Choosing a Study Tour of the Azores: Ten Important Qualities

learn to speak portuguese in the AzoresLearn to speak Portuguese in the Azores!  If you wish to study Portuguese abroad so you can learn and travel at the same time, you are on the right track. Attending an effective language course while immersed in the local culture will give you faster results and ensure real language retention. It’s also a lot of fun. The Azores offer an opportunity to learn in a unique island environment and should be at the top of your list.  As with any trip abroad there are many factors to be considered, but, to get you started, here are ten recommendations to look at when choosing a study tour of the Azores.

1. An enthusiastic native guide to escort you.

2. Reputable, professional language teachers.

3. Small group size.

4. Local events like cultural festivals, and concerts.

5. Native cuisine to be enjoyed in groups, and on your own.

6. Clean, modern accommodations.

7. Affordable costs.

8.  A balance of class time, touring, and free time to explore, relax, and enjoy the islands at your leisure.

9.  A mix of activities from urban explorations to viewing natural wonders.

10.  An amount of time that enables you to feel truly immersed in the language and culture.

Read more about Maria Oliveira’s Study Abroad tour of the Azores scheduled for July 2024.  July 2024 group is full, but we are adding one more group for this year.  Visit: marialanguages.com 

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Dia-de-Amigos… já cheira a Carnaval!

Carnaval - Maria Oliveira Language CenterNos Açores a folia do Carnaval, ou Entrudo, começa já hoje com a celebração do Dia de Amigos, prolongando-se por um mês, com o festejar do Dia de Amigos, Amigas, Compadres e Comadres, a cada quinta-feira das quatro semanas que antecedem o Carnaval, terminando na ‘Terça-feira Gorda’ ou ‘de Carnaval’.

Estas ‘quintas-feiras’ estão mais que enraizadas na cultura açoriana atual, sendo esperadas com grande ansiedade pelos açorianos. As origens desta celebração remetem-nos ao século XIX e à sociedade rural de então, quando, nas diversas freguesias, as pessoas se reuniam para escolher o trigo e outros cereais que seriam utilizados nas comemorações do Espírito Santo. Estas reuniões aconteciam normalmente aos serões de quinta-feira, nos quais se declamavam poesias e cantigas que louvavam a amizade.

Com o passar dos anos, as celebrações deste dia foram-se transformando em almoços de amigos e colegas de trabalho. Mas hoje, já não há quem não dê um abraço de ‘Feliz Dia-de-Amigos’ aos amigos, colegas e vizinhos, sendo o dia marcado por convívios, almoços e jantaradas que se prolongam pela noite dentro, pautados por muito divertimento e alegria, celebrando a amizade. A tradição destes almoços e jantares é tal, que originam uma oportunidade comercial para restaurantes e bares, pois estes enchem com grupos prontos para a folia, havendo mesmo ementas especiais e outras atrações.

Ditam as ‘regras’ destes dias que em Dia-de-Amigos saem apenas os homens, nos seus grupos de amigos, enquanto na próxima quinta-feira saem apenas ‘as amigas’ – mas neste último, há sempre quem fuja à ‘regra’… Nas quintas-feiras sCarnaval - Maria Oliveira Language Center, Richmond, CAeguintes saem os Compadres, e na última quinta-feira já véspera de Carnaval, as Comadres. Estas últimas acabam por se tornar já em verdadeiras celebrações de Carnaval, saindo compadres, comadres, mas também todos os que queiram festejar, havendo normalmente bailes e festas nestas noites.

Deixamo-los assim, com uma tradição genuinamente açoriana, uma das mais vivas e alegres, e com razão para tal, pois parar para celebrar a amizade é celebrar a humanidade, os valores e, no fundo, a vida!

Learn European Portuguese Live Online via ZoomMaria Oliveira Language Learning Online Center.

For information about our classes call: 1-707-746-5979

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Five Tips for Beginning Language Study

language study

In today’s global market, being bilingual can put you ahead of the competition. The ability to express yourself in another language means you can communicate with a far wider network of contacts, customers, and clients. It’s easy to see how your second language skills can provide your employer with an increase in revenue and a savings in resources. But it’s more personal than that; being bilingual increases your value to the company, offers exciting new opportunities both at home and abroad, and has the potential to influence salary in a positive way. It might be overwhelming to start a language study program, but if you keep your goals in mind, this is an achievable project. Here are five tips to get you started.

1. When choosing a language to study, consider the news of the day. Look for growing foreign markets, political developments, and even conflicts in, or with, other parts of the world. The ability to speak the language in any of these arenas is where the demand lies.

2. Look for a traditional face-to-face class in your chosen language. This is the most reliable method of study, but using CDs and other materials will also develop your vocabulary and provide good practice in pronunciation.

3. Don’t take shortcuts. Rote memorization has its place in all study programs, but it is most important to build a strong foundation in the structure of the language. This means you must learn the rules of grammar, punctuation, and correct word choice.

4. Be persistent. Language learning does not happen over night. That’s why acquainting yourself with fellow language learners provide a great support system for you. If you get discouraged, it is easier to remember your goals and to restore your enthusiasm if you are part of a group of similar-minded people. Having a good mentor is another way to get that encouragement. A good teacher can fill that role and provide you with ways to circumvent any setbacks. And don’t forget to stay informed through language learning blogs, articles, and other internet resources; these can provide support as well through success stories, study tips, and a sense of community.

5. Study abroad. Whether you have only just begun to study or if you have advanced significantly in your new language, nothing beats language immersion for true language acquisition. Going on a study abroad program puts you face to face with native speakers, acquaints you with the culture in which your second language predominates, and helps you to learn moment to moment as you engage others in your new language. You’ll be testing your skills, and you will be rewarded well for your efforts.

As with all new undertakings, the best way to begin is to take that first step. That step could be to determine your goals, or to pick your language, or to sign up for a class. You’ll find that each successful step leads you to further success; before you know it you will be well on your way to becoming bilingual. Don’t let monolingualism be a set back in your life. Let us know if we can be of assistance to you. We offer a variety of language learning programs and live classes at reasonable prices. Begin learning your second language today at Maria Oliveira Language Learning Center!

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