Learn Portuguese in Lisbon & discover a beautiful city known for its relaxed way of life, mediterranean climate and cafe culture.
Our school in Lisbon
Our Portuguese language school in Lisbon is ideally located in the centre of Lisbon, close to the Saldanha Square. The school occupies a building with 18 classrooms, and is equipped with TV and audio-visual facilities, a student room, and kitchen where you can make drinks and snacks during lesson breaks. Free wireless Internet access is available throughout the school.
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Lisbon
Learn Portuguese in Lisbon and discover Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly capital. This beautiful city is located on the Western coast of Portugal and stretches along the banks of the River Tejo, towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Lisbon is full of history and culture, and anyone who wants to learn the Portuguese language in this fascinating city, will find something to see and do. As the city edges away from the river's banks, visitors will find a maze of cobbled streets and limestone buildings leading towards key attractions such as the imposing São Jorge Castle, where you will find amazing views over the city. Approaching the heart of Lisbon you will find the city's main street, the Avenida da Liberdade, a wide boulevard lined with leafy trees, upmarket hotels and designer shops.
Well known for its relaxed way of life, mediterranean climate and cafe culture Lisbon is a great city to explore at leisure, of course stopping along the way for a traditional 'pastel de nata' or two in one of the many pavement cafes!
Courses in Lisbon
Available courses
At our Lisbon school, you can learn Portuguese on our popular Intensive course consisting of 20 lessons per week. This course is open to all language levels, all year-round, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Classes run from 9:00 to 12:40 Monday to Friday, with a 20 minute break from 10:30 to 10:50, and you can choose to study on a programme from 1 to 36 weeks. With a maximum of 8 students per class (with some seasonal exceptions), you’ll benefit from personalised attention in a friendly, communicative and interactive environment, enhancing your learning experience.
All group language courses in Lisbon include a textbook, access to social activities, and are open to students aged 18 and over. Each Portuguese lesson lasts 50 minutes, with the Intensive course providing four lessons per day.
Chose the Super Intensive course with an additional workshop lesson each day from 13:30 to 14:20. This programme therefore consists of 25 lessons per week. Topics for the extra workshop lesson include conversation, vocabulary drills, grammar practice, presentations, role-playing, and other activities chosen by the students in class.
Alternatively, you can combine the interactive Intensive Group Course in the morning with private one-to-one lessons in the afternoon-an ideal option for those looking to further develop their oral language skills, review morning lessons, or focus on a specific professional field. This programme, called Intensive + Private Lessons combines the Intensive course above plus 5 or 10 private Portuguese lessons each week. The content and schedule of the private lessons are flexible, tailored to meet each student’s specific requirements.
If personalised, one-to-one Portuguese lessons are preferred, or if you just require a more highly tailored programme, then choose Private Lessons for a customised course designed specifically for you with help from our teachers! Private Portuguese lessons are available year-round, with flexible start dates and durations. We typically offer 20 or 25 private lessons each week, but please contact us if you need additional flexibility.
In addition to our standard Portuguese language courses, our school in Lisbon also offers a Teachers’ Course which is aimed at those teaching Portuguese as foreign language. This course is designed for both native and non-native teachers of Portuguese as a Foreign Language, working in public or private institutions within or outside of Portugal. It is offered four times a year. We can also arrange a custom teachers' course on any start date, provided at least four students book together.
You can also book a Portuguese and Surfing course in Lisbon, known as Intensive + Surfing which combines 40 Portuguese lessons with 5 surf lessons over a two week period. This programme is also available for four weeks and 10 surf lessons, with the option to add additional lessons if desired. Surf lessons take place in the afternoon and are subject to weather and sea conditions. The course fee includes transportation to and from the surf beaches, as well as all necessary equipment (wetsuit and surfboard).
Finally, our school offers special group courses with unique lesson schedules and activities in both our Christmas Course and Easter Course. During these holiday periods, a seasonal programme of activities is available. Additionally, each two-week course includes two public holidays, which are reflected in a reduced price for exceptional value!
Special courses in Lisbon
Accommodation
Available accommodation
For a fully immersive experience in Lisbon, we highly recommend choosing Host Family accommodation. With this option, you’ll have a private bedroom and enjoy daily breakfast as part of your stay, while your evenings are free to explore local restaurants and Lisbon’s seasonal events. Living with native Portuguese speakers allows you to practice your language skills outside the classroom in a natural, relaxed setting. Hosts provide bed linens and towels, and you’ll share a bathroom with the host family and any other students in the home. Laundry is not included, but hosts are happy to recommend nearby laundry services.
For a more social environment with a little more independence in Lisbon, consider staying in a Shared Apartment. The school offer a couple of apartment options, each with private bedrooms and shared common areas, including a kitchen, bathroom(s), lounge, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Located just a 15-minute walk from the school, these excellent value apartments allow easy access to both classes and city attractions. Rooms are self-catering, providing the flexibility to cook your own meals, and include bed linens, towels, and laundry facilities. A €100 cash security deposit is required upon arrival and refunded at departure if the apartment is left in good condition.
If you are staying for two weeks or more between February and August then you also have the option of a self-contained Studio in Residence in Lisbon. These premium studio apartments can be found in a student residence that the school uses, just a short 10 minute walk from the school, so you’ll never be far from other students in the city! The studios are equipped with an ensuite private bathroom, a fully fitted kitchen, air conditioning, TV and 100Mb Wi-Fi.
If you prefer, you are welcome to book just your tuition with us and arrange your own lodging in Lisbon.
Please contact us if you’d like further information about any of the above options.
Activities
Our Lisbon school in Portugal offers an exciting monthly programme of activities in Lisbon, designed to immerse students in Portuguese culture outside the classroom. Students can combine their Portuguese course with the chance to learn about Portuguese culture and history and sample the best that Lisbon has to offer with the optional activities programme! Each week, the school hosts social events such as movie screenings and lectures, giving students the chance to explore Portugal’s art, history, and current affairs. Guided visits to museums and iconic monuments showcase Lisbon’s rich heritage, providing insights into the city’s storied past with expert commentary from experienced guides. These activities create a unique cultural learning experience that complements language lessons, helping students gain a deeper understanding of Portuguese life.
To further connect students with local culture, our school organises evening outings to traditional bars, authentic Portuguese dinners, and wine tastings, offering a taste of the country’s renowned cuisine and hospitality. There are also regular outings to live music events, including “arraiais” and live fado shows, where students can experience Lisbon’s music scene. Additionally, Saturday half-day excursions allow students to visit nearby landmarks and scenic locations, offering an enriching weekend experience. These activities make language learning in Lisbon not only informative but also enjoyable, creating a well-rounded, memorable stay.
Through a partnership with a local surf school, students in Lisbon can enjoy surf lessons alongside their language course. Accredited instructors from the Portuguese Surfing Federation guide students in afternoon sessions at local beaches, with transportation, equipment, and insurance included. Lessons, which last a full afternoon, are scheduled based on sea conditions and can also be arranged on weekends.
How to get there
Public transport connections from the airport in Lisbon to the city centre are very good. However, if you would prefer, our Lisbon school can arrange a transfer from the airport, directly to your accommodation.
Location of our school in Lisbon
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Student reviews & feedback
Semi Intensive + Private lessons
Course was amazing. Course book included in price, and group sessions and private lessons have given me such a boost to help me remember everything I had forgotten + learn new things in just one week!
- L. Jackson
Semi Intensive + Surfing with Shared Apartment
The course content was very good but would be suited to someone with a solid foundation of Portuguese.
My accommodation was clean, tidy and very central.
- J. Conroy
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
The course was professionally run. It was interesting to meet other students from around the world at the language school.
Accommodation was very well located within walking distance of the school, shops, restaurants and parks. The room was small but adequate.
- T. Magg
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
Everything was perfect. The teachers were very professional and friendly.
Accommodation was perfect too and Margarida Costa was very friendly too.
I am really very satisfied about everything. It was a great experience!
- J. L Berchoux
Super Intensive 25
The school is run very professionally. The course structure is clear, the teachers I had were excellent, entertaining and very helpful. The course material and the class room equipment were of high standard. I was a complete beginner and will want to return for A2 and B1 grades
- J. Pezier
Super Intensive 25
Everything about the course was good. The only thing that could be better is to have one professor per course. In my case, I was moved around every week and it was bothersome because the second I got settled in and adjusted to the teaching method of a professor, my colleagues and I were transferred again.
- J. Kim
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
Teacher was helpful and committed. She was also very nice. I would definitely recommend the school. Staff was brilliant! My host was also nice, friendly and helpful. Bedroom/bathroom was clean and matched my standards.
I will recommend Apple Language Course. I will come back.
- P. Dufourcq
Semi Intensive
Great teachers and fun experience with other students!
- R. Atwater
I really enjoyed my time on the course, it was a very good experience. The accomodation was also very good and my hosts were very kind to me. The school and Apple Languages are excellent organisations.
- D. Melville
I have enjoyed my week at the school, and have decided to continue with my lessons. I like my teacher and am continuing to use her for my twice-weekly lessons, and am hoping to stay at the school until at least the end of the year. Thank you.
- C. Byers
It was one of the most amazing experience of my life, and I am 100% convinced that there is no better method to learn a language than there where it is spoken!
My host family was wonderful, discreet and helpful. I had a very clean room and bathroom of my own, with all the facilities (TV, Fridge, etc.), at 5 minutes of walk from teh school. Excellent!
- A. Poglio
Teacher was excellent and class size was small, which was good. The school responded flexibly and creatively by bringing in an extra teacher to teach the 4 of us who didn't fit into the usual experience levels (we were all self-taught to various degrees), which was great.
- R. Patterson
I had a wonderful 4 months in the beautiful city of Lisbon. The school was situated in the middle of the city and was very accessable. The teachers and school was brilliant and I would definately recommend anyone wishing to learn Portuguese to go to this school.
- A.
Semi Intensive
The staff of the school are amazing. The two teachers I had where excellent, they were eager to anwser all the questions you have, not only about the language but also about the country. I really appreciate the daily program in the afternoon. I really learned at lot, Thank you.
- M. Emmelmann
Semi Intensive with Host Family
Not only did I progress in Portuguese but they made me love the language. Now I continue learning for pure pleasure.
- J. Surroca
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
My course was very intensieve, but very good. The teachers where very good and I learned alot and had a great time.
I stayed in a good, clean host family and the people were nice and lived there own live.
- F. Leenders
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
I really enjoyed learning Portuguese at this school. The teachers are very dedicated and always well prepared. Classes are not too big. Only a small number of students are enrolled during the winter months which makes learning Portuguese even more fun and more effective. I plan on coming back this year in order to enhance my language skills. My accommodation was located within 10 minutes walking distance from the school. A supermarket, cash machine and laundrette were also nearby. My three flatmates were very nice, too.
- K. May
Super Intensive 25 with Host Family
The course was great. Teacher was patient, helpful, and really cared about the students. I will use this language school again in the future. One of the best I have used. Stayed with a host nation family. Accommodations were great. This experience allowed me to practice what I learned in school and be completely immersed in the langauage.
- C. Gates
As I was the only student, it was very intensive, but the teacher was very good to change the learning when I was loaded with information.
- J. Ravnkilde Lillie
I took private lessons, which were very good but wished I could have stayed longer. My accommodation was close to the school with a friendly couple.
- S. Gabioud
I thought the course was beneficial for improving my understanding of Portuguese grammar. I certainly improved my pronunciation of Portuguese in the short time I was there. The teachers were kind and helpful and gave me insights into Portuguese culture.
- M. Noonan
The school was perfect for my needs - I cannot wait to go back and continue with my classes. My profesor was so patient and also sensitive to the needs of the students. It helps that he makes learning very interesting. His sense of humor helped a lot as well. My host was like family to me. She went above and beyond being a dona de casa. She was like a 2nd mother. It was also great because the immersion experience to the Portuguese language helped me a lot to improve my communication.
- K. Maggert
A high level language course combined with a well balanced cultural programme and friendly and responsive staff.
- P. Balabanov
The quality of the course was excellent, with very friendly and highly qualified staff. My host family was very welcoming and friendly. It was a great experience living with a host family, as it enabled me to meet people from the host country and it was a great way to practice the language too. Excellent organisation from start to finish. I would recommend Language Courses Abroad to anyone: friends, family or even colleagues.
- D. Da Costa
The school is OK, it's centrally located and close to the tube station. Teachers are nice and helpful! I would recommend it!
- F. Pasinelli
The three hour morning course was excellent. I would repeat this. My host was a delightful lady.
- J. Clinch
I found that the language school was well organised and the teachers were very professional, and also most helpful and encouraging. The teaching materials were very good. The school had a good programme of additional activities for the students including sightseeing visits, a film and a dinner.
- T. Allerhand
Great loved it, learned a lot. Our hosts were very friendly and welcoming, looked after us very well.
- A. Laming
The teachers were so friendly, helpful and pushed us into talking Portuguese very gently. The pace was good, a really fun mix of grammar and just chatting. The woman I was staying with was amazing!! I was really sad to leave her behind. She went out of her way to make me feel at home, but also left me to do my own thing. She didn't mind what time I came home as long as I told her I was going out and she put in a conscious effort to speak Portuguese with me as she knew this was my aim.
- A. Byrne
The course was a real pleasure, though quite a hard work. The teacher was friendly and qualified who managed to motivate and was really successful in doing so.
- L. Keska
The main tutors we had were both excellent,very professional, good communicators, knew the challenges of teaching Portuguese to foreigners and were friendly and encouraging. I stayed with a very friendly lady in comfortable and clean accommodation. I wish I could have stayed longer.
- Y. Bosman
I had an excellent teacher.
- P. Willett
Both the course of Portuguese in Lisbon and Apple Languages' help in the whole process has been terrific, so I would not doubt about looking for more language courses abroad with Apple Languages.
- A. De La Loma
The course was personal, with good teachers, good facilities, the combined course is perfect for a one week stay.
- A. De Groot
The course was excellent and quite intensive, the teachers I in particular had were really capable, the teaching materials were well-chosen and sufficient, and the atmosphere in general was very good.
- V. Paunova
Starting from scratch I had my doubts about what can be done in only five days, and I'm pleasantly surprised to find that we really managed to learn a lot - in a usable way. Big credit to the school and teacher. I couldn't have wished for a kinder host.
- G. Van Zwieten
I really wish I could have stayed longer than a week! Sadly, my work commitments prevented me from doing so. Even though it was only 1 week, I feel that already I have made significant improvements in my Portuguese and have learnt new grammar which my teacher in England has not yet covered. Special thanks to my teacher, she was excellent! I could not have wished for a better family to stay with. I arrived very late in the evening, tired after a long afternoon of travel and they were very welcoming. They really helped me to progress in Portuguese and made me feel part of the family. I will miss them very much and if the opportunity arose, I would love to stay with them again if I do another week or so on the course next year. They were also very complimentary about my level of Portuguese and encouraged me to speak without feeling afraid or embarrassed to make mistakes. I had the most fantastic, unforgettable week of my life. I have made new friends who I will keep in touch with by e-mail. I hope to go back next year to do a further course. Thanks to everyone who made this week a pleasant and unique experience. I will probably try the school at Faro next year.
- S. Rudman
I was very satisfied wwith this course and the teachers.
- C. Vigneron
The course and tuition were great. I also appreciated the excursions and activities programme. My accommodation was very good, very, very convenient and comfortable, and my host was very kind and friendly.
- J. Manley
I was lucky enough to be in very small groups throughout, the teachers were always great and I learnt an awful lot. It was so beneficial for me, within 3 months at the school, I learned more than I did in 2 years at uni! I lived with a lovely lady and her dog and she couldnt have been more helpful. At one point I was ill for 5 days and in bed the whole time and she made sure I ate 3 times a day (even when I didn't want to!)
- L. Cryan
School statistics
Nationality (%)
France (8)
Germany (26)
Holland (3)
Italy (9)
Norway (3)
Other (27)
Spain (5)
Switzerland (6)
Uk (5)
Usa & canada (8)
Average Student Numbers
Student stories on our blog
Lisbon as seen from a Portuguese point of view…
Before you ask if this article was written by a Portuguese person, yes, it was. Is it still going to be impartial? Well, I will try to be!
To start with, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the few European capitals that can be proud of having the sea just a couple of minutes away. It is consequently the most populous city in Portugal, offers lots of things to do and is definitely worth visiting!
Read more...Prices for Lisbon
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Company Number: 08311373
