Why Study Portuguese at Iowa?

The Portuguese program at Iowa offers several levels of courses in Portuguese language, including one to help Spanish speakers, as well as courses in linguistics and in the literatures of Africa, Brazil, and Portugal.

Students interested in Portuguese can practice their Portuguese at Bate-Papo conversation hour, or learn about cooking, watch films, and attend readings by authors in Portuguese!

With over 230 million speakers, Portuguese is important for business, diplomacy and development, and the arts! Brazil is the ninth largest economy in the world. Learning Portuguese will give you marketable skills as well as access to rich cultural traditions, literature, and film. Venha para o Português!

Brazil, Saints, Coffee Museum

Portuguese Courses

Browse available language and culture courses available for students.

Graffiti art on the wall of a building in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cultural Activities and Events

Find celebrations, activities, exhibitions, and other events to connect with and enhance social development with members of the community.

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Language and Culture Resources

As a means of communicating values, beliefs and customs, language has an important social function and fosters feelings of group identity and solidarity. It is the means by which culture and its traditions and shared values may be conveyed and preserved.

Garcia D'Ávila Castle Arcades

Study Abroad

The program encourages students to study abroad to develop their linguistic and intercultural competencies. The University has several opportunities to select from.

Two people holding hands at a coffee shop.

Student and Alumni Voices

Hear testimonials directly from the students and alumni of the program.

Faculty Specializing in this Area

Maricelle Pinto-Tomas, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Suzanne Wedeking

Assistant Professor of Instruction