Elementary Brazilian Portuguese
SIPI offers high-quality, proficiency-driven online courses for first and second semester Brazilian Portuguese. Courses are open to undergraduates, graduate students, adult learners, and high school juniors and seniors. This accelerated eight-week program is equivalent to one year of language study, developing speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through intensive instruction and a range of engaging co-curricular activities.
Program Dates: June 15–August 7, 2026.
Classes
Elementary Brazilian Portuguese will meet synchronously via Zoom, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (CDT), with ample breaks included.
Learn More
Email sipi@lpo.wisc.edu or schedule an advising appointment to receive more information.
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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.”
– Teddy R., SIPI 2025
“The level of progress made during SIPI is impressive. The teachers are great, and the activities are very helpful.”
– Felipe M., SIPI 2025
“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!”
– Madison L., SIPI 2025
“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.”
– Tanner E., SIPI 2025
Sample Syllabi with Textbook Info
Here you’ll find sample syllabi, including textbook information, from first-semester and second-semester Brazilian Portuguese that are offered through SIPI each summer. 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 about syllabi or course offerings 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.