Brazil Ahead Policy
Payments
Tuition and fees must be paid in full at registration. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, money order (payable to Brazil Ahead), or credit card (Visa, MasterCard & American Express). We regret that we cannot accept partial payments. A $25 fee is applied to any bounced checks.
If an employer fails to pay the cost of a student's tuition fees and material Brazil Ahead will require the student to pay the tuition.
Cancellation and refunds
Refunds less a 10% administration fee will be issued only with written notification at least 3 business days prior to the 1st day of class. If for some reason the student cannot continue after taking the first class, we will charge for the first class and return the remaining amount by check. However, there is no refund available from the second class on.
There are no refunds or credits for missed workshops.
Transfers from one course to another or to private lessons must be done within the first two weeks of the same session, after which time no credits will be issued.
Classes on Hold
Students can suspend classes and resume them within 90 days. Brazil Ahead will make every effort to accommodate the resumption of classes; however, the school cannot guarantee that the same time slot will be available. If the student does not resume lessons in 90 days after the day of suspension, the student's balance will be forfeited.
Missed classes and rescheduling policy
All private classes can be rescheduled if you are unable to attend a class. Make sure you let us know 1 day prior to class by emailing us at class@brazil-ahead.com. Monday morning students will be able to cancel 3 hours before the class time. Any cancellation made after that time will be deducted from your account as we have to pay for the teacher's scheduled time. Should you decide to stop taking private classes your remaining credits will be valid for 60 days after the last class (please provide us with a notice in writing).
Because group classes must continue on a set schedule, it is important that you make it to all classes. If you are unable to attend a class session there will be no refund or credit for that class. In order for you to catch up, the teacher will fill you in by giving you the handout(s) from the missed session(s) and telling you what was discussed in class. Furthermore, make-up classes can be arranged for an additional fee of $45 per hour.
Note that there is no credit for group classes should you decide to stop attending the class.
Placement Test
Students who took Portuguese before are invited to take our placement test so we can better assess their levels. The test is divided into 2 parts – written and oral. First, we will email the written test and, after it is returned to us, contact the student to schedule the oral part.
Absences
Because we want to make sure students are making the most out of their classes, we like to keep track of their progress. Therefore, in case of two consecutive absences, we will call you to check if there is any problem with your schedule as well as to make sure classes are meeting your expectations. If you miss three or more consecutive classes, and you are a private student, we will discuss holding the class on a different day or time to better accommodate your schedule.
Teacher Rotation
As in any other country, in Brazil you will find people with different accents, voices, pronunciation, and vocabulary; therefore, it is important for students not to become accustomed to just one teacher. We rotate teachers in classes, exposing you to many types of speakers and ensuring that you understand the language in a variety of situations. Teacher rotation also keeps the class fresh and interesting, while broadening your comprehension.
Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Scheduled according to student's and teacher's availability
Please contact us for information on group classes and workshops start dates. We have groups starting every month.
School Hours
Monday through Friday - 8am to 9pm
Saturdays - 9am to 6pm
Brazil Ahead will be closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Eve and the day after. Arrangements can be made in case the student and teacher agree to have classes on the mentioned days.
