Why Portuguese at Iowa?
Open doors to careers in global business, diplomacy, and international development.
Explore undergraduate programs in Portuguese
Enrich your academic journey
If you're interested in studying Portuguese at Iowa, courses are available for beginners and Spanish speakers alike—start where you are. You'll find big opportunities in small classes, engaging deeply with language and culture.
Research and scholarship
Explore articles, books, and creative works published by Portuguese faculty at the University of Iowa.
Study abroad
Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.
Internships
Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.
Connect with an ambassador
Become a student ambassador
Why study Portuguese at Iowa?
Speak a global language—unlock Brazil, Africa, and Portugal through the power of Portuguese.
Studying Portuguese opens the door to vibrant cultures, global economies, and international opportunities. With more than millions of speakers across several continents, Portuguese is a strategic language for those interested in business, diplomacy, global development, or the arts. The program offers a range of language courses—including one designed for Spanish speakers—as well as engaging classes in literature, film, and linguistics from Brazil, Portugal, and Africa. Whether you're drawn to the rhythms of Brazilian music or the literary voices of Lusophone Africa, the program gives you tools to explore and connect.
230M +
Portuguese speakers worldwide
Portuguese cultural activities and events
There are currently no events to display.
News
"You'll be used to a whole different world of literature, music, cinema, and memes, which happen to be hilarious."
Portuguese language and cultural resources
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and digital libraries
Grammar
- Brazilian Portuguese Grammar Guide: Series of links explaining basics of Portuguese grammar
Vocabulary
- Portuguese 101: Series of YouTube lessons focused on introductory conversations
- Portuguese Vocabulary: Free online vocabulary quizzes
- Language Guide: Basic vocabulary presented as images and sound files
Reading and writing
- Omniglot: Information about the Portuguese writing system
Listening and speaking
- Portuguese in Brazil: Introductory conversations
- Tá falado: Podcast series on Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation and grammar specifically geared to Spanish-speakers
- Conversa Brasileira: Video clips and accompanying lessons developed by COERLL at UT-Austin
- Portuguese Conversation Exercises: Video-recorded conversations in Portuguese and accompanying lessons as pdfs.
Online course materials
News and media
Art, film, and music
- Brazilian Music: Introduction to Brazilian music
- Wikipedia-Brazilian-Portuguese Language: Encyclopedic article about the Portuguese language and its origin
- BBC Country Profiles: Brazil: Outline of Brazilian society, politics and history with essential facts & figures
- LanguageLinks: List of links to web resources on Brazilian Portuguese
Study abroad
We encourage you to study abroad to develop your linguistic and intercultural competencies. The university has several opportunities to select from.
Write your story
Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.
Portuguese faculty
Maricelle Pinto-Tomas, PhD
