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Maybe you need it to be more flexible?

Fill out the form below and I will keep you posted on eventual online editions of these intensive courses.

Online Intensive Courses Subs
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Intermediate B1

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the B1 level. The language of instruction is Portuguese. I will speak in English only if needed.

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:

  • Perfeito vs. imperfeito / Subjunctive mood (intro)
  • Reading and listening comprehension
  • Conversation

*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:

After this course, you'll have come closer to the B1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?
Inquiry

Clean Slate A0

Geared toward Absolute Beginners, this course gives you a solid start and foundation to build upon. The language of instruction is almost entirely in English.

CEFR Scale

This is an introductory course to the Portuguese language as spoken in Portugal. Throughout the course, we will focus on the Portuguese sound system and basic Portuguese grammar.

You will also learn how to introduce yourself and day-to-day, useful phrases. Finally, we will discuss learning resources and strategies to support your learning journey.

After the course, you will have a basic understanding of European Portuguese pronunciation and grammar. You will also be capable of engaging in simple, short oral interactions. Last but not least, you will be aware of a variety of learning resources and strategies to help you succeed at learning the language.

Any questions?
Inquiry

Can't you attend any courses this season? Fill up this form and I will keep you posted on upcoming Intensive Courses.

Intensive Courses Upcoming
2

Beginners A2

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A2 level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 35/65 ratio.

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:

  • Prepositions
  • Past tense: perfeito vs. imperfeito
  • Listening comprehension and conversation

*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:

After this course, you'll have come closer to the A2 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?
Inquiry

Beginners A1

This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A1 level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 70/30 ratio.

If you've just started your learning journey, it may be that you will find this course a bit challenging. Nothing wrong with that.

However, if you think you'd have trouble coping with a challenging learning environment, consider enrolling for the Clean Slate A0 instead (if available).

CEFR Scale

Learn more about the CEFR scale

This is an all-round course, meaning that we’ll work on all aspects of language learning (at the A1 level):

  • Pronunciation
  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Conversation
  • Grammar

After this course, you'll have come closer to the A1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.

Not sure if you should enroll in the A1 or A2 course?

Take this placement test

Any questions?
Inquiry

Surprise surprise!

Do you know what constipado means in Portuguese? Probably not what you are thinking...

Get a list of 50+ English-Portuguese False Friends and be surprised.

False Friends
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Hello Beginners!

Learn Portuguese on your own terms

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Portuguese Verb Gems

An exploration of idiomatically rich verbs

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The BIG 5

The bread & butter of Portuguese prepositions

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Portuguese Sounds

Because pronunciation matters

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Portuguese Bad Words

Let me take you on an indecorous journey

Learn more

Perfect vs. Imperfect

Break free from the tyranny of the Present tense

Learn more

StoryLift

Let stories lift your Portuguese to another level

Learn more

De Ouvido Apurado

Sharpen your ears to keep up with native speakers

Learn more
Portuguese CIPLE exam - Portuguese Residence Permit and Citizenship - Portuguesepedia
Portuguese CIPLE exam - Portuguese Residence Permit and Citizenship - Portuguesepedia

Taking the CIPLE Exam to Get Permanent Residency in Portugal or Become Portuguese Citizen.

Do I need to take a language test to become a Portuguese resident or citizen?

Yes. In order to obtain Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship, you need to prove basic knowledge of the Portuguese language by taking the CIPLE exam.

What is the CIPLE exam exactly?

The CIPLE exam tests language proficiency in Portuguese at the basic A2 level and is mandatory* for anyone applying for a Portuguese permanent residence permit or citizenship. 

The CIPLE acronym stands for Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira (Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language). 

*There are a few exceptions. For instance, it is possible to become a citizen through marriage to a Portuguese national or through naturalization.

What does the A2 level mean? 

According to CEFR*, the A2 level implies language skills in your target language at an elementary level. Here’s an elaborate description of the A2-level provided by CEFR itself:

[The student] can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.  Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. 

* CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and is an international standard for describing language proficiency, namely through a scale that goes from A1 and A2 (Basic level) to B1 and B2 (intermediate level) to C1 and C2 (advanced level). Click here to learn more about CEFR.

CIPLE exam structure and grading

The CIPLE exam is 2 hours long and divided into 3 components:

  • reading comprehension and writing production (1h15m, worth 45% of the total grade)
  • listening comprehension (30m, worth 30% of the total grade)
  • oral production (15m, worth 25% of the total grade)

Here’s what the final grading looks like:

  • Failed (0-54%)
  • Sufficient (55-69%)
  • Good (70-84%)
  • Very good (85-100%)

For more details, visit CIPLE’s webpage.

How to enroll for the CIPLE exam?

The CIPLE exam is administered by CAPLE* (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira) and a number of different CAPLE-certified centers around the world. 

For more information about CIPLE-exam dates and registration, visit CAPLE/CIPLE webpage.

*CAPLE is an autonomous unit of the School of Arts and  Humanities of the University of Lisbon (Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa). CAPLE and its certified centers are the only recognized entities for certifying language proficiency in Portuguese.

How to prepare for CIPLE?

All-round Beginners A1 is a comprehensive online course and definitely an excellent choice to get started. Throughout its 6 modules, you’ll immerse in several lexical topics and gain a solid foundation in Portuguese grammar and pronunciation. Learn more about All-round Beginners A1 here.

There are of course other competent resources out there. Here’s an article on learning resources (European standard specific) for you to explore: Learn Portuguese Online – Best Resources for Beginners and Beyond. 

Finally, make sure that you adopt sound learning strategies – you’d be surprised how much they can positively impact your language learning. Here’s your must-read: The Best Way to Learn Portuguese: Key Strategies to Become Fluent.

Stay tuned for upcoming courses, reads, and other novelties.

Stay tuned
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