Favorites heart icon
Favorites heart icon
X
Back to CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon

Reviews of CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon, Portugal

Total number of reviews: 324
NOTE: All reviews are authentic. Only students who booked their course through us can publish evaluations here, and only after the end of their programme. These evaluations then are not manipulated in any way, neither by us nor by the school, and can be trusted as honest opinions about personal experiences with the school.

Average Rating

Based on 324 reviews of former students of CIAL Centro de Linguas
Overall rating
CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon, Portugal

Rating: 4.2

4.2 
City

Rating: 4.7

4.7 
Organisation

Rating: 4.2

4.2 
Facilities

Rating: 3.9

3.9 
Social activities

Rating: 3.9

3.9 
Quality of teaching

Rating: 4.4

4.4 
Value for money

Rating: 3.9

3.9 
Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4.0

4.0 
Shared Flat (apartment)

Rating: 3.9

3.9 
Other ---

Individual Reviews

CIAL Centro de Linguas
12. Mar. 2024
1. Yumi (20 years)  
101.Course: Combined 20 - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

17. Jan. 2024
2. Anita (58 years)  
102.Course: Standard Course + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

15. Jan. 2024
3.  (63 years)  
103.Course: Standard Course + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I would have liked to give a sixth star for the quality of the teaching. Both in the mornings (lessons from the book) and in the afternoons (consolidation, communication), the teachers were of the highest standard. The exchange with the other students (from Canada and France) was also very interesting.
Negative aspects
All good!
City/place
I know Lisbon from many previous visits, we have a flat nearby. That's why I'll skip this part of the evaluation.
19. Dec. 2023
4. Theo    Japan
104.Course: Standard Course [Portuguese] - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress
---
27. Nov. 2023
5.  (66 years)  
105.Course: Standard Course + Workshop [Portugiesisch] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Very personal atmosphere, competent teaching staff, challenging
Negative aspects
The classrooms were very, very cold in November
6. Nov. 2023
6.  (61 years)  
106.Course: Combined 20 [Portugués] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teachers.
City/place
Very cozy and comfortable to move around.
Accommodation
The house is very cozy and the room is very spacious and comfortable.
31. Jul. 2023
7.  (37 years)  
107.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The team is great!
Negative aspects
Not enough speaking practice at A1 level
City/place
Lisbon is a wonderful city
Quality of teaching / language progress
Super
27. Jul. 2023
8. Takanori    Japan
108.Course: Standard Course + Workshop [ポルトガル語] - 2 weeks

Overall rating
---
Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress
---
26. Jul. 2023
9. Natsumi    Japan
109.Course: Standard Course [Portuguese] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress
---
11. Jul. 2023
10. Diane   
110.Course: Combined 30 - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 5/5.0

3. Jul. 2023
11.  (51 years)  
111.Course: Standard Course [Portugais] - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The quality of the teachers and the friendliness of the staff.
Negative aspects
After-school activities.
City/place
Pleasant city to live in.
Accommodation
Tiny room.
25. May. 2023
12.  (58 years)  
112.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
It was my first time. Our teacher Ana was very good. She set a good pace. But she always made sure that everyone could keep up with the pace and always dealt with each person individually until everyone was back on the same level. Top.
Negative aspects
I can't think of any right now.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The school's activities programme.
City/place
A great city, with a very beautiful old town. Unfortunately, many others have already discovered this :-). It is very crowded. You can easily reach a lot on foot and everything else very cheaply by metro, bus, train or Uber. I really enjoyed living outside, close to the school, so I also got to know the "non" touristy Lisboa. I am still thrilled and it was definitely not the last time.
Quality of teaching / language progress
The test at the beginning put me in the right group, with a similar level of knowledge.
Accommodation
It is 2 metro stops to the school and a short 30 minute walk. The host mother is a very friendly woman who speaks fluent English and French. The room has a small balcony. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in the area.
17. Apr. 2023
13. Stella   
113.Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

6. Mar. 2023
14. Christiane  (63 years)  
114.Course: Standard Course + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 2/5.0

3. Oct. 2022
15.  (64 years)  
115.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Small school with very qualified and dedicated teachers. I would like to go to Faro next year to continue my learning for 2 weeks.
Negative aspects
The students were very young
City/place
Lisbon is beautiful...I'll be back.
Accommodation
It was an unforgettable experience with a lot of information about the history of Portugal.
27. Sep. 2022
16. Bernadette (50 years)  United States
116.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

27. Aug. 2022
17. Birger   Norway
117.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress
---
7. Mar. 2022
18.  (53 years)  
118.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I had a wonderful week of tuition at the school, everything was perfect for me and my needs. The staff at the school were very helpful and friendly and I felt well looked after every single moment. Thank you for the wonderful memories! I can definitely recommend the school.
City/place
A city to fall in love with!
6. Dec. 2021
19.  (64 years)  Germany
119.Course: Group + Workshop [Portuguese] - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Staff, friendliness of administration, combination of standard course in the morning and conversation in the afternoon
Negative aspects
Mask restrictions and language learning don't match. Traffic noise and open window requirements due to covid
12. Oct. 2021
20. Markus (31 years)  
120.Course: Group + Workshop + Private (5) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 5/5.0

4. Oct. 2021
21. Sebastian   Germany
121.Course: Group + Workshop + Private (5) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place
---
School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress
---
2. Aug. 2021
22.  (37 years)  United States
122.Course: Combined 20 - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Great experience.
Negative aspects
I would have preferred less focus on grammar and more focus on conversation during class.
24. Jun. 2021
23.  (31 years)  Portugal
123.Course: Online Lessons - Individual - Teacher Training (20 lessons) - 5 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)
---
Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Experienced teacher, well organized, interesting and personalized content.
Negative aspects
Lots of theory, lots of content within short time, sometimes not enough room for questions.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The teacher training is intense with lots of content, but also interesting, a little theoretical sometimes. The organization is better than at other language schools with lower prices.
City/place
NA - Online classes
Quality of teaching / language progress
online lessons
13. Feb. 2021
24.  (24 years)  
124.Course: Standard Course - 6 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The quality of the teachers, some really incredible people, working methods and tools.
Negative aspects
No heaters.
Other comments
Paolo is the best teacher in the world.
City/place
The best city I have visited !!! Small capital, full of charm, lots of things to do in the city and in the surrounding area. Amazing experience.
Quality of teaching / language progress
Class time goes from 3 hours to 1.5 hours of lessons if there are no other students enrolled.
21. Sep. 2020
25. Steffen (57 years)  
125.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

29. Jun. 2020
26. Gordana (50 years)  Croatia
126.Course: 3 lessons/day (1 lesson = 50 minutes), from 9:00h to 12:00h (Lisbon time).  - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

16. Mar. 2020
27.  (20 years)  
127.Course: Standard Course Portuguese  - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I got homework advice by email.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
It is important to be proactive.
Other comments
There are no shops around the school, so if you have afternoon classes, you should prepare something to eat.
City/place
Lisbon was a lovely city.
Quality of teaching / language progress
The teacher of the private lesson was late or fell asleep on the way.
Accommodation
I think it depends on the people I live in.
3. Dec. 2019
28.  (60 years)  
128.Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Very nice people and good opportunities to get to know fellow students. Because of the small size, a good sense of belonging quickly emerges. I always find it particularly good to meet people from other countries and cultures.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The excursions organized by the school are a good opportunity to get in touch with students from other classes.
Other comments
Highly Recommended. Won't be there for the last time.
City/place
Lisbon is an attractive and appealing place with a special flair. Here you can feel comfortable. The climate is still pleasant even in November.
Quality of teaching / language progress
Very competent teachers. Good teaching material. Classrooms are equipped with relatively small blackboards.
Accommodation
Very friendly, educated and helpful host who also took the time to talk to me. These were often held in Portuguese.
2. Dec. 2019
29. Manuela (43 years)  
129.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

28. Oct. 2019
30. Maria Teresa (68 years)  Italy
130.Course: Combined 20 - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

11. Oct. 2019
31. Gian Paolo (23 years)  
131.Course: Group + Workshop - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
---
Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

1. Oct. 2019
32. Raoul (31 years)  Germany
132.Course: Group + Workshop (Bildungsurlaub) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 2/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

27. Aug. 2019
33. Rosa María  (66 years)  Spain
133.Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) [Portugués] - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
---
25. Jun. 2019
34.  (66 years)  
134.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teacher
City/place
I love it
24. Jun. 2019
35. Gordana (49 years)  Croatia
135.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress
Great school. Would like to book another course next year same time.
Accommodation
Great school.
11. Mar. 2019
36. Mika (24 years)  Japan
136.Course: Group + Workshop [ポルトガル語] - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

26. Feb. 2019
37. Wilma (68 years)  
137.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

3. Dec. 2018
38.  (66 years)  
138.Course: Standard Course [Portugisiska] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Nice atmosphere
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Be on time in the mornings
Other comments
Important to have the right timing for course start date and exam
30. Nov. 2018
39.  (59 years)  
139.Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Good teachers, small groups, interesting leisure activities
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The leisure activities give the opportunity to get to know participants from other courses
Other comments
It was a lot of fun!
28. Nov. 2018
40.  (57 years)  
140.Course: Standard Course [Portugisiska] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teachers
Other comments
This is the second time I attend the course. My agency had not informed me about e.g the exam that took place on the third day. If so, I would have chosen to start the course a week earlier and could have moved to a higher level. Alternatively, I would only have taken individual lessons. There was no information about this from the agency. They could have asked what I felt I needed and what I had done in terms of my language learning since last year. Mondays at school will be half-hearted as new students arrive late in the groups after completing the level test. One day was cancelled because it was a holiday. It should have been clear when I booked. So, compared to last year I got a lot less this year. One day out of ten missed was something I was not prepared for. Messy Mondays where students came and went. The agency should know how the courses work and that the courses are per month.
27. Nov. 2018
41.  (58 years)  United Kingdom
141.Course: Standard Course [Portuguese] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Very friendly and excellent teachers.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
I did not stay with the school accommodation. I would suggest that it would have been better, as an opportunity to practice the language skills further.
Other comments
Social activities were great but were cancelled about 50% of the time.
6. Nov. 2018
42.  (32 years)  
142.Course: Group + Workshop [Portugués] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 1/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teacher and its dedication.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Choose to stay in a student's flat.
Other comments
The extra activities were very interesting, I recommend to join them, although unfortunately they are done in English, so they are not useful to practice Portuguese. You need to ask the teacher to use more Portuguese. The detection of the student's level in the school is not accurate (level tests only for some people, when everybody should take them) and sometimes the student remains in a too low level class; it is difficult to get the change of level; I need to complain several times to get the change.
28. Aug. 2018
43.  (53 years)  
143.Course: Standard Course [Portugees] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Great atmosphere, super enthusiastic, motivated teacher! With a passion for her profession
20. Aug. 2018
44.  (20 years)  
144.Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teachers explain the material well and are ready to work with each student to achieve maximum progress.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
When staying with a host family for a long time, be prepared for the fact that the same breakfast every morning (coffee and toast) will make you sick very soon, and you will have spend your money on morning meals as well...
Other comments
Awesome! I'm planning to come back!
6. Jul. 2018
45.  (27 years)  Netherlands
145.Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
the people behind the counters were really really nice. they know who you are and how long you are staying in town. They are friendly and helpful and make you feel very welcome in the school.
Negative aspects
- I don't think they should have teachers speaking in English / Spanish / other languages, but try to push students to talk Portuguese. - I think teachers should use the assignments in the books as guidelines, but also try to have students come up with sentences next to what is already written. In other words: don't read the same assignment 4 or 5 times, but practise role playing based on that assignment. If you are reading a text about introducing yourself, we can practise introducing ourselves. If you are reading a text about making a reservation in a hotel, we can practise reserving a table in a restaurant/ reserving cinema tickets etc. - teachers should not go through the book exercise by exercise (otherwise it's basically doing homework in a big group), but explain what the goal is from that day and then use some of the exercises to illustrate. That way the grammar is clearer and students would have an easier time knowing how things are done (it's more organised). - You really shouldn't sell private classes to new students on A1 level. The first class I got started with my teacher saying that we cannot really do anything. Basically we went through the book again and worked a bit ahead, but that only resulted in me being a bit bored afterwards in the group class. Better to start private lessons after 1 week or at least after a couple of days.
26. Jun. 2018
46.  (57 years)  
146.Course: One-to-One Course [Portugiesisch] - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization
---
Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
teacher
26. Feb. 2018
47.  (47 years)  
147.Course: Standard Course (3 Gruppenlektionen/Tag) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
central location and pleasant class times, my lecturer Virgilio
Other comments
Accommodation not rated, as I have not booked accommodation through CIAL
26. Feb. 2018
48.  (51 years)  
148.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 2/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 1/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 2/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The leisure activities: well organized, interesting, mostly at least half in Portuguese.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
the Jantar Fado (dinner + fado), the Museu de Agua (former water reservoir with aqueduct), the Casa do Alentejo (great building + nice waiters, good food). Miguel, in function as guide of the leisure activities.
Other comments
So the teachers know a lot, which often leads to them talking more than the participants. There is a lot of input (grammar) but little practice and usage. Most of the employees, especially Dora from the reception, are very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately no library for participants. But always a free room where you can do your homework in peace.
11. Jan. 2018
49.  (44 years)  
149.Course: Christmas or Easter Course [Portuguese] - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teachers were excellent with lots of experience, and there were some activities outside of class too, when enough people were interested. The school is not far from popular spots in Lisbon.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The student apartment was good for meeting other students as long as you're happy with sharing a modest but convenient student apartment.
Other comments
I never studied Portuguese before and started from the beginner level in the Christmas course where we covered a lot in a short space of time. The teacher balanced the levels and abilities of many students well.
10. Nov. 2017
50.  (56 years)  
150.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teaching methods
6. Sep. 2017
51. Aiko (40 years)  Germany
151.Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

31. Aug. 2017
52. Carolina (34 years)  Spain
152.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

26. Jul. 2017
53.  (58 years)  Austria
153.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The friendly atmosphere and the right pace of teaching
17. Jul. 2017
54.  (64 years)  
154.Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 2/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 1/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 2/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 1/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
meeting other students
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Discuss your expectations before you pay for the classes.
Other comments
I wanted useful phrases, learning that emphasized speaking, and using Portuguese. This class was only grammar, homework, and book learning. I'm very disappointed.
23. Apr. 2017
55. Theresa (21 years)  
155.Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 3/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 2/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

24. Mar. 2017
56.  (50 years)  
156.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 2/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 1/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 2/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 2/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
the friendly service by Dora at the reception, the historical explanations by the teacher Paolo
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
the cultural program with Miguel, a lunch in the downstairs restaurant around the corner, the Museu do Azulejo, the garden and the Museu de arte moderno the Gulbenkian Foundation
Other comments
I could improve my grammar, and learned a lot of new structures - but unfortunately hardly practiced or consolidated. Because the class is exclusively frontal; the classmates speak very little, if so then only one with the teacher, while the others listen/wait. Communicative and effective ways of working as group or pairs did not exist in my courses (2). Instruction is focused on tests. Practical learning objectives were neither formulated nor planned for. A didactic formation of the teachers would be advisable. In addition, I was assigned due to the placement test a B1 course . When I explained that I have been completed A1, I was assigned to an A1 course. After long explanations why A1, the padagogic manager finally admitted that there was no place in the A2 course and that I should be patient until next week. All in all, unfortunately I didn't learn as much as I planned and how it would have been possible.
14. Feb. 2017
57.  (26 years)  
157.Course: Group + Workshop - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The quality of teaching and the proposed activities
12. Dec. 2016
58.  (69 years)  Denmark
158.Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The well organized, systematic and friendly teacher + the small class (between 8 and 6 students) that I got to know well and with whom I had a nice coffee break every day in the café around the corner.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
If you are a beginner, go when the beginner course is starting to avoid too difficult a start.
Other comments
Fine correspondence between what you promised and what I got.
8. Nov. 2016
59.  (42 years)  France
159.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
well organized, all material to follow the course and answer particular questions (books, photocopies...) were given out by the teacher
Negative aspects
as negative point, I'd say that the breaks were too long. The 3h course in the morning was actually barely 2h15. Hence, the overall cost during the week is high as the actual working hours are fewer than expected.
30. Sep. 2016
60.  (29 years)  
160.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Pleasant atmosphere, to the point, no time loss
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Activities after classes have been nice to know the city and practice the language!
Other comments
I found that there was little difference between the classes in the morning and workshops in the afternoon. The workshop allowed more interactive for me.
29. Sep. 2016
61.  (33 years)  
161.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 2/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The lessons.
19. Sep. 2016
62.  (55 years)  
162.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Classmates.
19. Sep. 2016
63.  (27 years)  
163.Course: Group + Workshop - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I liked, that the teachers were very motivated and committed. It was also nice, that the group size of the courses was relatively small.
Other comments
Overall I can recommend the Cial. However, I wonder why the teachers don't earn very much, although the course is not exactly cheap.
24. Aug. 2016
64. Nicoletta (25 years)  
164.Course: Portuguese + Surf - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Shared Apartment

Rating: 4/5.0

2. Aug. 2016
65.  (30 years)  United Kingdom
165.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 3/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Established. Experienced teachers. International. Near metro station.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Practice, practice, practice!
Other comments
Thank you for organising Brazilian buffet night on Friday! My classroom in a separate block was noisy (traffic outside).
25. Jul. 2016
66. Angelina   
166.Course: Standard Course, 15 lessons - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

20. Jul. 2016
67. Elisa  (62 years)  Italy
167.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

23. May. 2016
68. Karla Lucia (22 years)  
168.Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

15. May. 2016
69. Roberto (34 years)  
169.Course: 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Other comments
Very nice, new building. Professional teachers.
4. Apr. 2016
70.  (45 years)  Hungary
170.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teacher was fantastic!
22. Feb. 2016
71. Jeremie (35 years)  
171.Course: Combined 3 + 2 (15 Group + 10 Individual) - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

15. Feb. 2016
72.  (49 years)  
172.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
From the organization to the classes to the leisure activities, everything was great! Very pleasant atmosphere
26. Jan. 2016
73.  (40 years)  United Kingdom
173.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Friendly and helpful teachers and staff
Other comments
Great trips organized which makes it ideal for social sightseeing
29. Dec. 2015
74.  (41 years)  United Kingdom
174.Course: Group + Workshop - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The extra activities, Dora the receptionist and professors Ana and Miguel
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
I would recommend one intensive week and then as many one-to-one lessons as you can afford.
Other comments
You should be able to switch or choose your teachers if you want or need, spending that kind of money. It's difficult to learn from someone if you don't like them or their style of teaching.
12. Nov. 2015
75.  (84 years)  Canada
175.Course: Group + Workshop - 8 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 2/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Cultural program was excellent However, the first group Portuguese class in which I was enrolled proved to be a disaster. One student interrupted the teacher and other students throughout the sessions, totally disrupting the class. As a result, our group fell badly behind and only one of the original 8 students passed the examination at the end of 4 weeks. At this point, I transferred to single lessons and not only caught up the work we missed the first month, but also passed that exam and the next one by the end of my second four weeks. Those students who stayed in the group class had a different teacher for two weeks, then passed the exam and got their old teacher back. As a result, they remained two weeks behind schedule and were less than happy with the last part of their class.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Be careful of enrolling in the group classes and workshop, as recommended -- you may get a good teacher in a good group, or you may get one who does not keep the class moving ahead on schedule. Seriously consider individual lessons, or getting a small group of 2 or 3 people together.
Other comments
The area is very noisy. At one classroom location, we had ambulances, police cars, and fire engines screaming past every few minutes. At the other, there frequently were jack-hammers and other building noises outside. When classes finished at different times, students in the hallways also contributed massively to the noise level.
28. Sep. 2015
76.  (27 years)  Israel
176.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Paulo and Verjilio my teachers
22. Sep. 2015
77. Yuki (21 years)  
177.Course: Combined 3 + 2 (15 Group + 10 Individual) - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

1. Sep. 2015
78.  (32 years)  Germany
178.Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 2/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Short distance to apartment. Good mixture of younger and older students. English possible if you are a beginner in Portuguese. Activities to get to know other students.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Get in touch with students at school. Most activities outside the school are organized in whatsapp groups aso.
Other comments
Pretty strict concept for group lessons. I would recommend one private lesson per Day for your own style of learning and faster progress. You must not take less than 4 weeks. 1 Level (e.g. A1) = 4 weeks. Otherwise it gets pretty stressful.
18. Aug. 2015
79.  (31 years)  
179.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teachers
Other comments
It is great.
10. Aug. 2015
80.  (67 years)  
180.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Good atmosphere, good location
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The Gulbenkian museum
3. Aug. 2015
81.  (50 years)  Netherlands
181.Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Knowledgeable teachers
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
One week is not enough. Also, if you want to get to know people, book at least two weeks.
23. Jun. 2015
82.  (24 years)  Netherlands
182.Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The location, the teachers, the students.
Other comments
Location in Lisbon was for me by far more fun than Faro, because there were more students and there was way more things to do.
16. Jun. 2015
83.  (51 years)  
183.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The teaching is very good (especially the teachers) and well structured; very good teaching material; rooms very nice - unfortunately only one week, so too little used ....
Other comments
Organization can be improved ... received no certificate of attendance on site (will be sent).
1. Apr. 2015
84.  (23 years)  
184.Course: Group + Workshop - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I loved the people there the most. The teachers were amazing. They were very sophisticated, know so many things (I was in awe in hearing Paulo's stories of his past jobs and experience) humorous, and just beautiful. Every week there would be new students, but the teachers knew how to welcome the new comers without changing the speed of teaching. Thus, it was good for both new comers and students who were there before. NOt only the teachers, the students there were very nice and ambitious. Perhaps because CIAL is not that cheap, students who go there are very interesting people with their diverse backgrounds. They were all humble, nice, and very caring.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
I would advice you to try to apply the course on the first week of the month if you are new to the language because that is when you start doing the workbook from the start. Since, portuguese was new to me, it was good that I went in the first week. Also, you learn a lot in just three weeks. You learn the basics in the first three weeks. (But, because I don't speak Spanish and I only know English and japanese, I cannot understand what the portugese people are saying etc)However, I think if I stayed there for another two months, I would have been able to speak more fluently and understand Portuguese .
Other comments
I am very happy I went to CIAL in lisbon. Everybody who was there all liked lisbon as well. It is a beautiful city. There are so many things to do. The night never sleeps in Lisbon as well. Everybody is very kind. If you do try to speak portuguese, they would make time to listen to you. My friends and I used to go to this one cafe shop a min away from the school during the breaks, and the waiter there would sometimes teach us simple portuguese. Also, many people there speak English which can be both pros and cons. I would recommend you to take some classes outside of school as well! It is very cheap to learn things in Lisbon. I went to the gym nearby the school and my other friends were learning yoga and going to dance classes (jazzy) I think this is good because you can interact with the local people more.
23. Mar. 2015
85. Dirk (63 years)  
185.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 3/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 3/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Other comments
I was in a group at a too high level, almost all of them spoke fluent Portuguese
16. Mar. 2015
86.  (66 years)  Sweden
186.Course: Standard Course - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay Executive

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Informal, swift proceedings
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
The get-together port wine tasting.
12. Feb. 2015
87.  (18 years)  
187.Course: Standard Course - 20 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay Executive

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The individually tailored lessons with nice and extremely competent teachers.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Visit the museum "Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian"
Other comments
Altogether a very pleasant and personal atmosphere.
5. Jan. 2015
88.  (52 years)  Germany
188.Course: Group + Workshop - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
very nice atmosphere
30. Dec. 2014
89.  (22 years)  France
189.Course: Standard Course  - 12 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay Executive

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The very nice teachers
29. Dec. 2014
90.  (28 years)  
190.Course: Standard 15 - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 4/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 3/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Student Residence

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
relaxed atmosphere, pleasant space.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
museums, old town!
Other comments
Openminded and hospitable teachers
15. Dec. 2014
91. David (43 years)  Belgium
191.Course: Group + Workshop - 3 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money
---
Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

24. Nov. 2014
92.  (63 years)  
192.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
the teacher
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Don't worry, just do it.
Other comments
very good language school and an immediate sense of home
10. Nov. 2014
93.  (65 years)  
193.Course: Group 3 + Individual 1 - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 3/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with the teachers.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
They should clearly illustrate the degree of differences between the courses + what it takes to move up the next time.
13. Oct. 2014
94.  (71 years)  
194.Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Very friendly, open atmosphere. Teachers as well as secretary's office extremely helpful.
24. Sep. 2014
95.  (48 years)  Canada
195.Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 5/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 2/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
Sunny classroom. A good mix of students of all ages from all around the world.
Other comments
It is not easy to practice Portuguese in Lisbon as almost everyone in the city - and even the receptionist at CIAL - will respond to us in English even when we address them in Portuguese.
9. Sep. 2014
96.  (56 years)  
196.Course: Privatunterricht 10 Lektionen - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
The outstanding individual support by the language teacher and their spontaneous willingness to specifically respond to my "learning needs". The recreational activities at school were also remarkably well organized and very instructive.
Insider tips about what future students should not miss
Not to miss the city of Lisbon with its multi-faceted architecture, its history, but also pubs and restaurants.
Other comments
It was my first contact with CIAL and I can recommend it with an easy conscience.
8. Sep. 2014
97.  (20 years)  
197.Course: Summer Group Course - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 5/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 4/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 5/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
the friendliness of the staff (teacher, secretary)
1. Aug. 2014
98. Hannah (18 years)  
198.Course: Combined 3 + 2 (15 Group + 10 Individual) - 1 week

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 3/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 4/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities
---
Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 4/5.0

21. Jul. 2014
99. Maria (38 years)  
199.Course: Combined 3 + 2 (15 Group + 10 Individual) - 2 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 4/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 3/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 3/5.0

18. Mar. 2014
100.  (29 years)  
200.Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks

Overall rating

Rating: 5/5.0

Value for money

Rating: 4/5.0

Detailed review
City/place

Rating: 5/5.0

School organization

Rating: 5/5.0

Facilities (library, classrooms)

Rating: 4/5.0

Social activities

Rating: 5/5.0

Quality of teaching / language progress

Rating: 5/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay

Rating: 4/5.0

Additional information
Positive aspects of school
I was impressed with the breadth of knowledge of the teachers. One is specialized in history, another is from Angora and so on. As I could hear the useful information not only of Portugal but also of what is happening in a Portuguese colony, I learned a lot.

Terms & ConditionsRefund PolicyPrivacy & CookiesAbout UsContact UsImprintReview & User Content PoliciesTrust & SafetyAffiliate ProgrammeAdd Your School
© 1999 - 2024 LanguageCourse S.L.