Talk to an Academic Advisor in Brazil: Portuguese for Study-Plan Questions
Prepare useful Portuguese questions for an advising meeting, from reviewing your course history to confirming what to do before the next term.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
An academic advisor may be called orientador, orientadora, or another title set by the institution. Start by saying which program you are in and what you hope to clarify: choosing courses, understanding your record, or planning a project. The advisor can direct you to another office for questions outside their role.
Explain what you want to plan
Use gostaria de conversar sobre… (I would like to talk about…) to introduce the topic. Bring the course list or message if your question concerns a specific requirement.
Gostaria de conversar sobre meu plano de estudos para o próximo semestre.
I would like to talk about my study plan for next semester.
Estou no primeiro ano de Relações Internacionais.
I am in the first year of International Relations.
Ask how completed courses affect your plan
If you are unsure whether a class counts toward a requirement, ask who can confirm it and which record they need. Transfer and exchange students should ask about the applicable credit-evaluation process instead of assuming that similar course titles are equivalent.
Use isso conta como…? (does this count as…?) as a first question, then ask where to find the official rule if it affects enrollment.
Esta disciplina conta como optativa no meu curso?
Does this course count as an elective in my program?
Onde confirmo se os créditos foram registrados?
Where can I confirm whether the credits were recorded?
Leave with a clear next step
Summarize what you understood and ask whether you should contact another department. Record the office, form, or date the advisor mentions. Degree plans and requirements are institution-specific, so use official written guidance when making a decision.
A short recap gives the advisor a chance to correct any misunderstanding before you act.
Então, primeiro devo falar com a coordenação do curso?
So, should I speak with the program office first?
Você poderia indicar onde encontro essa regra por escrito?
Could you point me to where I can find that rule in writing?
Put it into practice
State your program and goal, ask who can confirm each requirement, and leave with an official next step.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I would like to talk about my study plan for next semester”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.