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Portuguese

Portuguese is fast becoming an essential language in the Southern African region. As a result, many people are now learning Portuguese to improve their social and business status.

Our part-time Portuguese courses focus on communication skills, with particular emphasis on developing your speaking skills. We will introduce you gradually to the new language and ensure that your speaking and reading skills develop through practice and reinforcement. We include grammar in our course as an understanding of the grammar is important to help you understand the structures of the language. In our lessons, English is kept to a minimum, particularly in the more advanced levels, to help you become accustomed to Portuguese. Our teachers will make sure that you feel at ease while still ensuring you are actively involved.

Different varieties of Portuguese exist worldwide. At Wits Language School, we teach standard Portuguese. This variety is understood everywhere, including Mozambique, Angola and Brazil. It also gives you a good foundation, which you can then easily supplement with additional vocabulary as required.

Course Fee

The course costs R7 000.

Duration

Each module runs for 10 weeks (40 hours).

Qualification

Participants are required to obtain a minimum of 80% attendance on the beginner's (1A) course to qualify for a Certificate of Attendance. For all other levels, participants can choose between Certificates of Attendance or Competence, with the successful completion of tests in addition to 80% attendance as the measure of competence. 

Programme Overview

We offer courses at three levels, although the higher level courses are dependent on demand:
- Level 1 (Beginner)
- Level 2 (Elementary)
- Level 3 (Pre-intermediate)

Each level consists of two 40-hour modules. Completing the beginner’s level therefore takes 80 hours in total. Each course is based on one module, and you receive a Certificate of Attendance on completing Module A, provided you attend at least 80% of the course. Participants who write the tests in the second module and successfully complete Module B obtain a Certificate of Competence. The tests are only obligatory for those who want a competence certificate. Alternatively, those who would rather not do the tests receive a report as well as a Certificate of Attendance at the end of the course.

Entry Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements when applying for the course: 

  • 18 years or older
  • Matric certificate or equivalent 
  • Placement tests are available for applicants who have previous experience of the language. (Assessment is conducted on registration) 
Application Process

Step 1: Submit an enquiry form

Step 2: Complete the WLS Application Form

Step 3: Certify a copy of your ID. 

Step 4: Send us the completed application form and a certified copy of your ID to wls@wits.ac.za  

Step 5: Upon receiving confirmation of acceptance into the course with attached invoice, please send us the proof of payment to secure your seat. Note that the course must be paid upfront as we do not offer payment installments. 

Career Opportunities

An increase in business opportunities is not the only reason you should learn to speak Portuguese.

Perhaps you have family that is Portuguese speaking and you want to join in every aspect of the family lunches, or even learn to speak Portuguese formally for the first time.

Many of our students can speak Portuguese, but require assistance with writing and correct grammar usage.

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