There are multiple possible opportunities for studying abroad in the Portuguese program. While every program is not offered annually, these programs are all potential options for students during their tenure at JHU. Student can study abroad during intersession, or on a summer program.
Intersession
Brazil: Health, Politics, & Cultural Studies in Bahia
The program takes place in the exhilarating metropolis of Salvador da Bahia, one of Brazil’s foremost cultural centers. Students will spend three weeks filled with exciting activities, enriching mini-courses, cultural lectures, hands-on workshops, and informative visits. Learn about the Brazilian health system and how the country deals with tropical diseases like Zika and Dengue. Study the current political situation and controversial policies of the Brazilian government.
Experience Afro-Brazilian culture and history while having a Portuguese language immersion experience in this rich agricultural, industrial and vibrant maritime district. Take a walk on the cobblestone streets of the restored Pelourinho district “old city” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the largest group of Baroque buildings in the Americas, examples of Portuguese colonial architecture and historical monuments. Join a street celebration and feel the infectious rhythms of Bahia’s African-inspired music and dance. Taste acaraje, moqueca, vatapa and other delicious Afro-Brazilian dishes while earning 3 credits.
Cape Verde: Service Learning & Luso-African Society
Make a difference in children’s lives while learning about the history and Culture of the gorgeous volcanic archipelago of Cape Verde, Africa. This intersession program will offer students the opportunity to conduct service learning in an NGO in Cape Verde. JHU students will assist local children with literacy, sports, arts, technology, languages, music, social activities, and more.
Students will have several lectures related to Cape Verde’s culture, history, politics, environment, economy, course-related field trips, and other cultural activities to provide opportunities for students to deepen understanding of this Luso-African society.
Salvador: Afro-Brazilian History and Culture
Study Afro-Brazilian culture and history while having a Portuguese language immersion experience in this rich agricultural, industrial, and vibrant maritime district. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to live and study in Salvador da Bahia, one of Brazil’s foremost cultural centers. Take a walk on the cobblestone streets of the restored Pelourinho district “old city” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the largest group of Baroque buildings in the Americas, examples of Portuguese colonial architecture, and historical monuments. Join a street celebration and feel the infectious rhythms of Bahia’s African-inspired music and dance. Taste acaraje, moqueca, vatapa, and other delicious Afro-Brazilian dishes, all while earning 3 JHU credits!
Rio de Janeiro: Immersion Language Program
Improve your Portuguese speaking skills in the exhilarating metropolis of Rio de Janeiro! The program is based at IBEU in the beautiful, trendy area of Ipanema Beach. Students will work on their communication in Portuguese on a daily basis, participate in service learning opportunities, as well as attend cultural excursions as part of this course. Students of all majors are invited to join us on this amazing learning opportunity. One semester of Portuguese or two semesters of Spanish language is required.
Summer
Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte: Brazilian Culture and History
Improve your Portuguese language skills in an intensive program and learn about Brazilian culture in the exhilarating metropolis of Rio de Janeiro! The program is based at IBEU in the beautiful area of Copacabana Beach. Courses are taught by the IBEU language instructors and supervised by Johns Hopkins faculty (Dr. Flavia Azeredo-Cerqueira). Students will have Portuguese language class every morning, and their afternoons will be filled with cultural lectures, course-related field trips, course-related guided tours (in Portuguese), and other cultural activities to provide opportunities for students to strengthen their language skills and deepen their understanding of Brazilian language, history, and culture. The lectures include, for instance, the country’s preparations for the Olympic Games and the importance of soccer to its culture. Students will also have the opportunity to visit two important historic cities in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Petropolis and Paraty.