1. General Terms:
Caminhos Language Centre provides professional Portuguese language courses taught by qualified teachers, along with cultural and social immersion activities in Rio de Janeiro.
By enrolling in any Caminhos program, students agree to the following:
- Caminhos commits to offering high-quality Portuguese classes and related cultural activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Caminhos is not responsible for any damages, losses, or misunderstandings resulting from the interpretation of these terms or due to unforeseen events.
- By finalizing your booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
2. Group Classes:
- Classes run Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm (4 hours/day, 20 hours per week).
- Includes a 20-minute break per day.
- On public holidays, regular classes will not take place. As compensation, the school will offer one 2-hour group class, with mixed levels, exclusively for students who have purchased the group class package (20 hours). Information regarding the date, format, and organization of this compensatory class will be communicated in advance by the school.
- Courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) structure (A1–C), each divided into three sublevels (I–II–III) starting every two weeks.
- We recommend starting at the beginning of a level, though students may join on any Monday. Complete beginners joining after the start of a new level are required to take private catch-up lessons
- A placement test is required for all students who are not complete beginners to ensure correct placement.
- Minimum: 3 students / Maximum: 9 students per group.
- If the minimum number is not met, Caminhos may cancel or postpone the group. In such cases, students can choose to:
- Join another group at a similar level (subject to approval)
- Postpone the start date.
- Convert the group booking value for (semi-)private lessons.
- Request a refund for unused course fees.
- Teachers may be reassigned due to illness, holidays, or administrative reasons.
- We assume that you will continue your paid group course. If you wish to take a break, you must inform us before Friday at 2 pm of the previous week.
- Workbooks are included in the group course fee. Our materials are developed by the school and tailored to our teaching approach. Copying or sharing them, in part or in full, without written permission is strictly prohibited.
- Some cultural or social activities may incur additional costs (e.g., entrance fees, transportation, materials). We suggest budgeting around €10 / $12 / R$50 per week for optional activities.
3. Learning Material & Copyright:
- All books, handouts, and digital resources provided by Caminhos are proprietary materials. They are developed by the school and tailored to our teaching approach. Copying, reproducing, or distributing them, in part or in full, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.
4. Private & Online Classes:
- Available Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2 pm.
- Students may request preferred days, times, and teachers. Caminhos will assign a teacher based on availability.
- Private and online classes are scheduled only after full payment has been received. We recommend that students send us their preferred schedule in advance.
- Lessons are confirmed once the full schedule (dates & times) is sent by email.
- Each class hour lasts 55 minutes.
- 24-Hour Policy: Reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours in advance (until Friday 20:00 for Monday classes, or 18.00 before a public holiday if the class is the next day). Later cancellations or no-shows result in the class being forfeited.
- When booking a package of 10 hours, students receive one of Caminhos’ books for free. For bookings with fewer hours, we recommend purchasing your own book, as suggested by your teacher.
- Our materials are developed by the school and tailored to our teaching approach. Copying or sharing them without permission, including for commercial use, is not allowed.
- Caminhos may, in consultation with the student, reassign teachers due to illness, holidays, or administrative reasons.
5. Pricing, Payments & Discounts:
- Caminhos applies a progressive pricing policy: the more services you book, the better the overall rate.
- Discounts apply only when full payment is made on the day of the service.
- Prices are listed in Brazilian Reais (BRL).
- Accepted Payment methods: cash, bank transfer, credit card (+5%), or PayPal (+5%).
- A R$500 deposit secures your group course spot.
- Full payment must be completed on or before the first day of class.
- Private/Online classes must be paid in advance.
- Discounts apply only when full payment is made in a single transaction.
- If you purchase additional classes, you may do so at the same discounted rate you currently have, but they cannot be added to reach a higher discount level.
6. Attendance, Refunds & Cancellations:
- Attendance is the student’s responsibility.
- Missed group classes cannot be refunded, rescheduled, or transferred to another person.
- Deposits are non-refundable.
- Exceptional cases may qualify for credit or a partial refund; however, such situations are typically covered by your travel insurance.
- All courses and credits remain valid for one year from the payment.
- Students are expected to continue their paid group course. To take a break, inform Caminhos before Friday at 14.00.
7. Student Visa:
- If a visa application is denied, Caminhos refunds 80% of the total amount paid.
- It is not possible to issue a refund once a visa has been approved.
- Caminhos offers multiple visa programs, which may be customized upon mutual agreement.
8. Accommodation:
- Early booking is strongly advised due to high demand.
- A R$400 deposit is required when booking.
- For cancellations made less than one month before arrival, both the accommodation deposit (R$400) and course deposit (R$500) will be retained. Total non-refundable amount: R$900.
- Students must respect host rules and report any damage.
- A no-visitor policy applies to most homestays.
- Caminhos will always do its best to mediate fairly between the host and the student in case of any disagreement or request for change.
- However, it is important to understand that the host has reserved the room specifically for the student and may have refused other requests for that period. If a student wishes to leave earlier than planned or move to another host, the following notice periods apply:
- For stays up to 5 weeks, the student must give at least 1 week’s notice. Otherwise, it will be charged one week extra.
- For stays longer than 5 weeks, the student must give at least 3 weeks’ notice. Otherwise, it will be charged two weeks extra.
Caminhos will facilitate communication between both parties to ensure fairness and understanding, but is not responsible for any financial compensation once the student has checked in.
9. Liability & Insurance:
- Caminhos is not responsible for any injury, illness, disaster, theft, or loss occurring at the school, accommodation, or during activities.
- We strongly advise all students to have valid travel and health insurance covering medical expenses, accidents, theft, personal liability, and property damage.
- Participation in Caminhos activities is at the student’s own risk.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by Brazilian law. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.