EdCircuit Staff 
Charlotte Andrist 
As high school students embark on their language learning journey, they are often introduced to familiar Romance languages such as Spanish, French, and Italian. However, for those fortunate enough to study Portuguese, a special treat awaits. Portuguese opens doors to unique cultural connections and opportunities that go beyond the traditional Euro-centric perspectives. Lack of cultural diversity in most Portuguese courses offered today limits students from exposure to cultural contributions that Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) countries have made throughout history. VHS Learning offers students a language and culture immersion into the Lusophone world.
At VHS Learning, we’ve developed a Portuguese 1 course that is not Euro-centric in nature. This unique high school course offers first year students diverse cultural perspectives. As a result, students explore and discover the vast tapestry of shared history and language — stretching across continents and bridging cultures. From Portugal’s maritime explorations to Brazil’s colonial legacy, and the influence of African and Asian traditions in Angola, Mozambique, and East Timor, students come to understand that the roots of these cultures intertwine in a beautifully complex way.
At the same time, Portuguese-speaking regions have evolved uniquely, embracing their historical connections while cultivating their own distinct cultural identities. The fusion of indigenous, African, European, and Asian elements has given rise to vibrant traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and architecture, each reflective of their respective roots and stories. For students, witnessing how these influences morphed and evolved over time is nothing short of captivating.
Language is not just a means of communication; it is a gateway to understanding the essence of a culture. It gives students access to the rhythms of kizomba and fado music, the artistry of azulejos (Portuguese tiles), and the flavors of feijoada and pastéis de nata.
For students living in areas with significant Portuguese-speaking communities, the language becomes more than just a subject in the classroom; it becomes a gateway to engaging with the local culture and community. It offers students possible career paths that will encourage them to return to their communities in their adult lives and become meaningful contributors.
The goal for our first year Portuguese course is to offer students a window into the Lusophone world—a treat filled with discoveries that lead to the appreciation of cultural diversity. Students are introduced to vocabulary and grammar through thematic units; they are taught context-embedded vocabulary and grammar introduced and supported by themes throughout the year. As they learn to communicate in Portuguese, they gain an appreciation for the depth of human expression and the profound ways in which language shapes cultures.
About the Author: Simone Aguilera serves as the Coordinator for World Languages Curriculum at VHS Learning.
A nonprofit organization, VHS Learning has 27 years of experience providing world-class online programs to students and schools everywhere. More than 600 schools around the world take advantage of VHS Learning’s 300+ online high school courses — including 29 AP® courses, credit recovery, and enrichment courses — to expand their programs of study. VHS Learning is accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), and Accrediting Commission for Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information about VHS Learning, please visit https://www.vhslearning.org/ and follow on Twitter at @VHSLearning.
