1. Inlingua Porto
The gist. This school sits right in the middle of Porto. It helps you learn Portuguese by getting you to speak from day one.
What sets it apart. They use a method that focuses on talking and listening. You will not just sit in a room. You can book a course that mixes language lessons with surf classes at the beach. They also host weekly lunches where you can eat and chat with your teachers.
Best for. People who want to build speaking confidence fast and enjoy outdoor activities.
I did the intensive morning classes and noticed a massive boost in my speaking confidence almost straightaway. The strict no-English rule in class really forced me to immerse myself, and the weekly social lunches were a fantastic way to practice. Combining morning language lessons with afternoon surf sessions at the beach was the perfect way to learn and holiday at the same time.
2. Encounter English
The gist. This Porto language school started in 1981. It is famous because the author J.K. Rowling once taught here.
What sets it apart. The school has a special fund to help students who do not have a lot of money. They offer discounts based on what you earn. They also teach other languages and run fun classes for drama and public speaking.
Best for. Students who want a friendly school with a rich history and personal care.
The teachers are highly skilled, caring, and supportive, taking the time to understand my goals and tailor the lessons to my needs. It is a warm, respectful, and inspiring environment that really helped build my confidence and motivation. This is a school of excellence that stands out for its competence and highly personalised treatment of every student.
3. Lancaster College
The gist. This school has been teaching Portuguese and twenty other languages since 1984.
What sets it apart. They have thirty-five centers and are recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education. They offer online and hybrid classes that focus on business language and exam prep.
Best for. People who need a certified school with flexible schedules that fit around a job.
The administrative staff are incredibly friendly and professional, and they made a fantastic first impression on me. My teacher was absolutely excellent and helped me feel comfortable speaking from day one. I was disappointed that my writing was corrected using automated software without enough personal feedback from the teacher.
4. Cambridge School
The gist. This school has been teaching in Porto since 1966 and has a great program for foreigners.
What sets it apart. All the teachers are native speakers. You can study in person, online, or mix both using the school's own website.
Best for. Students who want a traditional school with native teachers and flexible online options.
The teachers are native speakers who really know how to teach, and the lessons are a great investment. I really like the teaching methods here and feel the lessons are of excellent quality.
5. Caravela School (Matosinhos)
The gist. This school is in Matosinhos and teaches European Portuguese through daily conversation.
What sets it apart. They keep classes very small with a limit of six students. They use their own history books for intermediate learners, and they even let you bring your dog to class.
Best for. Learners who want small groups, real-world practice, and a pet-friendly space.
The classes are kept very small so everyone gets plenty of attention, and the lessons are highly organized and packed with useful knowledge. My teacher was incredibly patient and taught me practical language that I was able to use on the street to talk to locals the very next day. It is a wonderful experience and they are completely pet-friendly, so I was even able to bring my dog along to our classes.
6. Alliance française Porto
The gist. This Porto branch of the global Alliance Française network has been teaching languages since 1883.
What sets it apart. They are famous for French, but they also teach Portuguese to foreigners. You can study in person or online to learn grammar, words, and conversation.
Best for. Expats in Porto who want to learn from a well-known global school.
It is a great place to learn and practice your language skills with native teachers. The office staff can be very unhelpful and they sometimes cancel classes without letting you know.
7. Cursos de italiano ASCIP Dante Alighieri
The gist. This non-profit group started in 2007. Three dedicated teachers run their hybrid Portuguese and Italian courses.
What sets it apart. It is the only Dante Alighieri group in Portugal. They mix language lessons with culture. You can join a reading club, go to events, and get a student card for discounts worldwide.
Best for. People who want a warm, cultural school with flexible online and in-person classes.
The Portuguese course was excellent and helped me so much, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The teachers are native and so dedicated that I managed to progress from the very beginning all the way to advanced levels. The lessons are great and very accessible, but the historic building can get quite cold during the winter months.
8. Fast Forward
The gist. This school started in 1991 and offers fast, intensive Portuguese courses.
What sets it apart. They keep groups small with a maximum of six students. They also offer packages that mix language classes with surfing, yoga, or wine tasting.
Best for. Active learners who want small classes and fun local activities.
The lessons were so fun and motivating, and the small group size meant I got to speak Portuguese right from the very first day. The staff made me feel so welcome, and they even host a lovely little farewell ceremony at the end of your course. My level placement was mixed up on the first day because they did not read my application carefully, and it took time to get it sorted.
9. MAIS IDIOMAS, Escola de Línguas e Traduções
The gist. This school and translation agency has been training students for over 17 years.
What sets it apart. They combine classroom teaching with their own mobile app. They also build custom lessons around your specific job goals.
Best for. Professionals who need custom language training that fits a busy work schedule.
The school feels like a supportive family and the teachers are incredibly warm, professional, and ready to help you with any challenge. My lessons were engaging and built completely around my personal needs, which helped me make fast progress in a short time. While my teacher was excellent, I felt the school placed me in a level that was much too low for my actual speaking skills.
10. Português Comum
The gist. Sara Guimarães runs this school. She teaches Portuguese using a personal and relaxed style.
What sets it apart. You will leave the classroom to practice speaking in local cafes, streets, and markets. When you are inside, you can study in a room with beautiful views of the city.
Best for. Learners who want to understand Portuguese culture and practice in real-world settings.
My teacher was so patient and passionate, and she made the lessons feel like a fully immersive and personal experience. We did not just study the language, but we also learned about local culture and stories which made the country feel much closer. The atmosphere is very relaxing and authentic, making it a wonderful and professional place to study.
How HearSay works with language schools
A good class teaches you a lot. The hard part is finding time to practice speaking before your next lesson. That is where HearSay helps.
- We match your practice to your school lessons. You practice what you actually learned in class, not random words.
- You can practice hands-free on your commute or while you cook.
- Short daily sessions fit easily into the gaps between your classes.
Are you a language teacher? Join the HearSay teacher community.
Run a language school? Learn about partnering with us.
If you want to start speaking before you even step foot in a classroom, you can start with HearSay today to build your confidence on the go.