Fast Forward InstituteSao Paulo, Brazil
Fast Forward Institute has ceased operations - Permanently closed down
Location: Fast Forward Institute is a Portuguese language school in the bustling financial city of Sao Paulo in Brazil. Sao Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world, outranking its country's capital. Despite its size, it is easy to navigate as there is an excellent transport system with connections throughout the whole city. Fast Forward Institute is found in Cerqueira César, an upper class neighbourhood, with trees lining the streets. The location is close to shopping centres and ahs an excellent eatery selection. There is a well connected metro station, Oscar Friere, just under 10 minute walk from the school. This means students can explore all the city has to display after class such as the gigantic Ibirapuera Park with its museums and planetarium or the fabulous art museum Pinacoteca do Estado, just 19 minutes by metro.
Course structure: Fast Forward Institute really thrives in giving its student quality Portugese lessons. With nearly 30 years of experience with highly qualified, University graduate teachers, the school has produced its own material and methodology following the direct method. This means that Portuguese is all that you will hear within your class, in a fully immersive environment. Business is a prime reason to live in this financial city and Fast Forward Institute has a one-to-one business course of 30 lessons per week specifically designed for the student to learn business terminology in Portuguese. The programme includes lunch with your teacher so that you can get used to this environment when having business lunches. There is a volunteer programme of 4 weeks standard Portuguese lessons followed by a 4 week volunteer programme. The fields that students can volunteer in include Children's Cancer Homes, Hospitals, Youth Outreach Programs and Orphanages.
- The language school Fast Forward Institute was founded in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1991.
- Legal name / parent company: Fast Intercambio Cultural LTDA
- Tax registration ID: CNPJ06.787.880/0001-74
Portuguese Courses
Information for all courses offered by Fast Forward Institute
Lesson duration
50 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 04 Jul 2024, 05 Jan 2024, 06 Aug 2024, 09 Jul 2024, 10 Dec 2024, 11 Feb 2024.
01 Jan 2024, 04 Jul 2024, 05 Jan 2024, 06 Aug 2024, 09 Jul 2024, 10 Dec 2024, 11 Feb 2024.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Portuguese language level
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Our price includes
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
- INCLUDED Free consultation about suitable college/university programs by a qualified consultant
- INCLUDED Free assistance in applying to college/university programs by a qualified consultant
Note: All courses offered by Fast Forward, Sao Paulo can be reserved online with LanguageCourse.net. In case a course is not listed above, just let us know.
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Panoramic View5/12![Junior activities]()
Junior activities6/12![Exploring the city]()
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Information kiosk8/12![Leisure time]()
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Sightseeing12/12
Fast Forward Institute
Accreditations and Quality seals
BeltaPortuguese teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 9:00
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee If you already attended previously a course at Fast Forward Institute and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
General school facilities
Cafeteria
Kitchen for student use
Fridge for student use
Library
Movie rental
Movie room
Rooftop terrace
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Billiards
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Facilities for islamic students
Available area to pray at the school
Facilities to wash feet before praying
Homestay option that can prepare halal food
Homestay option for female islamic students where no men are living in household and that prepare halal food
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Electronic whiteboard in some classrooms
Air conditioning in all classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
Number of classrooms: 7Number of public PC workstations: 9Paid parking (<500m)Facilities for disabled students
Disabled car park
Wheelchair access to classroom
Accessible Toilet
Wheelchair access to reception
Wheelchair access to cafeteria
Adapted for blind students
Adapted for students with learning difficulty
Student Age / Nationality
Average number of students
In summer: 40
Throughout the year: 20
Minimum age of students
17 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 8
Adult courses Throughout the year: 8
Average age of students
Top student nationalities
Age of students
Airport transfer
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport:
110 US$ one way
220 US$ return (both ways)
220 US$ return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Aeroporto International de São Paulo (GRU).
More information about airports around Sao Paulo and how to get from the airport to Sao Paulo on your own here on our Sao Paulo page.
Visa Documents
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
180 US$
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
Ratings of Fast Forward Institute compared to ratings of all schools in Brazil
| Fast Forward Institute Sao Paulo | Average of all other schools in Brazil | |
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| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
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| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
Student opinions about Fast Forward Institute, Sao Paulo
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Evgeniya
23 years
“The atmosphere in school is great! I was feeling there really like at home. Teachers are perfect, with linguistic education, which lets you possibility to study portuguese language from inside. Moreover, they are always ready to be your friends, to advice stuffs about the language, city, trips around Brazil and just entertainment, which is really important for foreigners.
I really enjoyed a lot staying there for a month. Would love to come back one day to continue studying with Fast Forward!”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Course: Group Super Intensive - 4 weeks
31. Jul. 2013
Timothy
26 years“I had two fantastic teachers during my three-week stay. Bruna and Jacqueline were both extremely knowledgeable and dedicated teachers. They both knew that I love learning about colloquialisms and they were very willing to explain them to me in a very in-depth manner. The school is centrally located so that getting food or transportation is not a problem. It's also in a very safe neighborhood.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss If you don't like your accommodation, please do NOT hesitate to let the school know. There's no point in suffering with a crazy host mom/dad while you are paying them to take care of you. Do NOT try to buy a cell phone SIM card from a store, buy it from a newstand and activate it by yourself. Choose Vivo.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
3.0
Homestay
5.0
Other comments I think it's definitely time to renovate the building and facility. The classes aren't cheap and the students deserve a better environment. The excursions could be better organized. Often times we were wandering aimlessly in the museum/park.
Course: Group Intensive - 3 weeks
28. Oct. 2013
Wolfgang
53 years“The location of the school is perfect. Safe, quiet and has everything including a cheap restaurant next to it (per kilo). The teachers are very friendly, knowledgeable, professional, helpful and adaptable to our needs. In my case it was only two weeks and when I got a bit overwhelmed on the third day, they were very flexible and helped me a lot. Thanks to Jaqueline, Rafael and Maria.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss The teaching method is traditional, which means that there is a lot of new information on the white board every day, which the students write in their notebook. It is too much new information to be practiced intensively during the school lessons. For each new piece of information, we did one or two examples, were able to ask questions, and then moved on. What's good is that you get a lot of content in a short amount of time. "Fast Forward" The challenge is to improve your active language skills. But the teachers were always willing to help during breaks or afterwards. For example, the students who do a 2-month stay and those who do a 2-week stay like me are in the same course. Therefore, it is not suitable for a two-week course. This has advantages and disadvantages that everyone has to decide for themselves.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
School organization
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
Other comments Of course I learned a lot and met many nice colleagues from different countries. Good atmosphere.
Course: Group Intensive - 2 weeks
2. Apr. 2018
Hayato
23 years“Quality of teachers is very high. Structure of the class have been made very well. Classes based on the language levels and instructors change every few weeks. They meet the needs of the students. The course material is excellent.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss It is highly recommended for those who want to focus on improving language skills. However, it may be a bit boring for those who expect the sight seeing and activities. Sao Paulo is a safe place, but the prices are high.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
1.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
2.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
3.0
Social activities
2.0
Homestay
4.0
Other comments All teachers are kind and friendly. However, they don't seem to respect the punctuality very much due to characteristics of a nation.
Course: Group Intensive - 6 weeks
30. Aug. 2013
Armando Francisco
38 years“The instructor, Natasha, had so much patience, yet was very challenging at the same time. Very knowledgeable and informative instructor. My learning experience was well worth the fee. I would do it again if I had the time.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Do take the time to explore Sao Paulo. It's an amazing city.
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Course: Group Intensive - 1 week
17. Oct. 2011
Sabine
27 years“The course I had included us two students, which made the course very intensive. the teachers are very nice and helpful and good teachers. also it was great, that the school didn't allow the conversation of other languages.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss look at the city! do more than the course offers considering traveling around the country, going out, to exhibitions etc. the teachers are very helpful with information!
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
3.0
Social activities
2.0
Homestay Executive
3.0
Course: Intensive - 4 weeks
20. Jan. 2007
David
18 years“The school turns quickly into a familiar place where you want to go every day. The textbook, especially designed for the school, allows effective classes and at the same time, creates a relaxed atmosphere.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss You should consider if the afternoon lessons (super intensive course) are useful for you. If you are a beginner, I recommend you use the afternoon to learn vocabulary, because the afternoon lessons are only useful if you have grammatical knowledge.
You should not miss the cultural program of Sao Paulo. I am here for two months now and the offer changes almost every week and the options to go out at night are countless. Therefore: Monday to Friday theoretical studies, Friday to Sunday practical studies :D
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
4.0
Social activities
3.0
School organization
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
Homestay
3.0
Other comments Host families: the school has a long tradition of collaborating with host families (some families work with the school for 10 years!). So, I was surprised by the first family they chose for me, I was very disappointed. For an 18-year old on his first trip of this kind it was a big mistake from the school to place me in a family who had assigned a room secluded from the family (not to mention that the room is almost one hour away from the school). Also, the family constellation was not optimal. For an adult this privacy might be nice but for me, it was depressing. Now, I stay with a great family but it took the school 2 months to correct this mistake. Therefore, I recommend them, I will tell them directly as well, to take the students' need into account when choosing the host families.
Course: Group Super Intensive - 8 weeks
16. Nov. 2010
Jihwa
29 years“They let me challenge activities at little higher levels than I thought.
Teachers understand students' feeling well because they also have experiencing in learning languages.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss I think it's the best option for those who want to learn well because they ask you to speak without question in group lessons.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
3.0
Homestay Executive
4.0
Other comments I understand that there are exchange students and those who come to work, but it would have been nice to have a three days a week plan at the same time.
However, I think my "desire to speak" has got much better than few months when I had private lessons.
Course: Group Intensive - 4 weeks
16. Jul. 2012
Monika
31 years“Nice teachers, very flexible and random, useful topics to discuss at the end of day (Eg. Brazilian culture).”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
School organization
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
Course: Group Intensive [Portuguese] - 1 week
1. Nov. 2018
Klaus
45 years“Small groups, great learning atmosphere, professional teachers, very good location. Muito obrigado ao todos!”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
School organization
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
Course: Group Super Intensive - 2 weeks
6. May. 2013
Bertram
“Small learning groups, familiar atmosphere in the school, flexibility regarding the level of the course”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
1.0
Course: Group Super Intensive - 3 weeks
15. Dec. 2010
Takeshi
38 years“The third teacher was very good. We practiced listening, speaking, reading, presentations and grammar.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss School-sponsored activities in the afternoon, by the time the note is not held at all. When I went, so much.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
3.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
1.0
Other comments And friendly environment, recommended for those who want to learn Portuguese for a reasonable price. Sao Paulo is a very large cities, cars and more people, and not very quiet. If you do not like big cities, might want to try to consider how the school Maceio schools.
Course: Group Intensive - 4 weeks
8. Aug. 2010
Frederika
23 years“The teachers are very good and friendly! The school is located in the center of the city.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Homestay
5.0
Course: Group Intensive - 2 weeks
30. Nov. 2010
Mercedes
48 years“The teachers and the students. The atmosphere in general. Good pace in class. Demanding.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss Changing teachers every two weeks has pros and cons.
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
2.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
3.0
Social activities
2.0
Homestay
5.0
Other comments It is surrounded by many services. Both Marcia and all school staff are lovely and always willing to help, inform, resolve ...
Course: Group Super Intensive - 3 weeks
2. May. 2014
Adolfo
30 years“The flexibility of the programms duration. The teachers were always willing to help.”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
4.0
Course: Group Intensive - 1 week
17. Nov. 2008
Morten
25 years“The teachers were nice and the school did well to identify my level from the start.”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
2.0
Social activities
3.0
Other comments Lack of organization while I was there. The 6-student limit was repeatedly broken, and I had to sit at the professors desk one day, because there were so many people.
Course: Group Intensive - 3 weeks
4. Sep. 2012
Tessa
24 years“Even after finishing my course i stayed in touch with a few people from the school”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
2.0
Social activities
3.0
Other comments i was sent to a wrong adresse in the beginning, luckily a friend went with me by car so we could go and search. As a first experience all by myself i would not have liked that in SP.
Course: Intensive - 1 week
24. Apr. 2006
Dennis
27 years“The friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the small classes (not more than 6 people)”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
3.0
Course: Group Intensive - 4 weeks
6. Aug. 2012
Aaron
25 years“The teachers were enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy interacting with students.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Other comments I thought the language instruction was effective. They divide students into three levels (beginners, intermediate, and "advanced"/conversation). Most students are there for professional or personal reasons, rather than recreational language learning. There are a limited number of students (15-20 while I was there), which creates a very familiar environment.
Course: Group Intensive - 6 weeks
20. Jul. 2017
Frank
25 years“We were a small group of 2 people. This enabled an intensive education !”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
1.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
2.0
Homestay
2.0
Other comments Although I had booked a hotel without pets, there was a cat and a dog in the family. Animals were not given in the confirmation form. After I had an allergic reaction all over, I opted for a change which was no problem. Homestay is an interesting experience! The food in the host family was really delicious! The first host family didn't compile with the information in the confirmation form: did not speak English. Hence, I would not recommend this option for language learners because it is really difficult to ride the bus to school if someone tries to explain it to you in an unknown language :-)
Course: Group Intensive - 2 weeks
13. Oct. 2010
Dessislava
29 years“The teachers were great, very professional but at the same time fun!”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Homestay
4.0
Other comments Great place, I highly recommend it!
Course: Group Super Intensive - 2 weeks
10. Sep. 2012
Femke
23 years“The atmosphere, everybody is very friendly and laid back. Awesome!”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
3.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
4.0
Course: Group Intensive - 2 weeks
30. Jan. 2008
Olga
23 years“I loved the teachers! Very professional and interesting lessons.”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss I would recommend to take laptop with you, because the Internet connection at the school is not so good sometimes
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
4.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
4.0
Homestay
5.0
Other comments I do recommend this school if you want to improve your Portguese, it really worths!
Course: Group Super Intensive - 3 weeks
13. Dec. 2011
Marcel
30 years“Fast progress in Portuguese. Friendly and skilled teachers.”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
3.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
3.0
Homestay
4.0
Other comments A school for expats and professionals rather than for tourists and travelers.
Course: Group Intensive - 3 weeks
18. Oct. 2013
Frédéric
47 years“Reactivity, flexibility, availability, lessons are lively”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
1.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
4.0
Homestay
5.0
Other comments just a downside : my teacher, who was open-minded, pedagogue, polite and friendly, had a tendency to shorten the course length (often started 10 min late and finished at the normal time).
Course: Group Intensive - 2 weeks
21. Aug. 2012
Johanna
24 years“Everything goes smooth, the familiar atmosphere”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
3.0
Other comments I thought there would be activities offered in the afternoon?
Course: Group Intensive - 1 week
22. Nov. 2010
Rainer
39 years“Teaching staff very friendly and open-minded.”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
3.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
4.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
4.0
Homestay Executive
4.0
Course: Private Executive - 2 weeks
19. Aug. 2013
Jonathan
31 years“The teachers and the format of the teaching!”
Overall rating
4.0
Value for money
3.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
5.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Other comments Quite expensive compared to private tutoring, is hard to stay in the school for a long time due to school fees! But still a great overall school.
Course: Group Intensive - 6 weeks
17. Oct. 2016
Catherine
39 years“Very friendly team, great atmosphere.”
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
5.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
4.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
5.0
Social activities
5.0
Course: Private Intensive - 6 weeks
23. Mar. 2017
Tobias
36 years“Camila (my teacher) - outstanding!”
Insider tips about what future students should not miss around the corner (rua Pomplena) is a good gym ("academia")
Overall rating
5.0
Value for money
4.0
City/place
5.0
Facilities (library, classrooms)
2.0
Quality of teaching / language progress
5.0
School organization
4.0
Social activities
3.0
Homestay
2.0
Course: Private Executive - 1 week
9. Jul. 2009
Student Testimonial Videos
Note: The video testimonials of students from Fast Forward Institute have been provided by the school and schools do not usually publish negative testimonials. For uncensored reviews read what our students report about their stay at Fast Forward Institute.
Other language schools in Sao Paulo offering Portuguese courses:
FAQ about Fast Forward Institute, Sao Paulo
- Are the teachers certified to teach the language?“Yes, they are. Our teachers have a University degree in Portuguese and in a second language. In addition, they are also trained by the school according to our methodology.”Marcia Camisa Carmagnani, Director from Fast Forward Institute - Feb 11, 2020
- Is airport pickup offered by Fast Forward?Yes. The school offers pickup from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (110 US$)
- What is the qualification of the teachers at Fast Forward Institute?100% of teachers at Fast Forward Institute hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
- Which countries are students of Fast Forward Institute from?The highest Nationality percentage at Fast Forward Institute comes from USA with a 17% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (15%) and Germany (15%).
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Sao Paulo city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.3
More information about Sao Paulo including climate data and events on our Sao Paulo page with a list of all 3 Portuguese schools in Sao Paulo.
