Post: #1

I'm moving to Brazil in the next few weeks to learn Portugese. I'm planning on on spending a month taking language classes, probably in Rio, and then moving to Belo Horizante for several months. I've heard some bad things about Rio, in terms of the quality of life and the girls, but I'd like to be able to say I've lived there. I've in numerous parts of the Spanish speaking parts of Latin America and I now speak fluent Spanish. In fact, I probably run game better in Spanish than in English. Would a month studying be enough to really learn Portugese sufficient to pick up the really cute Mineras? Any suggestions of good language schools in Rio? What about places to live in Rio short term? What about living in Belo and meeting Mineras? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Post: #2

(02-01-2012 06:09 PM)Nom_De_Guerre Wrote:  I'm moving to Brazil in the next few weeks to learn Portugese. I'm planning on on spending a month taking language classes, probably in Rio, and then moving to Belo Horizante for several months. I've heard some bad things about Rio, in terms of the quality of life and the girls, but I'd like to be able to say I've lived there. I've in numerous parts of the Spanish speaking parts of Latin America and I now speak fluent Spanish. In fact, I probably run game better in Spanish than in English. Would a month studying be enough to really learn Portugese sufficient to pick up the really cute Mineras? Any suggestions of good language schools in Rio? What about places to live in Rio short term? What about living in Belo and meeting Mineras? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Your idea in theory is very a good one. To me, Belo Horizonte is a more livable city than Rio (the weather is better and the women on average are hotter). One month is a good enough time period to live and learn in Rio (which is a must see for any newbie in Brazil). Nevertheless, youll have to be more patient with this plan than you think.
I chose Belo Horizonte, as my first city to visit in Brazil, and IMO it was a mistake. My Spanish is perfect and i studied one month of portuguese in Ecuador before heading to Brazil. So, I thought all was well. Nevertheless, the first 6 weeks were a bit frustrating because it takes about 2 to 3 months to gain intermediate fluency. And since Mineiras are some of the most conservative and hardest women to game in Brazil, I enjoyed modest success until the last weeks I was there. In other words, BH is ideal for those already fluent in portuguese(which I am now) and for those who are planning on staying more than 3 months, at the least. Youll get no help from Mineiras who speak english or spanish because there are so few of them.
I should have gone instead, in my earliest stages of living and learning in Brazil, to the Northeast. The women there are far easier and far more accomodating and patient with someone who speaks spanish or mediocre portuguese. They are also very eager to help you with your portuguese. So if you have the time after Rio, swing 1 month or 2 to a city like Natal and Joao Pessoa, get laid like a champ, refine your portuguese and then youll be fully ready to take advantage of all Belo Horizonte has to offer. If you do it the other way, be prepared to be more patient and to struggle a bit more than you think.
P.S. This is advice from a Latino American man in his 30s who can pass as a Brazilian pretty easily. Now if you are tall, blond, blue eyed and in your 20´s you can probably get away with doing it in whatever way you want.

Post: #3

As I am from Rio, I never searched for Portuguese lessons over there. But just off the top of my head right now, I can suggest looking for Portuguese lessons at a main university like PUC-RJ, where they offer Portuguese courses for different levels.

This is what I have found.

In many ways, PUC is probably the best place to go. It is a chill environment in an upper-middle class university, well located at Gávea neighbourhood. Common lore has that the hottest girls in Rio study there (very true, I know from experience!) It might be pricy though.

Living in Rio: I don't know your budget and what you intend (your own apartment, just a room, beach bumming...) but cheaper neighbourhoods you might find a place to stay could be: Copacabana, Botafogo, Catete, Glória (on the "trendy" region in town: Zona Sul). If you are feeling adventurous, the last I recall the downtown area (Centro) was being hyped up as a new residential area. If you really want it cheap, yet still manageable, you can look at the North Zone (Zona Sul) of the city. Neighbourhoods include: Tijuca, Grajaú, Maracanã, Vila Isabel (I wouldn't reccomend any other neighbourhoods in Zona Norte). Although it has nice residential areas that are cheaper, you'd have to be going back and forth to either Zona Sul or Centro for any bigger party action. It is also far from the beach.

Here are some links I found in google on real state agencies and adverts of places in Rio (in Portuguese, of course):

Here

Here

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I am really fond of Minas. The people and the place seem to have a more chilled vibe, and the Mineiras can be quite pretty and nicer, but yes, more traditional. If you want a true fuckfest, go to the Northeast. But bear in mind that girls might disappoint you in terms of looks. Also, the culture and vibe might seem too "wild" for some tastes, not sure if that applies to you though. I'd also add that nowadays the most dangerous areas of Brazil are in the Northeast (not Rio, although it can still be a bit edgy, but nothing like the past).

Bem vindo ao Rio e ao Brasil, espero que se divirta muito em terras tupiniquins!

Post: #4

Great tread, Im almost in the exact same position. Going to Brazil in 10 days and will be staying almost half a year. I was however, thinking about Vitoria but have so far not encountered info about language schools there, not even hostels. So if anyone knows anything regarding Vitoria, Id be glad to hear.
Since Im almost fluent in spanish but doesnt speak a word portuguese, I was planing on trying to get a job at a hostel and having payment as living without paying. Working 3-4 shifts a week and studying portuguese during the day. So if anyone could answer me this I would be very grateful:
1. Is it easy/possible for foreginers getting this types of jobs, and 2) would they hire someone who speaks three languages but unfortunately not portuguese (yet. Im planing on studying intensive)?
Many thanks!

Post: #5

Hey, I'm in the same boat. How did Belo Horizonte work out for you ?