THE SCHOOL

Year founded: 1991.
International affiliations: AMCHAM.
Location: up-scale, residential suburb.
Travel to school: maximum 10-minute walk from all accommodations.

Facilities:

1 with classrooms and offices, 1 with lounge and kitchen facilities.
6 large and comfortable classrooms, all with ample natural light.
Reception area with lounge, phone, lending library, and free wireless Internet access.
A recreation room is provided with access to TV/DVD player, computers with free Internet access and wireless, and a snack area.
Snacks and drinks can be purchased at stands near the school. Lunch can be eaten in one of the many self-service restaurants nearby.

Client Profile:

Average number of students: 35 (high season), 20 (rest of the year).
Main age group: 20 - 35 (2/3 of students). Students from the ages of 17 and 65 regularly attend the school.
Disabilities: not suitable for people in wheelchairs.

TOURIST INFORMATION

    * Population: 723,230 (metropolitan area).
    * Distances between Maceió and:
          Salvador: 1 hr by air
          São Paulo: 4 hrs by air
          Recife: 3 hrs by car
          Brasília: 2 hrs by air

    * Climate: Tropical, equatorial
    * Food:   International cuisine (Italian, Japanese and Chinese food are popular).

Local dishes: Based on rice, beans, seafood, meat and salad.

    * Public transport: Buses, mini buses and taxis. Regular services during the day. Taxis are recommended in the evenings.
    * Tourist Attractions: Numerous beaches along the state coastline, historic slave site/settlement, winter and June festivals.
    * Airport: Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport, 25 min from the city by taxi.
    * Travel distances (by foot) from the school in Maceió:

          Bus stop: 1 min.
          Beach: 3 min.
          Restaurants, hotels, gym, banks, travel agencies: 5 min.
          Shopping center, cinema, other fitness centers: 5 min by bus.
          Universities, tennis courts, theatre, city center: 15 min by bus.
          Airport, beaches outside of city: 25 min by car.

WHAT CLIENTS APPRECIATE ABOUT MACEIÓ

A natural paradise

Maceió is situated on the northeastern coast of Brazil, with more than 12 km of aqua-colored waters and beaches along its city coastline. With coconut trees galore, year-round sun, beach-side bars and restaurants, clubs and shopping, this city offers an ideal tropical environment to relax, converse and practice your Portuguese.

Low cost of living

In comparison to major cities, Maceió is less expensive, due to its location in the less-developed northeastern region of the country.

People

People in Maceió are considered more laid back and friendly than people in larger cities.

Climate

The tropical climate in Maceió is warm, somewhat humid, yet mild all year round (average: 26°C). The summer season from November to March is an especially attractive alternative to destinations in the Northern hemisphere. June-August is typically rainy, but this city is known for its year-round sun, sand and beaches.

Food

The northeastern part of Brazil offers its own unique cuisine, with a large seafood tradition as well as typical Brazilian dishes.

City life and nature

In addition to its own beautiful beaches, Maceió is located within a small state, easily traversable by bus, with even more beaches and natural beauty from 10 minutes to 2 hours away. The city itself offers all modern conveniences, including shopping, cinema, concerts, music, theater, dance, etc.

Sports

Soccer, scuba diving, surfing, horseback riding, beach volleyball, biking, swimming, capoeira, dance, body boarding, gyms and much more.

Portuguese spoken

Portuguese is about the only language spoken here. You may occasionally hear English from other travelers and tourists.

Safety

Maceió is a relaxed and safe city. Most safety issues are a matter of knowing where to go and where not to go. We inform our students about the do’s and don’ts of the cities when they arrive.

Getting there

Connecting flights are regular and reasonably priced from all regions. Most students fly directly to São Paulo, or to Rio de Janeiro and then onto Maceió.

ACTIVITIES: WEEKLY and WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

Weekly excursions

Fast Forward offers various excursions throughout each week. One evening is usually devoted to a soccer game, another night may be a discussion at a local bar or restaurant. In the afternoons, professors may take students to local tourist sites, depending somewhat on the enthusiasm and personal interests of the students. A small fee is usually charged for transportation, and in the case of dining out, students will need to pay for their meals.

Frequently offered activities are: Marechal Deodoro, Praia do Gunga, Brazilian Rhythms and Dances, Lagoon Tour, Museum Visits, Soccer

Example: Praia do Gunga

On the way to one of the most famous beaches of the Northeast, Praia do Gunga, we visit a look-out point with an impressive view of the coastline, sugarcane fields, palm tree plantations and the point where Roteiro Lake meets the ocean. After this stop, we arrive at Gunga Beach, chosen by tourism magazines as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Brazil.

Weekend excursions

Weekend excursions are typically longer in duration and further away from the city. Sometimes professors will take students to see cultural and historical places of interest in the area.

Example: Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas is a coastal town located 3.5 hours from Maceió.  Known for its white sands, clear waters, coral, natural swimming pools, and excellent surfing, it is one of the most visited beaches on the Northeastern coast.