Our langue courses are supplemented with a wide variety of fascinating opportunities to learn about Portuguese and local culture. Activities could include: workshops in local music, food, dance and Capoeira. Play soccer with the local or go see a professional game, even learn to surf or scuba dive!.

At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. Some of the most popular weekend trips include: the historical town of Cachoeira, Praia do Forte and it's beaches, local forts and islands or why not spend the afternoon on the beach people watching.

In the evening outdoor cafes & bars become alive especially in The Pelourinho area which offers a variety of night time activity, including local musicians, dancers, bands & folkloric shows. Bar hopping is popular and fun and a great way to take in all the groups and music (most are free). The night scene is laid-back and casual....so realx and enjoy it!

Tuesday is known in Pelourinho as Terça da Benção (Blessed Tuesday). THis day São Francisco de Assis Church gives out bread and donations to the poor and later a huge street party starts after mass. The square of Terreiro de Jesus is packed with tables, chairs, market stalls, barbecues and all along the streets you can listen to music.

Bahian cuisine is truly regional, with its own ingredients and flavors not seen elsewhere in Brazil. The coastal version of Bahian cooking is rich in seafood and the distinct African flavors of dendê oil, dried shrimp, and coconut milk. These ingredients are combined into fragrant stews loaded with prawns, oysters, crab, or fish and finished with a handful of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice. You can't say you have been to Bahia without trying a moqueca de siri-mole (stew with soft-shell crab), a vatapá, the famous bobó de camarão, and the popular acarajé.

There is no better place to taste Bahian food than in Pelô, as the locals call Pelourinho. Located mostly in historic colonial houses, restaurants in Pelô provide the perfect backdrop for the exotic flavors of Salvador. Any night is a good night, though Tuesday and weekends are the most bustling. If you have your heart set on one of the most popular ones, such as Maria Mato Mouro or Sorriso da Dadá, make a reservation or head out early (around 8pm).

Comércio: located at the foot of a cliff directly below Pelourinho, the business and marina district of Comércio is fine for wandering in the daytime during office hours, but come evening the workers head home and the streets become quiet and empty. We recommend taking a taxi instead of walking.

Barra: This beach neighborhood is a popular dining destination for locals; with the many hotels concentrated in this area, it is always a lively spot in the evening. For the best views, you can't beat the patio of Barravento.

Our Portuguese language program allows you plenty of time to discover the culture of Salvador, Brazil.