Javier Escudero, born in Avila, Spain, holds a PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of Virginia. Javier worked at Penn State University between 1992 and 2006 as an Assistant and Associate Professor of Spanish and published books on Juan Goytisolo and Rosa Montero. In 2005, Javier and his wife Patricia Burgos created Brazil Cultural, an agency that organizes study abroad programs in several countries. Javier, who has lived in Bahia since 2006, speaks fluent Portuguese, loves traveling, photography and cooking.

Javier will be co-facilitating courses with Jamilly Multary Corrreira. Jamilly was born in Salvador, Bahia, has a degree in Portuguese language studies as well as in psycho-pedagogy. She also holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics. Jamilly has over 20 years of experience teaching Portuguese. She has taught classes for elementary and high school students, Portuguese for foreigners and she also teaches Portuguese online. Jamilly loves to spend time with her family and friends, go to the movies, theater, concerts and also loves to travel.