EXTRA ACTIVITIES

This program is arranged on request. The school will arrange a meeting for you with the coordinator of one of the available projects to discuss all of the details of the volunteer work, such as content, location, and available activities. To take part in this program, the students must register in one of our courses for a minimum of four weeks, and have reached Beginner II level. We are developing partnerships with some NGOs that work with children in disadvantaged communities, giving them the opportunity to go to school instead of working. These children’s families receive a set of basic necessities such as rice, beans, pasta, salt, sugar, etc., that are donated by businesses or by other individuals. This is also part of the effort to avoid the children having to work in order to help support the family. We also have a partnership with an organization that provides for elderly persons that, for whatever reason, have been abandoned by their family, and who do not have the physical or financial means to support themselves.  These organizations rely on donations, as they do not have government support, and they are run by volunteers. Beyond financial need, both children and the elderly need social support, enjoyable activities and some sort of recreation. We are sure that your volunteer experience will be unforgettable, both for you and for those you will be helping. This is a free service provided by our school, though the organizations do encourage volunteers to make a donation, in addition to their volunteer activities.

Escoteiros Antônio Vieira – EAV 15º BA
 

Brazil is a land of many dances. In Bahian culture, dance plays an important role. We have the largest carnival celebration in the world. The key concept is moving the body, and in addition to its numerous benefits, it entertains and delights both Bahians and tourists alike. Most of the dances in Bahia have their beginnings in African culture. Our instructors are always happy to show you different types of Brazilian dance, such as forró, samba, axé, and Afro dance, among others.

Cuisine: Salvador has its own authentic culinary tradition. No other state in Brazil has a culinary tradition that is as diverse as that of Bahia. Bahian cuisine has strong African and Portuguese cultural influences, and to a lesser extent (compared to other regions of Brazil), influences from indigenous cultures. The Africans brought a taste for strong flavors, especially palm oil and peppers. Moreover, it was the strong connection between food and religion (many dishes are made as offerings to Afro-Brazilian deities) that were passed down for generations (as the slaves wrote no books), surviving unchanged to today. The indigenous peoples used mostly local fruits, plants and fishes. The Portuguese people brought along the tools used for cooking (ovens and pans), as well as the use of sugar. ICI invites its students to sample Bahia’s rich cuisine. The classes are taught by one of our Portuguese language instructors, who will teach the basic vocabulary of the ingredients, as well as their preparation.

Percussion: Percussion instruments are frequently used in Brazilian music, especially samba. Some examples of these instruments are large bass drums, rattles, repinique, tambourine, agogô, pandeiro, cuíca, etc. These classes cover various Brazilian rhythms, including samba-reggae, candomblé, forró, samba enredo, maracatu, samba de roda, ijexá, and others. This course is recommended for those who appreciate Brazilian rhythm and would like to know more about these instruments.

Surfing: We have a partnership with a surfing school located on the northern seashore of Salvador. The classes are offered on weekends in a “surf camp”, where the student will not only have classes, but also have the chance to enjoy a weekend on one of the most beautiful beaches of Bahia. The weekend package includes classes, accommodation and meals. For more information, please check with the reception desk at the school.

Diving: We have a partnership with one of the best diving schools in Bahia. They have daily dives at various points in the Baia de Todos os Santos, including the famous Cavo Artemide and Galeão Sacramento shipwrecks. As well, there are beautiful coral reefs that are located in the waters off of the Salvador coast, full of marine life. There are classes available for divers of all levels. The student will have the chance to combine their morning Portuguese classes with dive classes in the afternoon or on weekends. This course also offers open water diving certification (PADI / NAUI / SSI, recognized worldwide), at a maximum depth of 18 meters. Courses are also offered for those who already have this certification. Note: The courses can be given in English.

We offer cultural activities in order to extend all of the student’s learning experience into life outside of the classroom. We have partner tour guides that prepare tourist and cultural activities each week, such as strolls through markets, sites of interest, and museums, giving the student the opportunity to interact with local people and get to know Salvador in different ways. On the first day of class, the student will receive a schedule of upcoming activities.

Examples of visits offered:

Visit of churches and museums in Salvador; Candomblé ceremonies;

Tour of the most traditional bars and restaurants in Salvador.

Musical events;

Folk music presentations that show the wide variety of music in Brazilian culture.