preparing them for the intermediate level. It should take a student approximately thirty-two weeks to complete the introductory level of Portuguese at the JPLI.

The primary objective is to provide students with the skills to communicate on basic topics, such as greetings and introductions, ordering food and drinks, asking for directions in a city, purchasing clothes in a store, expressing basic feelings and emotions, discussing everyday routines, and more. In addition to learning the language, students will explore the diverse cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries through authentic materials such as dialogues, music, and videos.

​By the end of the course, students will achieve a proficiency level equivalent to EPE A1-A2.

         Intermediate I, II, III, and IV

​Students who enroll in this course should have an introductory level of proficiency, as determined by the  EPE or ACTFL proficiency guidelines.

Like the introductory level of our Portuguese course, the intermediate level comprises of four sections: POR201, POR202, POR203, and POR204. Each section lasts for a period of eight weeks. Students will have had at least 128 hours of in-class instruction by the end of the four sections, preparing them for the advanced level. It should take a student at least sixty-four weeks to complete the intermediate level of Portuguese at the JPLI. Students must first complete the entire introductory track and/or demonstrate a medium level of proficiency in order to enroll in this level.
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Throughout the course, students will enhance their understanding of grammatical and syntactical structures, improving their mastery of the language and expanding their vocabulary and ability to effectively communicate. They will also begin to develop the skill of sustaining communicative exchanges through connected paragraphs, gradually reducing the number of errors they make. The Cultural Studies aspect of the course will cover the diversity and complexity of Portuguese-speaking countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Timor-Leste, and São Tomé e Príncipe.
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By the end of the courses, students will be achieve a proficiency level equivalent to EPE B1-B2. 
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​Prerequisite: Placement and/or approval of the instructor and/or director prior to registration.

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Advanced Portuguese 

Students must first complete the entire intermediate track and/or demonstrate a high level of proficiency in order to enroll in this level.
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Advanced Portuguese I is designed for students with an EPE or ACTFL proficiency level of "Intermediate-High" or "Advanced-Low." The curriculum for advanced Portuguese (POR301 and beyond) is adapted to the specific students' needs, interests, and abilities.
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Throughout the course, students will enhance their understanding of intricate grammatical structures and syntax as well as continue to elevate their vocabulary, learning how to express themselves academically, professionally, and creatively in their preferred dialect of Portuguese. Students will develop the ability to discuss and consider complex social, historical, and literary phenomena pertinent to the Lusophone world, focusing especially on the evolution of Brazilian culture and the influence of Portuguese culture across the globe.
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By exploring the literary traditions of Portugal and Brazil, engaging in critical discussions and debates about Portuguese and Brazilian culture, practicing writing skills across varying styles, and immersing students in cultural products and practices, this course will cultivate students' intercultural competence and understanding of the Lusophone world at large.

​Upon completion of this sequence, students typically achieve an "Advanced-Mid or High" or even "Superior" proficiency level which equivalent to EPE/ACTFL C1 -C2. 

Prerequisite: Placement and/or approval of the instructor and/or director prior to registration.

Course Schedule

Proficiency Levels	Date & Time
Introductory Group A Apply Now	Sundays 4:00- 6:00 pm  ​Starting 03/16
Introductory ​Group B ​Apply Now	Wednesdays ​6:00-8:00 pm Starting 03/19
Intermediate ​Apply Now	Wednesdays ​6:00-8:00pm  Starting 05/14

Check out other COURSES SChedule

Program Specialties

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• Classes are typically limited to three to five students per instructor, allowing for greater in-person interaction and attention.
• Each section consists of eight two-hour sessions, held once or twice per week, and can be completed in either eight or four weeks. Upon completing the section, students can then enroll in the next level of that section.
• Classes are taught by qualified and experienced Portuguese-speaking native or near-native instructors.
• Students who achieve a score of eighty-five or above may receive a certificate attesting to their proficiency in the language.​
• The JPLI offers a three-percent tuition reward to students who score at least a ninety overall in their class as encouragement to continue their studies.
• Student internships or work study programs are available to qualified students.

   Tuition & Fees  

• Tuition is $629 per eight-class session. Each session includes at least 16 hours of in-class instruction.
• A one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $65 applies to new students.

For payment options or further inquiries, please contact the admissions office.
Total Cost:
- First eight-class session: $694 ($629 tuition + $65 registration fee) - -- Subsequent sessions: $629 per eight-class session Full semester (four sessions): $2,516

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