Standard Group Portuguese Course (15)

CIAL Centro de Linguas

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Course description

This course consists of 15 lessons per week and uses the communicative approach in the teaching of Portuguese. Group Courses are organised in modules of 4 weeks, with new groups starting every 2 weeks in all levels from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Advanced). Courses are progressive from the
starting dates, but apart from absolute beginners who must begin on the
starting dates, students can join a group at any time if vacancies exist at the
suitable level. Groups have a maximum of 8 participants so that monitoring and
assessment are continuous and personalised.
Textbooks and a variety of other materials are used in class, including role-playing, newspapers, magazines and other materials.
The courses focus on speaking and communication skills and provide students the opportunity to learn the local culture and customs.
The classes stress the use of language in everyday situations. Each day students will work on grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-36 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (except for beginners)
Start dates for beginners
01 Apr 2024, 15 Apr 2024, 13 May 2024, 27 May 2024, 11 Jun 2024, 24 Jun 2024, 08 Jul 2024, 22 Jul 2024, 05 Aug 2024, 19 Aug 2024, 02 Sep 2024, 16 Sep 2024, 30 Sep 2024, 14 Oct 2024, 28 Oct 2024, 11 Nov 2024, 25 Nov 2024 and 09 Dec 2024
Classes per week
15 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 50 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
29 Mar 2024, 25 Apr 2024, 30 May 2024, 10 Jun 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 01 Nov 2024, 25 Dec 2024

CIAL Centro de Linguas does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level.

Class size

Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 18 years old and older

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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photos

Photos

  • Building of CIAL Centro de Linguas 1/39
  • Reception of CIAL Centro de Linguas 2/39
  • Computer room at CIAL Centro de Linguas 3/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 4/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 5/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 6/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 7/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 8/39
  • Classes at CIAL Centro de Linguas 9/39
  • Garden 10/39
  • Garden 11/39
  • City of Faro 12/39
  • City of Faro 13/39
  • City of Faro 14/39
  • City of Faro 15/39
  • City of Faro 16/39
  • City of Faro 17/39
  • City of Faro 18/39
  • City of Faro 19/39
  • Activities offered at CIAL Centro de Linguas 20/39
  • Corridor inside CIAL Centro de Linguas 21/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 22/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 23/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 24/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 25/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 26/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 27/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 28/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 29/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 30/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 31/39
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  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 34/39
  • Apartments offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 35/39
  • Homestay housing offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 36/39
  • Homestay housing offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 37/39
  • Homestay housing offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 38/39
  • Homestay housing offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas 39/39
reviews

Reviews

91% recommend

based on 11 reviews
5 stars
6
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"I loved the teachers, the teaching and the students."

Catharina Saenger, student from Germany

It was such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I enjoyed the international mix of students as well as the different ages of the students. The location was perfect. I don’t know about the housing as I did not use those. I was impressed by the very good quality of teaching and the small groups. I will definitely do another week at my next stay in Portugal. My favourite was the one to one class with Denise. Also the receptionists were lovely.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
31 Jul 2023 - 11 Aug 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Accelerated my Portuguese skills more than I expected"

Roxane Platt, student from UK

I booked for a week with the intensive 25 hour language course. However, I was the sole student who had booked the afternoon workshop lessons so the time was reduced in half. This turned out to be a good thing though, because it meant I had a one hour private lesson with the teacher instead.

This was one of the most valuable parts of the course, because we could go at my own pace and didn't need to slow down for other students. The teacher was willing to work on whatever I wanted to, but when I didn't know what to do she worked on areas that needed improvement. I got a lot of practice speaking and listening, the focused attention was really useful. I also really appreciated the advice my teacher gave me for continuing my studies.

The group lessons were also good, but like all lessons, it goes at the pace of the slowest student. Thankfully my teacher recognized this and pushed for me to be moved up to a higher level class, which was really helpful. I liked the focused pronunciation practice and cultural information. Sometimes the classes felt a little slow but I think it was still valuable as the textbook covered areas that I had missed out in my previous self studying.

The school was lovely and in a fantastic location opposite a market and cafe where we would go for a coffee during the break. I didn't stay in the school's student accommodation, I think it was fairly empty during this season, and I stayed in a hostel a 2 min walk from the school, which was great and convenient.

The activities were a tour around a local park and up a street with some interesting architecture. It was nice that they were so close and it was really helpful for my listening skills because the guide spoke Portuguese slowly at a pace that was right for the students.

I had been studying Portuguese for 3 months on my own before this trip and I hadn't had any opportunity to speak Portuguese at all. This course was incredibly valuable for that. Just hearing Portuguese and getting the opportunity to speak it with feedback from my teachers was so helpful. I feel so much more comfortable with the language now. I would really recommend this course to anyone studying on their own who is looking for that little extra push.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
20 Feb 2023 - 24 Feb 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Amazing teachers."

Clodagh Myers, student from Portugal

Teresa and Cristina taught us. We didn’t particularly want to focus on grammar, so they agreed to bring us to the market, for coffee etc, to experience everyday situations and practice our Portuguese.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
19 Sep 2022 - 23 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was very interesting and educational, interactive and a excellent teacher"

John Ruben, student from Netherlands

It was the second time that I join one week learning Portuguese with CIAL. This time the class was smaller and that is an advantage. The teacher Denise was excellent. The way of teaching was very interactive in design and i liked that. Overall an splendid week with nice people. I think that my Portuguese improved a liitle bit. Time was to short.
I had expected a liitle more opportunities for the excursions in the afternoon. Also I missed a farewell dinner at the last evening of the week. Summarising it was a splendid week.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
20 Jun 2022 - 24 Jun 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Formidável"

Ronald. N. Brummelkamp, student from Netherlands

Very pleasant family to stay. Assists and corrects speaking Portuguese. The classes and professors were very good. On my level complete in Portuguese. Possibility of working in the school. Pleasant excursions in the afternoon. Good location with coffee possibility on the covered market.

Recommendation. Send with the other information also a street map and a survey with the buss from airport to bus and train station Faro (lines 16 and 14) and from the local bus lines in Faro.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
24 Feb 2020 - 6 Mar 2020
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The teaching was very good."

Kaisa Kulmala, student from Finland

I took a beginners class, three ours every day. Our teacher Denise was very good, patient, helpful and nice. I was staying at the student department, so the school was very close, which was nice. I didn't have a need to use other facilities at the school, so I don't know if they are good or not. I joined one walking-tour round the city and it was very informative, but was given in English, which was a little disappointing, because it would have been nice to practice the language also during the tour.

But the guide wanted to make the absolute beginners to understand what she is saying, so I guess it was ok. The student department was quite ok. I'm not very good in living in shared apartments - nobody was disturbing me in any way, but I still kind of need my own peace, so I got a little stressed during the two weeks I lived in the apartment.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
15 Oct 2018 - 26 Oct 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Alexandra B Sousa, Managing Director at CIAL Centro de Linguas responded to this review.
19 November 2018

Dear Kaisa,
Thank you for your review and comments.
We always welcome feedback on the good and not so good aspects of student's experience in Cial, as they help us improve.
We hope to see you again in the future.
CIAL

"Nice little school in the center of Faro with kind and motivated teachers"

Judith Hübscher, student from Switzerland

The teachers were quite professional but I wasn't very happy with the teaching material (Português XXI, vol. 2) as this one isn't good at all. I had to buy another grammar book, which is much better. The teachers tried to respond to my need concerning the language and I was quite satisfied with all I was able to learn in 10 days.

Unfortunately Faro isn't a nice town and doesn't have the facilities of parks/beach or other amusements - it's a very noisy town! My guest family was very kind and lovely, but as their apartment is located near a busy street and the hospital, it was day and night very noisy and this tired me a lot. For 10 days the stay was ok but I won't go back anymore.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
29 Oct 2018 - 2 Nov 2018
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Alexandra B Sousa, Managing Director at CIAL Centro de Linguas responded to this review.
19 November 2018

Dear Judith,
Thank you for the positive comments about Cial Faro. We are sorry that the whole experience was not as successful as you expected, and hope you will give Faro another opportunity in the future.
Kind regards,
CIAL

"It was a really good experience, lots of fun and I learned a lot!"

Maike Velke, student from Germany

The school was very good structured, warm-hearted atmosphere and so so friendly. I felt very welcome there! Ana the good soul of the school was there for help if help was needed.I did not expect that! The teacher Christina was very good, she taught us the basics as it’s best and was able to see our individual needs. I learned a lot in only one week and I will continue my studies now! The cultural program was also good, we did a guided walk with a local guide. She was very nice and made my day!!! The student house was clean and there was all I needed. I really enjoyed my stay in beautiful Faro, with lessons, beach, in good company with other students. And I definitely fell in love with amazing Portugal.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
2 Jul 2018 - 6 Jul 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Extraordinarily satisfying"

Dorothee Schmidt, student from Germany

I spent one week at CIAL Faro in January 2018. I had booked 6 hours of individual training for 5 days. This proved to be very intense as the teachers are highly professional and will not be lured into small talk for longer periods. I reached the limits of my cerebral capacity and will reduce the amount of sessions next time. That being said, I immensely enjoyed all the training sessions and found my two teachers to be warmhearted and very welcoming on top of being professionally demanding. Now, two weeks later, I still find myself thinking in Portuguese or trying to form sentences in my mind.
I stayed in the student apartment close to the school which proved to be the right decision - a nice place with a lovely rooftop veranda, equipped with everything needed (a supermarket 50 m away).
The reception upon arrival, the explanations, the extra curricular events, the handling in general were easy and flawless.
The atmosphere at CIAL Faro is very friendly, welcoming and fear-reducing.
I have nothing at all to complain about and would definitely recommend a training in Faro CIAL to anyone wanting to learn Portuguese - there are courses for all levels and needs.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
8 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Very nice experience"

Martina Scheelen, student from Germany

Extremely nice and caring teacher. Very good atmosphere.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
1 Jan 2018 - 12 Jan 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"One the best experiences of my life."

Hannah Johnson

I had such an amazing experience. The staff was fabulous. I loved our late morning breaks for coffee, and chatting. I met so many wonderful people from across the globe.

The receptionist became a good friend of mine. Your excursion tour guide was absolutely amazing and encouraged us all to fall in love with Faro, which I did - I fell in love with Faro. I think about the city often, and want to go back. I want to bring everyone I love to this beautiful city. I would love to come back and take more lessons. I have been trying to keep up with the CDs back in the US, but it is very difficult. Immersion was the best experience.

Lourdes was my teacher, and she was the most amazing teacher I could have ever asked for. I felt like I was soaking up daily in a Portuguese perspective from a woman who has lived a long life, and has much to teach and share.

My reasons for coming to Portugal were to learn more about my ancestors. I was close to my Portuguese grandparents. They are no longer living, and so Lourdes filled a special place in my heart.

I cannot thank you enough for the amazing experience that was offered at CIAL. I will always recommend this school, and hope to come back some day.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
4 May 2015 - 29 May 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
housing

Housing

CIAL Centro de Linguas offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single Room with Breakfast

£ 165
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Faro
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Distance to school: 10 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 165
Accommodation is an important part of most students' stay. CIAL's carefully selected
accommodation options will be your home away from home.
Living in a Portuguese home will help the student gain familiarity with the language.
Students are placed in individual bedrooms and will be the only native speaker of their
language in the house. The host may be a family or an individual.
The homes that host CIAL's students are in the area of the schools, many within walking
distance.
In case students need to use public transportation (bus) it will never be more than 20 min.
Students can get pre-paid tickets for public transportation what will keep prices quite unexpensive.
Private home accommodation is usually booked from the day before starting lessons until the day after the end of the course (Sunday to Saturday).
Private home accommodation does not include the use of the kitchen nor laundry of personal clothes. However students can ask the family directly for details of laundry services in the area of the house.
Bed linens and bathroom towels are included and are changed weekly.
apartment

Shared apartment - Double Room - Self Catering

£ 151
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: Largo Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 70, Faro 8000-151, Portugal
Location: In the city center of Faro
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, and hardwood
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 151

Shared apartment - Single Room - Self Catering

£ 179
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: Largo Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro, 70, Faro 8000-151, Portugal
Location: In the city center of Faro
Housing type: Shared apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, and hardwood
Distance to school: 1 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
£ 179
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged 90 € when you register.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Faro based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from CIAL Centro de Linguas staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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