Discover Why Portuguese Matters

High Global Impact
Portuguese is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, unlocking access to vibrant cultures across Brazil, Portugal, Lusophone Africa, and beyond. Brazil alone boasts the world’s eighth-largest economy, making Portuguese invaluable for global commerce, environmental studies, literature, and diplomacy.

(Critical Language Scholarship Program)

Top Opportunities for New Portuguese Learners

1. College of Charleston- Portuguese and Brazilian Studies Program:

Fall PORT 150 + Spring PORT 250 = CofC Language Requirement in 1 year!

1.1. STUDY ABROAD IN BRAZIL IN THE SUMMER:

“CofC Business and Culture in Brazil”

Contact the program directors: Dr. Daniela Meireles (meirelesdl@cofc.edu) and Dr. Rafael Teixeira (teixeirar@cofc.edu)

Watch a video here

2. Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) – U.S. Department of State

*Offers a fully funded 8–10 week intensive summer language

*Study abroad—no prior Portuguese experience required. (Critical Language Scholarship Program, Exchange Programs)

3. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

*Supports U.S. undergraduates with financial need (Pell Grant recipients) to study abroad, with up to $3,000 additional funding for critical-need languages like Portuguese. (gilmanscholarship.org)

4. Boren Scholarship

*Awards up to $25,000 for language study in critical languages, including Portuguese, in exchange for one year of U.S. federal service after graduation. (Portuguese Flagship)

5. FLAS Fellowship (Foreign Language and Area Studies)

*Provides funding for intensive Portuguese language study:

-Summer: up to $5,000 tuition + $3,500 stipend

-Academic year: up to $10,000 tuition + $5,000 stipend (Portuguese Flagship)