Portuguese

Portuguese SLI 2027 - In Person 

The Portuguese Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers an immersive 8-week experience in Portuguese language and cultures, opening the door to the vibrant, diverse, and globally connected Lusophone world. Spoken by more than 250 million people across four continents, Portuguese is a language of global significance, with Brazil at its heart. From music, film, literature, and futebol to history, cultural diversity, and environmental richness, the Portuguese-speaking world offers countless opportunities for exploration and connection. Students who successfully complete the program earn 8 credits covering introductory and intermediate Portuguese (PORT 1110 and PORT 2120), fulfilling the University’s World Language Requirement in a single summer.

Students can also participate in a half-program (4 weeks, 4 credits): they can choose the first half (4 credits—Intensive Elementary PORT 1110) or the second half (4 credits—Intensive Intermediate PORT 2120). This flexibility lets students choose the option that best fits their schedule, proficiency level, and learning goals. 

Pedagogy and Philosophy

In this course, students will learn Portuguese by practicing and using the language in meaningful, engaging, and supportive ways that make room for creativity, collaboration, and reflection.

Throughout the course, you will use Portuguese in authentic, real-world scenarios, putting communication and student production at the center of learning. Through interactive activities, group work, and practical communication tasks, you will develop your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also exploring the many rich cultures and contexts in which Portuguese is used.

You can expect to learn a wide array of grammar and vocabulary in context, revisit key concepts throughout the course, and practice them through authentic, integrated activities designed to augment your communicative capacity. You will also strengthen your ability to participate actively, collaborate with others, and develop strategies for independent learning in Portuguese.

Over eight intensive weeks, you will progress from introductory to intermediate Portuguese, gaining the skills and confidence to communicate in everyday situations, connect with Portuguese speakers across the globe, and see the world from new linguistic and cultural perspectives.

Required Class Materials: 

First Half - Intensive Elementary - June 14 to July 9

• Ponto de Encontro — Lição Preliminar - Lição 7

Second Half - Intensive Intermediate - July 12 to August 5 

• Ponto de Encontro - Lição 7 - Lição 15

Daily Schedule

The program meets five days a week for eight weeks. Attendance is mandatory for all daily sessions.

Class Schedule: 10:30-1:30, Monday through Friday.

Check all the available options before applying. 

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the full 8-week program and complete the intermediate level. The option to apply for either the first or second half is also available. The table below provides information on the available options.

2027 Costs 

All students in SLI programs (including the non-credit option) must pay:

• Institute Fee - non-refundable: $90
• Comprehensive Fee: $516 (In-State) - $576 (Out-of-State)
• Tuition: Tuition depends on the number of credits the student is enrolled in. Check tuition costs on the SLI Program Fee webpage below, and contact us at vera.abbate@virginia.edu with any questions.

This is not a residential program. For information about housing and meal plans, please refer to the following resources:

• For housing information and costs, visit UVA Summer Session Housing.
• For meal plan options and pricing, visit UVA Dining Meal Plans.

Contact Information: 

Department of Spanish, Italian & Portuguese