2006 ASU Summer Program in Portugal

A winter program in Salvador

A beach in Cascais.

The 2006 Summer Program will spend four weeks in the historic village of Cascais, on the coast of Portugal, only 30 minutes from Lisbon. In the words of Portugal's greatest poet, Camões, this is the place where "the land end and the sea begins." The ancient fishing village of Cascais was once a royal resort. Nowadays it is a haven for international aristocrats and a booming tourist center. Even so, along with the sunny beaches, elegant shops and exotic restaurants, the old City's cobblestone streets and colorful azulejos (hand-painted tiles) decorating historic buildings continue to exert charm and fascination. The beaches of Cascais, with names like Pescadores (fishermen), Marquesa (Marchioness) and Rainha (Queen) contrast with the rustic fishing boats, fishnets and traps along the harbor, reminding us of the time not long ago when Cascais was the Land of kings and fishermen.

The program is open to all prospective students interested in Brazil, Portugal and the Portuguese language. The program will last from May 22 to June 16, 2006.

The following courses will be offered:
POR 101 Elementary Portuguese (5)
POR 201 Intermediate Portuguese (5)
POR 313 Portuguese Composition / Conversation (3)
POR 394 Luso-Brazilian Culture (1-6 credits)

Historic lighthouse in Cascais.

Cascais is one of a series of towns along the Estoril Coast of the Atlantic Ocean, known for its mild winters and ideal summer temperatures. Program participants will visit historic sites, natural attractions, artistic events and museums. Down the road just a few miles from Cascais is the city of Estoril, with its sandy beaches and lush countryside surrounded by mountains. This priviledged geographic setting is complemented by a lively, vibrant atmosphere featuring an animated nightlife, glittering esplanades, cozy bars and discotheques. Field trips will be made to the Lisbon (Portugal's historic capital, with its trolley cars, rolling hills covered with soft pink and yellow buildings and purple-flowered Jacaranda trees), Sintra (a scenic medieval city sprinkled with palaces, churches, manors and villages, and classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), and other historic sites in nearby towns. Classes in the Portuguese language are supplemented by additional lectures on a variety of subjects relating to Luso-Brazilian history and culture.

Map of the Lisbon and Cascais region of Portugal.

Students will live in the historic downtown district, located within walking distance of beaches, shopping, and transportation facilities to all major points in Portugal. This is a chance to experience the best of Luso-Brazilian Culture in the historic country where it all began, surrounded by the famed hospitality and friendliness of the Portuguese people.

This program has three main objectives: to increase students' oral and written Portuguese language skills; to facilitate students' knowledge of contemporary Brazil and Portugal; and to provide students with the opportunity to discover and experience Luso-Brazilian culture and society. This is achieved through daily academic work combined with extensive excursions and exposure students to the diverse and unique aspects of life in historic Portugal.

Below are some pictures of Cascais and the surrounding area.

Note:
The Summer Program in Portugal is still being planned. Final details, including costs, will be announced in early October. The stated cost will include room and board, excursions and one meal per day, but not airfare and tuition.

For more information:
Clarice Deal, Room LL 419 C
Phone: (480) 965-6401
Email: Clarice@asu.edu

Cascais in the Middle Ages

Cascais brings together centuries of history, fascinating arquitecture, an intense cultural scene, as well as bars and restaurants second to none. Notice the engraving of Cascais as it was in the year 1572. Located at the very farthest western point in Continental Europe, Cascais was the last land the sailors would see as they left to explore the world, and the first to be seen when returning home. Notice the lighthouse in the picture.