São Paulo – Travel operator Intercâmbio e Cia., from São Paulo, launched two weeks ago a new destination for the Brazilians interested in learning English outside the country: Dubai. "It is a place that is on the rise and is greatly sought as a tourist destination," said the company customer service manager, Veridiana Cruz, who has already spoken to 100 interested clients since the package was released.
The Brazilian company, which is specialized in cultural exchange, established a partnership with English company International House Dubai, which offers several kinds of courses, nine equipped classrooms, library, canteen and Internet access. "The school has a very good name. It is one of the best schools in England and has units in several countries," said Veridiana.
According to her, the package should last six weeks and lessons are on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with two hours of duration a day. "Students may travel and study, bringing both things together," stated the manager. The package may be closed for just one student or for a group of professionals in the same area.
The six-week course costs US$ 1.090. According to Veridiana, Intercâmbio e Cia. offers accommodation in economic class hotels, and prices may also be supplied by the organisation. "Students may stay at other places too, like the house of friends or relatives," she said.
To get a student visa, the person interested must get in contact with a hotel in the United Arab Emirates and make a reservation, informing the date of arrival, the number of the flight as well as providing copies of the first pages of his/her passport, which must be valid for at least three months. In case the student is going to stay with friends or relatives, they themselves can provide the visa.
Expectations of the operator are to start sending students to Dubai in July, the holiday season in Brazil. "The demand by students (for this package) is already very satisfying," said Veridiana.
According to her, Dubai is a very rich region culturally speaking and offers several leisure activities. For those who like water sports, the emirate offers several modalities in the waters of the Gulf, large golf courses, desert safaris, camel races and even ski in artificial snow. At night, Dubai also offers several entertainment options, like belly dancing, karaoke and salsa, among other options.
Temperatures in the emirate range from 10 degrees Celsius, on winter nights, to 48 degrees Celsius in high summer. The daily average is between 24 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius in the month of July.
Over 25 countries
Intercâmbio e Cia., established three years ago, offers packages in over 25 countries for students and professionals interested in learning or improving their knowledge of English, Spanish, Mandarin and French. In almost all of the packages it is possible to stay in family homes and learn the local customs. "We do not offer this option in Dubai alone, as the cultural chock is very large, but the option may be available in future," said Veridiana.
According to her, the destination most sought by students is New Zealand, due to the low exchange rates, the ease in entering the country and the safety it offers. Canada and Cape Town, in South Africa, are also among the destinations mostly sought. The operator offers courses and packages all year around.
Contact
Intercâmbio e Cia.
Tel. (+55 11) 3729-5455
E-mail: contato@intercambioecia.com.br
Site: www.intercambioecia.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
