Why learn Portuguese in Porto?
A language stay in Porto brings you to Portugal's second city, whose historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Steep lanes lead down to the Ribeira quarter, while the double-deck Dom Luís I bridge links the city to the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto also has a large university and a young, creative scene, so everyday Portuguese is never far away.
Porto suits students and gap-year travellers looking for an authentic city on a human scale, adults who love food and architecture, and professionals who need Portuguese for work. Courses focus on European rather than Brazilian Portuguese, and a placement test on arrival places you in the right group.
- Accredited partner schools in central Porto
- Host family or student residence, both vetted and close to the metro
- Placement test on arrival, complete beginners included
- Insurance and transfer from Porto Airport organised for you
Your stay at a glance
Porto highlights
Make the most of your time beyond the classroom: the places worth seeing, and the city at its best.
The events that bring Porto to life
From major festivals to once-a-year traditions, these are the moments that give the city its own rhythm.
Fantasporto
February-March
Porto's international film festival, known for fantasy, horror and science fiction cinema.
Primavera Sound Porto
June
A major indie and alternative music festival in the seaside Parque da Cidade.
São João Festival
June
On the night of 23 June, Porto parties with fireworks, grilled sardines and plastic hammers.
Frequently asked questions
Porto lets you learn Portuguese in a city that still feels deeply local. Life happens in cafés, markets and along the river, and residents appreciate any effort to speak their language. A language stay in Porto pairs lessons with azulejo-covered churches, fresh seafood and easy trips along the Douro, all from a walkable centre.
No prior knowledge is needed. Our partner schools in Porto welcome absolute beginners as well as advanced learners, including Spanish speakers and Brazilian Portuguese speakers who want to adapt to the European accent. A placement test on arrival puts you in the right class.
Yes. Several of our partner schools offer preparation for the CAPLE exams, the official certificates of European Portuguese, from CIPLE (A2) to DEPLE (B1) and DIPLE (B2), and on to higher levels. Useful for study or work in Portugal. Tell us your target level and date and we'll plan your stay.
It can be. A vetted host family is the best way to practise Portuguese over home-cooked meals and discover local habits, while a student residence gives you more freedom. Porto is hilly, so we look for an easy walk, metro or bus ride to school and confirm it all from Brussels.
Porto has a mild Atlantic climate. Late spring to early autumn is the sunniest period, with warm but rarely scorching summers thanks to the ocean breeze. In June, the São João festival fills the streets on the night of the 23rd. Winters are mild but often rainy, so bring a good umbrella.
It depends on the school. Some offer summer programmes with activities suited to younger learners, but many Portuguese courses mainly welcome adults. Minimum ages vary by school, and some courses are for adults only. Contact us and we'll tell you honestly what is available for your teenager.
