Summer Intensive Portuguese Institute (SIPI)
Elementary Brazilian Portuguese
Live Classes via Zoom: June 14 – August 6, 2027
About SIPI
SIPI offers high-impact online courses for Elementary Brazilian Portuguese, welcoming undergraduates, graduate students, adult learners, heritage learners, and high school juniors and seniors.
In eight weeks, students complete the equivalent of two semesters of language study while building real-world communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through student-centered instruction.
Schedule
Program Dates are June 14–August 6, 2027. Courses meet live on Zoom Monday–Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. CDT. Each day includes four hours of instruction plus scheduled break times.
Learn More
Email sipi@lpo.wisc.edu or schedule an advising appointment to receive more information.
Join our mailing list and follow SIPI socials for the latest on applications, course offerings, and scholarship opportunities.
Student Voices
I started as a complete beginner–I had never spoken Portuguese or formally studied it before–and ended the summer at the intermediate-mid level. The instructors were motivating, positive, and helpful, and they each designed excellent virtual courses that engaged students and built community.
The level of progress made during SIPI is impressive. The teachers are great, and the activities are very helpful.
This course opened me up to the world. I have a great foundational knowledge, and I’m excited to continue learning about Brazilian culture and language. I’ve already consumed more music and TV in Portuguese. My dreams are closer than ever!
WISLI not only provided me an excellent opportunity to learn and immerse myself in a language and culture seriously, but also provided me with an excellent community.
Sample Syllabus with Textbook Info
Here you’ll find a sample syllabus, including textbook information, for first- and second-semester Brazilian Portuguese at SIPI. While prior knowledge of a Romance language is not required, students with such experience may find the course pace and structure especially accessible. Please note that syllabi and textbooks may vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Questions can be directed to sipi@lpo.wisc.edu.
Research and Language Resources
Library Resources
All SIPI students can access the UW–Madison library system.
Explore a variety of databases to find resources for your projects and interests — including one dedicated to Latin America / Caribbean / Iberia.
Sponsors and Mission
The Summer Intensive Portuguese Institute (SIPI) is administered by the Language Program Office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. SIPI is sponsored and supported by Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS), Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC), and the Department of Spanish & Portuguese.
Institutions, organizations, or individuals interested in partnering with WISLI are invited to contact sipi@lpo.wisc.edu.
SIPI is dedicated to training students, faculty, and professionals in Brazilian Portuguese through its primary and secondary missions:
Primary Mission
SIPI’s primary mission is two-fold: [1] to provide high-quality instruction in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) and [2] to prepare instructors with strong training in language pedagogy. To this end, SIPI offers intensive summer programs for Brazilian Portuguese at the elementary level, along with pedagogy workshops on best practices and innovative teaching tools. Our small, proficiency-based classes focus on developing learners’ ability to use language confidently in real-world situations.
Secondary Mission
SIPI also seeks to expand the number of global professionals with strong language and cultural expertise who can navigate diverse cultural contexts. In addition, SIPI aims to support heritage language learners and address the multilingual needs of local communities. To advance these goals, SIPI contributes a national community of practice for LCTL instructors and learners, promotes collaboration with institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and champions LCTL study through a variety of outreach initiatives.