This week started our telecollaboration in POR102 Introduction to Portuguese II and POR106 Portuguese for Spanish-speakers for the current semester. In this initiative, our students engage in weekly interactions with ESL students from the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora in Brazil. These interactions are an opportunity for linguistic immersion and cultural dialogue, and a significant part in our commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange and enhancing Portuguese language proficiency among our students.

The structure of these sessions is designed to optimize language acquisition and intercultural understanding. Following a preparatory phase wherein our students delve into a predetermined topic or theme covered in class, they meet online with their Brazilian counterparts. This synchronous engagement spans 25 minutes of interaction in Portuguese, followed by an additional 25 minutes conducted in English. During these sessions, participants analyze and discuss authentic documents—be they texts, images, audios, or videos—pertaining to the selected topic or theme. Post-interaction, students reflect upon their experience in an online forum, sharing insights and findings. This forum facilitates continued conversations that not only reinforce linguistic competencies but also foster mutual comprehension of cultural nuances and references.

The significance of this telecollaborative cannot be overstated. Beyond the enhancement of linguistic proficiency, it nurtures global citizenship and intercultural competence. By immersing themselves in authentic Portuguese language use and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue, our students are poised to emerge as adept communicators equipped to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.

It is noteworthy that this collaboration with the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora in Brazil enters its ninth consecutive year—a testament to the enduring success and mutual benefit derived from this exchange.

We extend an invitation to all students to embrace this unique opportunity for personal and academic growth. The telecollaboration is organized my Professor Luis Gonçalves at Princeton and Professor Denise Weiss that Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Welcome to the telecollaboration initiative within our Portuguese classes.