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IPAST 2025: Language Learning and Immersion in Brazil

August 13, 2025

IPAST 2025: Language Learning and Immersion in Brazil

People standing in front of Iguazu Falls, spelling "OHIO" with their arms

The in-person portion of the 2025 Intensive Portuguese Abroad for Spanish Teachers (IPAST) Program, held in June and July, proved to be a “life-changing experience,” according to MA candidate and FLAS fellow Jack Foppiani. “Since our three-week journey to southern Brazil, I’ve benefitted from a greatly expanded worldview,” he reflected. 
 

Organized by CLAS, this year’s IPAST cohort included six participants who traveled to Curitiba, Brazil. Launched in 2023, the program combines remote Portuguese instruction with a three-week immersive experience abroad. This year’s in-country component was led by Bianca Gallieri Honorio, a PhD student in Linguistic Studies at the Federal University of Paraná and an experienced teacher and translator of Brazilian Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. 

IPAST classroom showing instructor Bianca and students in desks

“Bianca was amazing!” said Kerri Galloway, a Spanish teacher at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. “She’s dynamic, fun, and tailored our lessons specifically to our needs as language learners and as guests in her country—combining culture and grammar in engaging and meaningful ways. I looked forward to every class!” 
 

While IPAST was primarily designed for Spanish teachers, the 2025 cohort included educators, graduate students, and professionals seeking to learn Portuguese as part of their professional development. 
 

The remote instruction phase allowed participants to build a foundation in the Portuguese language and connect with one another before traveling. Once in Brazil, participants had the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Curitiba—including landmarks like the Botanical Garden and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum—as well as take a weekend trip to the incredible Iguazu Falls, located at the tri-border of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. 
 

“IPAST is an incredible opportunity for both students and teachers to expand their linguistic and cultural knowledge,” said instructor Bianca Gallieri Honorio. “As a teacher, learning about other people’s ways of living and thinking has helped me grow professionally. This exchange goes beyond language—it’s about connecting with others, building empathy, and gaining a broader worldview.” 
 

We look forward to offering the IPAST Program again in Summer 2027! For more information or to express interest, please reach out to ipast@osu.edu.