Brazil in Chicago connects you with the Portuguese language. We are here to help you master it. We also provide translation and corporate services for clients who require them. If you have any further questions or want to enroll in our classes, please contact us through the information provided. Also, please check our FAQ below, where we answer questions about enrollment, payment, and other topics.
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Want to learn Portuguese? Have a ton of questions?
Read the top questions we get asked about learning portuguese with Brazil in Chicago
Choosing Classes
Which class should I take: private tutor or group classes?
It really depends on what kind of person you are, and your goals from learning portuguese. Some students are shy and feel easily intimidated by others. Others feel better learning from other people’s experiences and mistakes. In the end it comes to how much time and money you have available. Ideally the best way to go is private lessons in the beginning, for a solid foundation of portuguese grammar and pronunciation, then followed by group classes to get exposed to other people and conversations to expand your vocabulary.
How many classes/How much time will it take me to become fluent in Portuguese?
How much grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation will I get?
Learning a language takes the unique combination of all three aspects. We make sure our students listen, speak, read and write portuguese in every class. Through the assignments the instructors give, the student will also expand vocabulary, as well as gain a better understanding of grammar.
Do you give homework? What other assignments do you give outside class?
Besides the exercises on the book we also give the students assignments: compositions, internet research and access to audio/video that will expand the student’s exposition to the language.
How do I know if I am progressing? Do you grade your students?
You will know you are progressing when the instructor advances you to the next level. After requests from our students we started grading them so they can see what needs to be improved.
I have no interest in Brazil but in Portugal. Since it’s so difficult to find a Portuguese tutor, would I be OK learning from a Brazilian?
That could be an issue at first. Portuguese people have enough exposure to Brazilian Portuguese through TV, music and cinema, but the reverse is not true. Portuguese can easily understand Brazilians, but you might find difficult at first to understand them. The written form of both “variations” were unified in January 2009, which helps a lot the communication between both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are worried about that, the good news is that we do have an instructor from Portugal, so please consult us for class availability.
My friends are all from Rio de Janeiro, will I have problems learning from someone who is not from there?
If you are from Chicago, do you have problems understanding someone from South Carolina? The same applies here; the difference is basically the pronunciation of two letters, that’s it. Once you are comfortable speaking the language, it’s easy to make a transition to different accents.
How effective are online private classes? Are private classes worth the investment?
Students with previous kowledge
I have traveled to Brazil/Portugal. Do I need to take Portuguese 1?
Most definitely. The whole world is exposed to English on a daily basis but that does not mean everybody speaks the language. In Portuguese 1 you will learn the basic concepts of that language, the grammar and proper pronounciation that will be crucial throughout the learning process.
I speak Spanish fluently and can understand Portuguese. Can’t I just join the conversation class?
Enrolling
How do I enroll into Brazil in Chicago?
Enrolling is quick and easy! Simply click on the button ENROLL in each class description and follow the steps.
What if there is not enough students to form a class?
Payment
How do I pay for the classes? Do you take credit cards?
You can pay with credit cards through our website, or by cash and checks at our office.
What is your reimbursement policy?
Students who cancel before the second session are entitled a 80% refund. After the second session the refund is equivalent to 50% of the remaining balance. Another option is to use the balance as credit towards a future class, after paying a fee of 20% of the remaining balance.
What if I miss a class? Do I get a make-up class?
Private students are entitled to a free make-up class if they cancel 24 hours in advance. Group students can get a make-up class, but they will be charged at our regular rate.
Would like to know more?
If you have any more questions, or would just like to say hi, message us with the form below.