Language Access & Cultural Exchange Program Highlights

ACE MV is committed to providing equitable access to education, professional development and opportunities for cultural exchange for all Island residents. The ACE MV Language Access Career Exploration programs include interpreting and translation training for bilingual residents, ESL for non-native English speakers, and Portuguese classes for English speakers.

In order to serve the Island’s significant population of Portuguese-speaking learners, ACE MV also partners with 4Cs and other training providers to offer workforce training and higher education taught in Brazilian Portuguese. It is our goal to support language learners and students of all backgrounds and abilities, and to promote cultural connection and exchange through workshops and community events.

ACE MV is grateful to be a part of an inclusive, multicultural Island community. Read on to learn more about programs and celebrate student success!

Brazilian Portuguese Classes

Beginners Course:

The 6-week beginners class allows students to learn the essentials of Brazilian Portuguese for everyday conversation, including greetings, getting to know someone, and sharing a bit about yourself. Students also learn about the Brazilian culture along the way!

Intermediate Course:

Students interested in taking their Brazilian Portuguese language skills to the next level, join the 6-week intermediate level class to advance your conversation skills and gain a deeper understanding of the Brazilian culture.

These courses will be offered in the off-season as part of the School for Off-Season Survival beginning in October.

What past students have said:

“Maria Angela is an excellent teacher who is very enthusiastic about sharing her language and culture while responding to student needs and experience.”

“I very much enjoyed this class. My Brazilian friends are very impressed with how much I have learned in just a few weeks.”

“Maria’s class was fun and informative. It was also a great community experience to meet people and practice speaking Portuguese together.”

“I really enjoyed having a classroom environment to learn Portuguese (not an app or online) that was at an affordable price and at a time that worked for a working person’s work schedule.”

Talk & Café

Talk & Café is a new ACE MV offering, bringing together beginning bilingual language learners for conversation practice in both English and Brazilian Portuguese.

Participants meet weekly to practice English and Brazilian Portuguese and learn about each other’s culture.

Hear from Program Facilitator Izadora about this conversation group:

“Talk & Café is a space for connection, not a classroom. It is a conversation group where English and Portuguese speakers come together to share stories and practice without fear. Many people need everyday language practice and real-life experiences that traditional classes do not offer.

This group is not rigid or scripted; it flows naturally, with laughter, shared food, and genuine human connection. Many participants arrive feeling shy or unsure, but we created a safe space with no judgment and an authentic connection. And none of it would have been possible without their openness to include, listen, and respectfully support one another.”

If you are interested in future Talk & Café courses, please email izadora@acemv.org

Art of Medical Interpretation Class

A cohort of bilingual students developed skills that will enable them to pursue a professional future in healthcare interpretation, a much needed service here on the Island! The course was an in-depth six-week class, and Program Facilitator Izadora Coutinho helped students succeed. Thank you, Izadora!

Advanced ESL Class

ACE MV is proud to partner with MVALP to offer Advenced English as a Second Language classes.

These classes are intended for students interested in an advanced level of study, and committed to an intensive learning model (6 sessions in 3 weeks). This intensive class covered advanced oral and written language skills, including conversational practice, comprehension of written materials, and more! Extra study groups with an ACE MV language program facilitator are scheduled as needed.

If you are interested in future Advanced ESL courses, please email: izadora@acemv.org

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