Sao Paulo ratings & opinions
How our students rated their experience in Sao Paulo
What our students said about Sao Paulo
São Paulo, despite its fame and bustling city life, is not a destination I would recommend for several reasons: 1. High Pollution Levels: One of the most pressing issues in São Paulo is the significant air pollution. The city’s dense traffic and industrial activities contribute to poor air quality, which can be a health concern, especially for those with respiratory issues. 2. Excessive Noise: The constant hum of traffic, construction, and urban activities creates a noise pollution problem in São Paulo. The relentless sounds of the city can be overwhelming, making it difficult to find peace and quiet. 3. Dangerous Driving Conditions: The roads of São Paulo are notorious for hazardous driving conditions. Overcrowded streets, aggressive drivers, and a high rate of traffic accidents make navigating the city by car a stressful experience. 4. Lack of Green Spaces: Compared to other major cities, São Paulo lacks sufficient natural green spaces. The dearth (shortage) of parks and nature reserves within the city limits means fewer opportunities for residents and visitors to escape the urban sprawl and enjoy nature. 5. Stressful Urban Environment: The combination of pollution, noise, crowded spaces, and the fast-paced nature of city life contributes to a generally stressful environment. This can be particularly taxing for visitors who are not accustomed to such intense urban settings. In conclusion, while São Paulo has its cultural and economic significance, these critical issues - pollution, noise, traffic dangers, lack of nature, and overall stress - make it a challenging place to visit for those seeking a more relaxed or healthier environment.
Norway
It is worth studying at school. Paulistas said that São Paulo was a dangerous city. I think that during the day it's not too risky. The air quality wasn't bad, and the people were kind. Next time I would like to drink coconut water.
Japan
I love this city…especially the friendly people and great food.
Most recent student reviews of language schools in Sao Paulo
1. Supportive Community: The staff and students at Aprenda2 create a welcoming and supportive environment. This positive atmosphere greatly facilitated my learning and made attending classes enjoyable.
2. Systematic Teaching Model: The course follows a well-structured teaching model, ensuring that each lesson builds logically on the previous one. This systematic approach was instrumental in my understanding and retention of the language.
3. Adaptive Teachers: The instructors are adept at tailoring their teaching to accommodate students at different proficiency levels. This adaptability was especially beneficial in addressing individual learning needs and ensuring that all students could follow along.
26 November 2023
Course: Intensive Portuguese - 5 weeks
Student age: 32 years
The brigadeiro made by Marina was great!
All the teachers were not only wise but also friendly and caring. I will recommend aprenda2 to my friends.
Thank you for everything!
17 May 2022
Course: Intensive Portuguese - 3 weeks
Student age: 56 years
Excellent interaction to build conversational skills.
27 December 2021
Course: Intensive Language Course 20 - 1 week
Student age: 75 years
Very nice staff. The teachers were very knowledgeable. I had to end the course early because I unexpectedly received a job offer in Germany. The school was very accommodating and only charged me for the hours I had teamed up and not the entire course that I had booked.
9 March 2021
Course: Intensive Portuguese - 1 week
Student age: 24 years
The building was clean, the teachers were lovely and I found the organisation of the school very good
22 March 2020
Course: Intensive Portuguese - 2 weeks
Student age: 37 years
I loved how friendly everyone there is and also that some teachers show you little restaurants near the school where you can eat together.
1 November 2018
Course: Intensive Language Course 20 - 2 weeks
Student age: 18 years
The teachers were very personable.
I left after 3 weeks as it was a total waste of time and money. I would not be able to recommend them. My concerns were brought to the school as well.
5 June 2017
Course: Intensive Language Course 30 - 4 weeks
Student age: 50 years
Information about Sao Paulo
Key Facts about Sao Paulo
- Price index excluding rent: 59* (41% cheaper than New York)
- Price index including rent: 50* (51% cheaper than New York)
- Price index food only:48* (52% cheaper than New York)
- Big Mac price (Brazil average):
21.53 BRL (17% cheaper than in USA)
- Residential voltage: 127 V / 220 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Weather in Sao Paulo
Events in Sao Paulo
26 March 2024 - 05 April 2024It's All True is the biggest documentary film festival in all of South America, it features screenings of Brazilian and foreign documentaries, debates and meetings.
07 June 2024 - 24 June 2024The month of June in Brazil, much as in Portugal, is a month full of celebrations. Street parties, concerts, dances, along with countless other activities are how people celebrate the Festas de São João.
13 June 2024 - 15 June 2024During two days in May, the Sónar Festival is held featuring electro music and multimedia, staging shows whose main topic is the alliance of music and technology.
09 September 2024The Gay Pride Parade in São Paulo is the Guinness World Record holder as the largest of its kind around the globe. With the support it receives from the Brazilian government, it really puts on a spectacular show: floats, costumes, dancers, music.
What to do in Sao Paulo
Arrival airport
Public transportation to city center:
Every 60 minutes, 50 minutes.
Main stops: Sao Paulo Int. Airport, Ayrton Senna Da Silva, Morvan Dias De Figuieredo, Santos Dumont, Tiradentes, Prestes Maia, Bandeira
Every 10 minutes, 50 minutes.
Main stops: Av.Washington Luíz 6200, Terminal Pq.D.Pedro II + Terminal.Pq.D.Pedro II, Parada 3 - Senador Feijó
Taxi: 25 minutes drive to city center of Sao Paulo
FAQ about schools in Sao Paulo
- Do you have conversation classes in Sao Paolo?“We currently have no specific conversation courses in Sao Paolo, so you can either take part in a standard course where the focus is on all four language skills (speaking, writing, listening and reading) or book specialised private lessons where you can choose to focus more on speaking.
”Louise Granath, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Nov 22, 2023Other destinations that were popular to combine with courses in Sao Paulo
Rio de Janeiro6 schoolsSalvador3 schoolsDidn't find what you are looking for?Interested in a specific type of course? See our reviews of Portuguese courses & camps for teenager and children in Sao Paulo or other 10 different Portuguese course types in Sao Paulo.Interested in language travel to other cities? Have a look at Portuguese language schools in other cities in Brazil such as Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, Maceio, Olinda, Rio de Janeiro ..., Salvador or see our list of all schools in Brazil. You may also want to consult options outside Brazil for learning Portuguese.Show more