Portuguese PORTO
Since 1991, Fast Forward Language Institute has been devoted to providing high quality and personalized instruction in Portuguese for foreigners. Located in one of the most important streets in the centre of the city, close to the main tourist attractions, public transport and only 15 minutes' walk from the Douro river, the school occupies the entire 5th floor of a commercial building featuring 5 large and comfortable classrooms, all with ample natural light, reception area, lounge, internet room with free internet wireless access. Fast Forward Language Institute is more than just a language school; it is a cultural mosaic made up of language, customs and traditions in a warm, friendly and open learning environment. THE SCHOOL THE SCHOOL
Fast Forward Language Institute offers both group and private general language instruction, from absolute beginner to advanced levels. Portuguese Language exam prep courses are also available. Lessons focus on the active use of the language. Lessons aim at developing all the skills, such as: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Part of the lessons is also devoted to learning and practicing grammar, as well as vocabulary extension. Nevertheless, the importance of communication is stressed throughout the course. An emphasis is placed on real-life situations through roleplays, conversations, interviews and the like. The training is complemented by discussions around culture, history and current affairs, films, articles and music. Group Instruction The maximum number of students per class is 6. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, morning to afternoon. The school closes on official holidays. In terms of intermediate students classes can begin on any Monday. As for beginners, the starting dates are every first Monday of the month. Intensive: 4 hours of group instruction per day. Groups will have a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 students. Super Intensive: 6 hours of group instruction per day. Classes are held in the morning and afternoon. Combined Course Group + Individual 4 hours of group instruction in the morning combined with one, two or three one-to-one classes in the afternoon. Individual Instruction Classes are held Monday through Friday, and may be held in the morning or afternoon. These courses are offered for both beginner and advanced levels and as a refresher course. The courses can all be adapted to the students or companies needs. Intensive: 4 hours of private instruction per day. Ideal for students who wish to learn at their own pace. Super Intensive: This Course is ideal for professionals who don t have much time available and need to learn as much as possible in one or two weeks. 10 hours of private instructions per day. Classes are held in the morning and in the afternoon. They include lunch Monday through Friday and visits to shopping malls or other places the students might wish to visit with the teacher. Executive (Business): 6 hours of Portuguese language private instruction combined with business terminology for working professionals. Classes are held in the morning and the afternoon. It includes lunch with the teacher. PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS PROGRAMS
VOLUNTEERING VOLUNTEERING Most often geared towards youth outreach, education, and recreational activities, assisting human rights, social work and health issues, with various local organization and projects. We connect students with ideas serving their interests, in addition to the language courses. INTERNSHIP INTERNSHIP Depending on individual student's interest, we organize internships with local doctors, government offices, schools, lawyers, architectural firms, hotels, etc. Students combine language learning with hands-on experience, increasing their skills and absorbing a broader professional view.
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION A wide variety of accommodation options such as host family, apartment, student residence or hotel accommodations, are available to ensure that different students' needs are met. All options are carefully selected and regularly inspected by school s accommodation staff. Homestay Homestay is a popular form of accommodation as it provides an opportunity to practice newly acquired language skills and allows for an insight into the Portuguese lifestyle. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and our host-families particularly enjoy meeting people from around the world and making students feel part of the family. Families selected by the school are communicative and only Portuguese is spoken. A maximum of two students with different home languages are accommodated per family in single rooms (double rooms are available on request for two persons booking a course together). Bed & Breakfast B & B combines the comfort of a hotel with low cost. They are ideal for students who prefer to be independent, yet are looking for a more affordable option than a hotel. Bed & Breakfasts offer from single room to triple rooms and are located within walking distance of the school.
At Fast Forward Language Institute, we also know that student s experience abroad is about more than just class; it's also about getting to know the local people and the culture. For that reason, we offer a rich program of activities, excursions, and special courses that allow our students to make the most of their time in Porto. We provide afternoon excursions to some of the most beautiful places in Porto. Excursions are offered as a courtesy (provided a minimum number of students sign up), but students are expected to pay for their own transportation and entrance fees. All excursions are led by a Portuguese instructor. Some of the excursions we offer are described below. Solar do Vinho do Porto: The finest place in Porto to drink Port wine is the Solar do Vinho do Porto, a posh bar with a river view terrace beside the Palácio de Cristal s garden. Waiters will help you choose from hundreds of varieties. Sé Catedral: This fortress of a Cathedral dominate central Porto from its highest hill. It was founded in the 12th century but rebuild a century later and extensively altered in the 18th century. Only a Romanesque rose window and the 14th century Gothic cloister remain from earlier encarnations. Much of the rest, inside and out, bears the baroque stamp of Nicolau Nasoni. Best of all is the upper story of the cloister (rich via a Nasoni designed stairway), decorated with 18th century azulejos (hand painted tiles) and affording some fine views. River Cruises: Several outfits offer cruises in barcos rabelos, the colourful boats once used to transport port wine from the vineyards. Board at Porto s Cais da Ribeira or Cais da Estiva, or Vila Nova de Gaia s Cais de Gaia or Cais amarelo, cruises last one hour or more should you wish to see Porto Bridges or go to Peso da Régua, in the North of Portugal. Fado: There are many restaurants and houses where you can listen to Fado while having dinner or tasting some Port Wine. One of the most interesting places where you can listen to Fado is Café Guarany, right at the centre of Porto. Founded in 1933 Guarany has always been known as the musicians' cafe. Medieval Market: Santa Maria da Feira: The Medieval Journey in Santa Maria de Feira is a romantic journey back to the times of knights and shows medieval society in village. In Santa Maria da Feira you have the chance to see one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal surrounded by a medieval environment that lasts more or less for a week. ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Porto is the city of contrast, combining the old with the new, the modern with the ancient, progress with tradition, the busy centre with the calm coast near the river. Mention the city of Porto and most people immediately think of world famous Port wine, however, the city has much more to offer than that. There are many interesting sights to be seen both inside, as well as, around the city and it is no coincidence that Porto was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2001. The oldest part of the city was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it includes a vast collection of monuments, churches and public buildings surrounded by Medieval houses. The Douro river also takes you through time with its bridges, some from the 19th century (one of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel) and some completed more recently. The river is also the place to watch the port wine barges bringing the product from upriver so that it can be aged in one of many port wine lodges. In the same lodges you can learn about the wine, which has taken the name of the city to all the corners of the globe, as well as, enjoy a free tour and tasting session. Continuing down the river to the sea, you will find the impressive and the attractive Atlantic coastline with its long avenues and sandy beaches. Porto is a cosmopolitan city full of entertainment, low living costs and a temperate climate. It offers history, architecture, museums, theaters, movie theaters, shopping malls, entertainment areas, vibrant markets and beautiful monuments. PORTO PORTO
03 2009