Learning Portuguese: options in Lisbon and online
While learning Portuguese can seem intimidating at first, it is good to remember that there are 267 million speakers of Portuguese globally, which means that there are plenty of resources available to help beginners learn! Depending on how much Portuguese you would like to learn and how quickly you would like to learn it, there are many options available throughout Lisbon and online.
Some options to help with learning Portuguese for free include:
SPEAK SOCIAL: Speak.social/en
An online or in-person space where you can learn Portuguese and meet other people who are looking to learn Portuguese as well! SPEAK offers many different levels of language learning through a group-based method, allowing you to practice conversation in Portuguese with natives and others learning.
Sirigaita: Sirigaita
Sirigaita in Lisbon is a space where every Wednesday from 6 pm to 7 pm, the Rede de Apoio Mútuo LX (Mutual Aid Network LX) offers free Portuguese classes for migrants through mutual aid. These in-person classes cover language topics like verb conjugations, reading comprehension, and vocabulary to help learn basic communication topics in Portuguese.
Furthermore, you can apply for a free, certified language training programme called Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA). PLA courses are organized by public schools or Employment and Vocational Training Centers (IEFP)
If you are interested in more personalized help and are willing to pay to find help learning Portuguese, there are many private lessons and language tutoring services in Lisbon as well. You can find private group lessons, ranging from basic to advanced courses, below:
Saudade Language School: Saudade Language School
Saudade Language School specializes in teaching the Portuguese language and culture to non-native speakers and offers courses ranging from beginner to advanced. Courses range from the €400 2-week private intensive lessons to the €30 1-hour online lesson.
Lisbon Language Cafe: Lisbon Language Cafe
Lisbon Language Café is a great spot to begin learning Portuguese if you do well in an interactive learning environment. Their teaching methodology focuses on practical language use and aims to build students’ confidence in speaking Portuguese.
Portuguese Connection: Learning Portuguese in Lisbon
Portuguese Connection offers Portuguese intensive courses and custom-designed courses in Portuguese, which allow you to focus on topic areas. The program also offers online and part-time Portuguese lessons if you do not have time for full lessons during the week!
Lusa Language School: Lusa Language School
Lusa Language School is located in Cais do Sodré and offers private lessons and intensive group courses, and part-time group courses. Private lessons offer flexible scheduling to accommodate individual preferences, which allows you to build a schedule that works for you with your tutor.
