Rio, once the capital of Brazil, is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. A visit to the city of Rio de Janeiro entails a day on the beach - virtually as a statutory requirement. Life for the Cariocas (citizens of Rio) revolves around the vast expanse of sandy coastline with which the city has been blessed.

Situated on the southeast coast of Brazil, the cidade marvilhosa “marvellous city” is squeezed between the ocean and the mountains. Within this realm live around ten million people in varying degrees of wealth or poverty. The beautiful areas frequented by the wealthy stand in stark contrast and unnerving proximity to the slum areas, or Favelas, which litter the hillsides.

Rio's citizens are characterized with a passion and enthusiasm for life and they know how to party as best demonstrated at the annual Carnaval. The beach is not merely a place to absorb the sun's rays. It is an important venue for sports, socializing and even business dealings. It is a people-watcher's paradise. Clothing is minimal; bodies bronzed and beautiful and the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are a Mecca for Brazilians and tourists alike.

Must-sees are Rio's spectacular beaches and the obvious attractions, such as the Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf, but the city is also brimming with a variety of museums and galleries. Worthwhile breaks in the beach-life itinerary include visits to the square, Praça 15 de Novembro, and the Paço Imperial. Built in 1743, this former colonial building is now a popular meeting place.

Another interesting aside is the Museu Historico Nacional building, which dates from 1762 and contains a fascinating collection of art, papers, weapons and other assorted artifacts documenting Brazil's history. Art lovers will appreciate the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, where paintings by Brazil's most prominent nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists are exhibited along with examples of African and folk art.

It is possible to walk around Rio. However, although security has been stepped up in the tourist areas, tourists are at increased risk of being targeted by opportunistic thieves who view visitors as fair game. When going out, visitors should carry the very minimum of money and possessions that are required. On no account should visitors venture into the city's Favelas, otherwise they're likely to leave with nothing.

Brazilians know how to dance and the Cariocas prove no exception to the rule. Rio has an exciting nightlife, with many outdoor bars that line the beach promenade. Rio also has a wide choice when it comes to live music: Rock, Brazilian, pop, piano bar, blues, bossa nova, lambada, jazz, and samba.

Rio is also famed for its Carnival, when over a period of four days, the daily routine is replaced by music, parties, and elaborately-costumed dancers swaying to the samba in street parades. Practically every neighborhood in Rio has a samba club that competes for top honors along the Sambodramo, a street specially designed for the samba parades. Rio has no shortage of sightseeing, nightlife, dining, and fun throughout the rest of year.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Rio de Janeiro has a large International Airport, with both good international and domestic connections. The airport is located about 20km North of the city.
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Copacabana beach
Monumento Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer statue)
Brazilian Soccer game (Maracan Soccer Stadium)
Jardim Botanico
Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo
The National Archive (Brazilian history)
Parque Ibirapuera - Guaruja
The Nacional Museum
Carnival and Samba clubs
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Our Rio school is in a renovated historic building in facilities that have been completely remodeled to the school's specific design. There are eight classrooms that seat four students and one that holds ten. There are six computers with Internet access for students to use in one section of the lobby/common area and there is also a kitchen and three administrative offices. The classrooms have lots of natural light and are very comfortable.

The school facilities are perfect for small group and/or private instruction and the school uses a very comprehensive series of books and materials. The school also makes use of video laser discs combined with classroom instruction and interaction.

The school has a wide variety of international students and offers an organized cultural program.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 4 students per class.

Intensive: 7.5 Lessons daily (37.5 lessons per week) Private instruction.

Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.

Teachers are native speakers and many are university educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. Please note that our school uses the Communicative Approach rather than the Grammar-Translation Method. (ie. teachers never translate in class and technical grammar is not taught, especially at the lower levels) Grammar is of course very important and students are taught how to use it through a very practical approach. In this way, grammar is never tedious, boring or repetitive. Students learn to speak the language, not to analyze it. Teachers use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and sometimes videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.

NOTES: Private lessons and additional options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes in length and you will be studying with international students from around the world. Lessons run from Monday - Friday, you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take a placement test and orientation meeting. During class only the local language will be spoken, the emphasis is to speak and think in the new language, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. The school is closed on all public holidays. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.

Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 15 to 30 minutes away.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Hotel: (private room) breakfast daily.
Hotel accommodation is available upon request.

NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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