Portuguese course in São Paulo

Why learn Portuguese in São Paulo?

If you’re an urban dweller eager to learn Portuguese, look no further. São Paulo is a city of superlatives—it is Brazil’s largest city, the biggest Portuguese-speaking city in the world, and the wealthiest city in Latin America. It also features Brazil's tallest skyscrapers and hosts the largest Arab, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese communities. Its motto, Non ducor, duco – ‘I am not led, I lead’ – captures the essence of this vibrant metropolis, which is so expansive that it is often referred to as a ‘megalopolis’.

São Paulo is a global business hub, celebrated for its striking architecture, diverse cuisine, lively nightlife, and a packed calendar of events. There is always something happening here. If you seek an exciting urban experience while improving your Portuguese, you simply must enrol in a language course in São Paulo!

Before Portuguese colonisation, the area around modern São Paulo was inhabited by the nomadic Tupi people. Due to their lack of a writing system, little is known about their history, and sadly, few pre-colonial artefacts remain. When the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, the Tupi quickly integrated with the settlers, with many forming families together. The indigenous population played a crucial role in shaping the city we know today. The dual-heritage mamelucos, as they were called, were the original paulistanos and made up a significant portion of the bandeirantes, the renowned explorers who contributed to São Paulo’s prosperity.

The bandeirantes – or ‘flag-bearers’ – were essential to the city’s growth. Their expeditions into Brazil’s interior led to the discovery of gold in Minas Gerais, igniting the Brazilian Gold Rush. Their quest for resources transformed São Paulo from a struggling agricultural settlement into the richest city on the continent. These adventurers are commemorated by the impressive Monumento às Bandeiras in Ibirapuera Park. Those interested in this era and the subsequent period of Independence should not miss the Ipiranga Museum, located just 30 minutes from our language school.

The city truly flourished during the industrial age, and today, São Paulo boasts an incredibly rich cultural diversity. With 12,000 restaurants offering 62 different cuisines, a Japantown, and an Italian quarter, it is a haven for food lovers. The city is filled with museums, theatres, and playhouses that provide access to the arts, and it hosts numerous national and international sports events each year. The skyline, adorned with stunning skyscrapers, is a sight to behold. Despite its diverse population, Brazilian Portuguese remains the most widely spoken language in the city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a modern melting pot while honing their language skills in an authentic environment. This dynamic and colourful city is the ideal setting for an immersive course, promising an unparalleled experience!

About our São Paulo school

Our language school in São Paulo is situated in the affluent South Central district, specifically in Vila Mariana. This largely residential area is highly sought after for its relaxed bars, intriguing attractions, and excellent public transport connections. Vila Mariana boasts a diverse range of restaurants and cultural venues, including the Ipiranga Museum and Galeria Quarta Parede. The Sesc performing arts centre is an excellent spot to learn more about the city, enjoy a performance, or engage with local communities. Just 15 minutes from the school, the expansive Ibirapuera Park—South America’s most-visited urban park—provides a tranquil escape in the heart of this vibrant megacity.

Our lessons take place in a compact facility featuring six classrooms. This intimate setting fosters strong connections with both the teaching team and fellow students, ensuring a personalised learning experience. The school also includes a walled garden and two private terraces that can be used for classes when the weather permits. Additionally, there is a communal kitchen equipped with a microwave and fridge, as well as a secure area for bike storage. With numerous amenities nearby and public transport links just around the corner, you can easily explore São Paulo’s diverse neighbourhoods after class.

Founded in 2010, our school has over a decade of experience in teaching Portuguese to international students. We are a proud member of the Brazilian Association of Professional and Student Exchange (ABIPE), an organisation dedicated to promoting Brazilian culture and language worldwide. We also offer French and English classes to locals, providing you with opportunities to practice your Portuguese skills and engage in meaningful language exchanges between lessons. With these accreditations and our prime location in South America’s largest city, our school is an outstanding choice for your language immersion experience.

Location of our school in São Paulo

Accommodation

Our school in São Paulo does not currently arrange accommodation. Vila Mariana and the neighbouring area of Jardim Paulista have lots of hotels and guest houses which can be booked independently.

What activities are available in São Paulo?

As well as language classes, the school organises some activities for students. All of these are conducted in Portuguese, allowing you to maintain your immersion and to continue to learn through experience in real-life scenarios.

The activities are generally available free of charge, though some may incur an additional fee to cover entrance and/or transportation costs. The exact schedule changes throughout the year but may include:
- Guided tours
- Visits to local attractions such as museums and art galleries
- Meals and/or drinks with the class

You will be advised about any upcoming activities on the first day of your course.

How to get to our school in São Paulo

São Paulo is served by 3 airports; 2 are international and 1 caters only to domestic flights. The main airport for international visitors is São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor André Franco Montoro International, which is around 30 km away from Vila Mariana, where our language school is located.

We recommend that you arrive in São Paulo on the Sunday before your course begins and depart on the Saturday after it finishes.

Student stories on our blog

Study Exchange in São Paulo, Brazil

Just a month ago, I returned from a 6 month study exchange in Brazil. It was part of my studies as I had to follow courses related to the ones I followed back home. I could have done this at many partner universities in the world, but I chose to do this in São Bernardo do Campo. This is a city that is part of the greater São Paulo metropolitan area. Read more...