Learn Portuguese in Rio – Some Info and Addresses

Many want to learn Portuguese while they are in Rio de Janeiro. Before talking about different Portuguese courses I want to say a few words about method.

What Method Is Right For You?

What is the best way to learn Portuguese? I believe the best way by learning a language is by speaking. I therefore recommend you to choose a Portuguese course that is focussed on communication and spend your free time on practising. Last but not least I have to tell you to not be lazy! You have to discipline yourself and to get the homework done. Without your determination to learn you´d be better off sipping a Caipirinha on the beach.

Language Schools

There are many of these around. The education in these vary a lot in standard, some new schools are a lot more updated with new methods of learning and can offer perhaps a more pleasant and fun environment. These days I meet a lot of people that have good learning experiences, so shop around and find the school that offers the best method for you.

There are a few language schools to study Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I visited a few schools before picking my school. But the most recommended school in Rio de Janeiro is Caminhos Language Centre.

The school is really welcoming and feels like a big family which really helps you to land in Rio de Janeiro. Caminhos is the largest Portuguese School in Brazil. The school has excellent and fun teachers. You will learn how to communicate in Brazilian Portuguese in an effective, dynamic, and fun way. The school has great reviews and is the number 1 Portuguese school on TripAdvisor.

An alternative is the PUC University (Pontifícia Universidade do Rio de Janeiro). This course is more expensive and focuses more on grammar courses. They offer courses on 5 levels and you will have access to loads of students. Sometimes they do intensive 6-week courses but in general, they run over 4 months.

Private Lessons

In many hostels, you have offers like: “Learn Portuguese with a Carioca”. You will basically do the same thing as above but there is a big difference: it will be you (maybe with someone else) along with the teacher. You may meet in a restaurant, have a cup of coffee, and speak Portuguese. Most likely you will receive homework that you are expected to do until the next encounter. This method is much more liberal and you can decide for yourself what you want to focus on.

Do It Yourself

Get a textbook, a practice book, and a dictionary. Follow the chapters. As a complement, you can buy a book in Portuguese in which you read and translate a chapter each day or week. If you combine this with discipline and a willingness to talk with Brazilians (avoid speaking English even though every Brazilian wants to practice with you!) you should pick things up quite fast.