Explore the Modern Languages BA Program
Today, nine out of 10 U.S. employers need employees with language skills other than English. With the BA in modern languages you can opt to gain proficiency in Portuguese and expand your career options.
Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies
The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies (IPLWS) fosters connections between ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and its students and the Portuguese-speaking communities of Rhode Island. If you're interested in pursuing Portuguese language study at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ or you're part of a local Portuguese community or organization – we have a lot to offer you! Get involved with the Institute today!
Contact Us Sign Up for the IPLWS Newsletter
Mutually Beneficial Value
The IPLWS drives academic advancement through Portuguese language and Lusophone cultural research. This research informs ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ's Portuguese Studies Program's Modern Languages B.A. program and the World Languages B.A. program, while providing valuable knowledge-sharing with the local community. The Institute also creates opportunities for both student and community member enrichment:
- Events/Conferences/Lectures/Workshops
- Artist Exhibitions and Performing Arts Productions
- Adult Enrichment Courses
- Youth and Family-Centered Activities
- Community/Faculty Advisory Board Membership
Scholarships and Internships
The Institute and the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Foundation annually grant scholarships, awards, and internships to students studying Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures, concentrating or minoring in Portuguese, and studying abroad in a Portuguese-speaking nation. The IPLWS Internship, the John A. and Mary V. Lima Memorial Scholarship in Portuguese Studies, and the Lema-Fernandes Study Abroad Fund generously provide for student growth and financial assistance.
Student participants bring their gained knowledge and experiences back to the local community, and the community guides and participates in the Institute – it's cyclical and reciprocal, so everyone benefits!-Silvia Oliveira
Explore the World Languages BA Program
If you’re interested in teaching Portuguese at all levels of instruction, ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide range of field experiences.
The Institute's Research Portal
The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies (IPLWS) Research Portal is a collection of scholarly, cultural, and educational materials in the areas of Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures. The portal, openly accessible online, is hosted by Digital Collections at the James P. Adams Library at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ.
The RI Portuguese American Archives
The RI PAA aim to preserve Rhode Island's Portuguese Cultural Heritage. Maintenance of the archives provides internship opportunities for ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Portuguese studies students. These archives, accessible online, are housed in the Special Collections & College Archives of the James P. Adams Library at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ.
Generous Gift Launches RI Portuguese American Archives
A powerful advocate of Portuguese American history and heritage, Marie Fraley is the benefactor of this new archive at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ.
supervised_user_circle
Get Involved With the IPLWS
No matter how you want to participate, we'd like to hear from you. Please reach out and let us know of your interest or keep up with current IPLWS happenings.
Dr. Silvia Oliveira is the current Director of the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies.
Dr. Silvia A. Oliveira
- Associate Professor
Amy Barlow
- Associate Professor
Dr. Peter Michael Karibe Mendy
- Professor Emeritus
Dr. Erin Papa
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Anabela Maria Resende da Maia
- Associate Professor
Meet the Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board of IPLWS is a diversified body of community members who provide information, guidance and support to the Institute on matters of community interests and needs.
- Isabel Claro, ’95 - Chair, Teacher of Portuguese; Cumberland H.S., Cumberland, RI​
- The Honorable Paul J. Tavares - Honorary Chair, Former General Treasurer of the State of RI
- Helena Abu-Raya, ‘96, Sr. Business Program Technologist President (2006-2007), Club Amigos of Boa-Vista; Area Governor (2005-2006), Toastmasters International
- Ailton Barbosa, ’10, M.A. International Relations and Chinese Politics; CLACS Outreach Coordinator, Brown University
- Elizabeth Fasteson, Guidance Counselor, Charles E. Shea H.S., Pawtucket, RI
- Carlos Fernandes, Former President of the Associação da Comunidade da Guiné-Bissau - EUA
- Natalia Furtado, Allstate Insurance Agency Owner, North Providence, RI
- João LuÃs Morgado Pacheco, Former Conselheiro, Comunidades Portuguesas dos E.U.A. e Bermudas; Past President, Casa dos Açores da Nova Inglaterra; Realtor Associate, Exit Realty
- Paulo J. Silva, '78, Former Assistant Principal, Calcutt Middle School, Central Falls; East Providence Public Library Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair
- J. Leonel Teixeira, Former Vice-consul of Portugal to Providence​​​​​
- Paula Vazão '03, Teacher of Portuguese, North Kingstown High School, RI
Latest News
Funds will target a number of institute initiatives.
Get in Touch
Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies
The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies is dedicated to the promotion and support of Portuguese studies at the college.
- phone(401) 456-8748
- placeForman Center (F) Rm. 201