The first contact with the Portuguese language can be quite scary for newcomers. Not for nothing is it said that Portuguese is a difficult language to learn well.
The Foreign Service conducted a study to see which languages in the world are the most difficult to learn. The average timeframe for foreigners to learn Portuguese is around 24 weeks, for a total of 600 to 750 hours of classes. This is the time required to achieve a level of linguistic proficiency which would allow you to work in Portugal.
Taking a Portuguese language course for foreigners, and being embedded in daily Portuguese life can help you learn the language.
Portuguese language courses for foreigners
Many people come to Portugal because of tax benefits for non-habitual residents. The sun, the culture and the lifestyle take care of the rest. Not being familiar with the language should not hinder the passion for everything the country has to offer. As time passes, Portuguese will become more familiar, easier to understand and to speak.
However, a language course can make things easier. A Portuguese language course for foreigners can be a good way to learn the language more quickly. The offer is varied, with costs and duration which can be adjusted to meet individual goals.
The following are some Portuguese courses for foreigners, taught all year or in a specific timeframe. Find the best for you.
Portuguese language courses at language schools
- ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
Portuguese language courses for foreigners. Individual or group classes. Corporate training. - CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL
Portuguese language courses, from First Certificate to Portuguese as a Foreign Language University Diploma. Private classes or small groups. - LUSA LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Intensive or part-time Portuguese language courses, online courses, group conversation classes or private classes. - PORTUGUESE CONNECTION SCHOOL
All kinds of courses — online and on-site — to learn Portuguese in Portugal. Group and one on one classes.
Portuguese language courses at Universities
- UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA
Portuguese as a Foreign Language Yearly and Summer Course. - UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA
Portuguese Culture and Language Summer Courses. - UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Portuguese as a Foreign Language Yearly and Summer Course.
Portuguese Courses at other institutions
- INSTITUTO CAMÕES
On-site and distance learning Portuguese language courses. Technical Portuguese courses and Specialisation courses. - PORTUGUESE FOR EVERYONE PROGRAMME
Portuguese courses for immigrants – an initiative of the High Commission for Migrants
Online learning
- CIBERESCOLA DA LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA
Online and videoconference courses. - EASY PORTUGUESE
Basic level online courses – conversation and everyday grammar. - MY LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Correspondence with native speakers and online conversation courses. - PORTUGUESE CONNECTION SCHOOL
All kinds of courses — online and on-site — to learn Portuguese in Portugal.
Other ways to learn Portuguese
If you lack either time or patience for formal learning of the Portuguese language, use your imagination. There are several ways to learn and speak Portuguese, but you will need to be persistent. Slowly, the language will seem easier to you. First you will begin to understand what you are being told and then, soon afterwards, you will be able to make yourself understood. Take advantage of these suggestions and enjoy yourself.
- Read Portuguese magazines and newspapers, and have Google Translate handy to understand the expressions;
- Watch television programmes in Portuguese, to get used to the sound of the words and to begin to grasp expressions;
- Go shopping and pay attention to the names of products;
- Play team sports, an ideal setting for informal conversation;
- Use all opportunities to practice the Portuguese language, sign up for activities near your house (clubs or parish councils are a good place to start);
- Listen to Portuguese music, look up the lyrics and try to translate them.
