Easy Languages

School

Location

Mention the city of Porto and most people immediately think of the world famous Port wine. However, the city has more to offer than that. There are many interesting sights to be seen both inside, as well as around, the city and it is no coincidence that Porto was chosen as the European city of culture in 2001. The oldest part of the city is classified as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO and it includes a vast collection of monuments, churches and public buildings surrounded by medieval houses. The Douro river also takes you through time with its bridges, some from the 19th century (one of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel) and some completed more recently. The river is also the place to watch the port wine barges bringing the product from upriver so that it can be aged in one of many port wine lodges.

Porto is a cosmopolitan city, full of entertainment, low living costs and a temperate climate.

School

Our school has been offering instruction in Portuguese for foreigners since 1991.

Located in one of the most important streets in the centre of the city, close to the main tourist attractions, public transport and only 15 minutes’ walk from the Douro river, the school occupies the entire 5th floor of a commercial building featuring 5 large and comfortable classrooms, all with ample natural light, reception area, lounge, and internet room with free wireless internet access.

Activities

We know that a student’s experience abroad is about more than just class. It’s also about getting to know the local people and the culture. For that reason, we offer a rich programme of activities, excursions and special courses that allow our students to make the most of their time in Porto.

We provide afternoon excursions to some of the most beautiful places in Porto. All excursions are led by a Portuguese instructor. Here are a few examples of excursions: Solar do Vinho do Porto, Sé Catedral, river cruises, Fado, medieval market.

Courses

The school offers both group and private general instruction. Lessons focus on the active use of the language. They aim at developing linguistic skills, such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. Part of the lesson is also devoted to learning and practicing grammar, as well as vocabulary extension. Nevertheless, the importance of communication is stressed throughout the course. An emphasis is placed on real-life situations through role-plays, conversations, interviews and the like.

Lessons last 50 minutes.

• Group instruction
  The maximum number of student per class is 6. Classes are held from Monday to Friday, morning to afternoon. Classes begin every Monday, except for beginners who start every first Monday of the month.
  • Intensive: 20 lessons per week
    4 hours of group instruction per day.
  • Super intensive: 30 lessons per week
    6 hours of group instruction per day.

Accommodation

Homestay is a popular form of accommodation as it provides an opportunity to practice newly acquired language skills and allows for an insight into the Portuguese lifestyle. Portuguese people are known for their hospitality and our host families particularly enjoy meeting people from around the world and making students feel part of the family.

Families chosen by the school are friendly and only Portuguese is spoken in the household. A maximum of two students with different native languages are accommodated per family in single rooms (double room are available on requests for two persons booking a course together), breakfast is included. Towels and bedlinen are provided.

If you like, you can opt for half-board (additional fee, check our price table)

Accommodation in an apartment or hotel is also available. Please contact us for information.

Prices and Dates

The complete price structure for this programme is laid out in the table above.

Prices include:

• The chosen course programme
• Accommodation in a host family in a private room with breakfast, towels and sheets provided
  
• All registration and enrolment fees

Prices do not include:

• Transportation to and within Porto
• Airport-accommodation transfer (optional)

Dates 2012

Stays are from Sunday to Saturday. Courses start every Mondays except for complete beginners.

Complete beginners may begin on one of these following dates: 02/01, 30/01, 06/02, 05/03, 02/04, 30/04, 07/05, 04/06, 02/07, 30/07, 06/08, 03/09, 01/10, 29/10, 05/11 and 03/12.

The school is closed on national holidays (no compensation is provided): 01/01, 21/02, 06/04, 08/04, 25/04, 01/05, 07/06, 10/06, 24/06, 15/08, 05/10, 01/11, 01/12, 08/12, 25/12.

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport or train station: Porto
• An (optional) transfer is available between airport and accommodation - see price table.

If you prefer, we can book your flights for you. This must be made clear at the moment of enrolment.

If you intend to book your own flight, try to arrive the Sunday before the start of your course and leave the Saturday following its end.

Visa Information

EU residents do not normally need a Visa to enter Portugal.

Citizens of other countries, such as the USA, Brazil, Japan, Korea, etc, can stay in Portugal without a Visa for up to 3 months.

If you intend to stay for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa (type D) before arriving.

Students coming from such countries must acquaint themselves with the visa application procedures involved at their local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.