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❮ All Portuguese schools in Lisbon
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CIAL Centro de LinguasLisbon, Portugal

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

329 students - overall rating
Rua Actor Taborda 55 - 3rd floor - 1000-007 Lisbon - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Cultural and social activities are included in the course price.
  • Small class sizes
  • Every afternoon free organized leisure activities for adults

Location: CIAL Centro de Linguas Lisbon is one of the oldest Portuguese language schools in the city of Lisbon, Portugal. The school is housed on 2 floors of a classified art déco building in the Saldanha neighbourhood. The surrounding area is ripe with shopping malls, convenience stores, supermarkets, links to public transport and several green spaces. Within walking distance of the school are the Parque Eduardo VII, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, several miradors to look over the city and the Fonte Luminosa.

Portuguese Courses

Show details of all courses
Typical content of a language course
General Language
Standard CoursePopular Portuguese course
This course tends to sell out quickly!
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
299€285€ / week
Course Details
Standard Course + WorkshopRecommended Portuguese courseMost Popular Portuguese course
In high demand!
25 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
499€475€ / week
Course Details
Easter and Christmas Course
20 lessons per week | 12 students (max)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
250€238€ / week
Course Details
Combined 25
This course tends to sell out quickly!
25 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
499€475€ / week
Course Details
Combined 30
30 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
699€665€ / week
Course Details
Combined 35
35 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
899€855€ / week
Course Details
Online
Online One-to-One Lessons 10
10 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
350€333€ / week
Course Details
Online One-to-One Lessons 20
20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
700€665€ / week
Course Details
Online Two-to-One Lessons 10
10 lessons per week | 2 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
450€428€ / week
Course Details
Online Two-to-One Lessons 20
20 lessons per week | 2 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
900€855€ / week
Course Details
Private
One-to-One Course
20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
800€760€ / week
Course Details
Two-to-One Course
20 lessons per week | 2 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
1000€950€ / week
Course Details
Work & Study
Portuguese + Internship
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
299€285€ / week
Course Details
Portuguese + Volunteering
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
260€247€ / week
Course Details
Language Plus Activity
Portuguese + Surf
Only limited places left for the summer months!
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
50 min/lesson
All levels
Offer!from
379€361€ / week
Course Details
Specialty Courses
Teacher Training Course
30 lessons per week | 12 students (max)
50 min/lesson
Minimum level: Upper intermediate (B2) or higher
Offer!from
300€285€ / week
Course Details

Our prices for CIAL Centro de Linguas include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program

Videos & Photos

  • CIAL school building
    CIAL school building1/8
  • Expert advice
    Expert advice2/8
  • On the terrace
    On the terrace3/8
  • Heading out into the surf
    Heading out into the surf4/8
  • Out over the horizon
    Out over the horizon5/8
  • Friends for life
    Friends for life6/8
  • CIAL reception
    CIAL reception7/8
  • Learning in Lisbon
    Learning in Lisbon8/8

Student opinions about CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Overall school rating of
CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon
329 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.6 

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Facilities
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Organisation
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Value for money
3.9 

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (1 rating)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (89 ratings)
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Students 31-49 years (84 ratings)
4.4 

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Students 50+ years (99 ratings)
4.3 

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
63 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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.”
Disliked
“All good!”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course + Workshop - 1 week
Review date: 15. Jan. 2024 by Jürgen Schimanski
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
25 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“It was the best experience ever! I stayed share apartment and I absolutely loved it! Everyone was so sweet I made so many friends we had so much fun staying together and helping each other.. location is amazing our teacher Miguel was a gem.. looking forward to come back soon.”
Disliked
“There is nothing I didn't like.”
Details of the review
Course: Portuguese + Surf - 4 weeks
Review date: 9. Oct. 2024 by Mine Albayrak
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
53 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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.”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 7. Mar. 2022 by Julia Astuto
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
33 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Plenty of social activities, so no chance of getting lonely. I was not totally happy with the level of the classes, but the two teachers I had did everything they could to adapt to my needs, which I appreciated it. All of them were very friendly.”
Details of the review
Other comments lack of computer access
Course: Combined: Group 3h/day, indiv. 1h/day - 2 weeks
Review date: 7. Dec. 2006 by Kate Higgins
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
58 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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.”
Disliked
“I can't think of any right now.”
Insider tip: “The school's activities programme.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: The test at the beginning put me in the right group, with a similar level of knowledge.
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 25. May. 2023 by Alexander Stoffel
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
60 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“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 tip: “The excursions organized by the school are a good opportunity to get in touch with students from other classes.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Very competent teachers. Good teaching material. Classrooms are equipped with relatively small blackboards.
Other comments Highly Recommended. Won't be there for the last time.
Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks
Review date: 3. Dec. 2019 by Manfred Bär
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
60 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The test in advance got me exactly into the course, where I did well. All school staff, teachers and administration knew who they were talking to at all times, it was very familiar and I felt comfortable.”
Disliked
“I can't think of anything.”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course + WorkshopStandard Course + Workshop [Portugiesisch] + 1 hour/day of oriented work ( - 1 week
Review date: 6. Jun. 2024 by Monika Bellmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
69 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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 tip: “If you are a beginner, go when the beginner course is starting to avoid too difficult a start.”
Details of the review
Other comments Fine correspondence between what you promised and what I got.
Course: Standard Course - 4 weeks
Review date: 12. Dec. 2016 by Dorte Stig Madsen
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
44 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“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 tip: “The student apartment was good for meeting other students as long as you're happy with sharing a modest but convenient student apartment.”
Details of the review
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.
Course: Christmas or Easter Course [Portuguese] - 2 weeks
Review date: 11. Jan. 2018 by Peter Ungsunan
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
27 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“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.”
Disliked
“- 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.”
Details of the review
Course: Combined 3 + 1 (15 Group+ 5 Individual) - 1 week
Review date: 6. Jul. 2018 by marlieke stolk
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
65 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Very interesting lessons with lots of opportunities for conversation in the afternoon workshop. The class composition is international.”
Disliked
“Unfortunately, I was only assigned to one course, which was too easy for me as there was probably no other course on at the time. It was OK for one week, but there should be more on offer next time.”
Insider tip: “The afternoon workshops offer an opportunity for conversation.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: The level of the course was too low for me.
Other comments A highly recommended school with nice teachers and staff.
Course: Standard Course + Workshop - 1 week
Review date: 13. Nov. 2024 by Manfred Bär
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
27 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“I liked, that the teachers were very motivated and committed. It was also nice, that the group size of the courses was relatively small.”
Details of the review
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.
Course: Group + Workshop - 4 weeks
Review date: 19. Sep. 2016 by Konrad Joachim Haase
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
42 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Well organized, all material to follow the course and answer particular questions (books, photocopies...) were given out by the teacher”
Disliked
“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.”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 8. Nov. 2016 by Oscar Fernandez
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
64 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Small school with very qualified and dedicated teachers. I would like to go to Faro next year to continue my learning for 2 weeks.”
Disliked
“The students were very young”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 3. Oct. 2022 by Josee Roy
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
64 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Staff, friendliness of administration, combination of standard course in the morning and conversation in the afternoon”
Disliked
“Mask restrictions and language learning don't match. Traffic noise and open window requirements due to covid”
Details of the review
Course: Group + Workshop [Portuguese] - 4 weeks
Review date: 6. Dec. 2021 by Markus Heinzmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
20 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The teachers explain the material well and are ready to work with each student to achieve maximum progress.”
Insider tip: “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...”
Details of the review
Other comments Awesome! I'm planning to come back!
Course: Standard Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 20. Aug. 2018 by Tatiana Silantieva
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
24 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The teacher Fátima was really nice and helpful. The lessons were on a challenging and good level!”
Disliked
“No weaknesses.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Really good, the teacher Fátima explained everything very well.
Course: Online One-to-One Lessons - 1 week
Review date: 31. Jul. 2024 by Karen Nieuwenhuizen
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
50 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“The friendly service by Dora at the reception, the historical explanations by the teacher Paolo”
Insider tip: “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”
Details of the review
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.
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 24. Mar. 2017 by Thomas Topp
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
53 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Great atmosphere, super enthusiastic, motivated teacher! With a passion for her profession”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course [Portugees] - 2 weeks
Review date: 28. Aug. 2018 by Nancy Stam
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
51 years
Overall rating
3.0

Rating: 3/5.0

Liked
“The leisure activities: well organized, interesting, mostly at least half in Portuguese.”
Insider tip: “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.”
Details of the review
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.
Course: Standard Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 26. Feb. 2018 by Thomas Topp
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
24 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The quality of the teachers, some really incredible people, working methods and tools.”
Disliked
“No heaters.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: Class time goes from 3 hours to 1.5 hours of lessons if there are no other students enrolled.
Other comments Paolo is the best teacher in the world.
Course: Standard Course - 6 weeks
Review date: 13. Feb. 2021 by Julia Debieuvre-Lambert
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
41 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The new layout, the quality of the teaching and the overall welcoming feeling.”
Details of the review
Course: Combined: Group (3hrs) + Individual (1hr) - 4 weeks
Review date: 1. Oct. 2009 by Andrew Barnett
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
31 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Experienced teacher, well organized, interesting and personalized content.”
Disliked
“Lots of theory, lots of content within short time, sometimes not enough room for questions.”
Insider tip: “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.”
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: online lessons
Course: Online Lessons - Individual - Teacher Training (20 lessons) - 5 weeks
Review date: 24. Jun. 2021 by Marwa Serage
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
30 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Established. Experienced teachers. International. Near metro station.”
Insider tip: “Practice, practice, practice!”
Details of the review
Other comments Thank you for organising Brazilian buffet night on Friday! My classroom in a separate block was noisy (traffic outside).
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 2. Aug. 2016 by Matthew Lee
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
66 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Very personal atmosphere, competent teaching staff, challenging”
Disliked
“The classrooms were very, very cold in November”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course + Workshop [Portugiesisch] - 2 weeks
Review date: 27. Nov. 2023 by Susann Dr. Bresslein
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
47 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Central location and pleasant class times, my lecturer Virgilio”
Details of the review
Other comments Accommodation not rated, as I have not booked accommodation through CIAL
Course: Standard Course (3 Gruppenlektionen/Tag) - 1 week
Review date: 26. Feb. 2018 by Christa Geltermair
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
51 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“The quality of the teachers and the friendliness of the staff.”
Disliked
“After-school activities.”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course [Portugais] - 3 weeks
Review date: 3. Jul. 2023 by Wend-Waoga Christiane Belemvire
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
59 years
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
“Good teachers, small groups, interesting leisure activities”
Insider tip: “The leisure activities give the opportunity to get to know participants from other courses”
Details of the review
Other comments It was a lot of fun!
Course: Group + Workshop - 2 weeks
Review date: 30. Nov. 2018 by Manfred Bär
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
58 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“The friendly atmosphere and the right pace of teaching”
Details of the review
Course: Standard Course - 1 week
Review date: 26. Jul. 2017 by Christa Wenninger
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
28 years
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
“Good teachers, very qualified and enjoyable lessons!”
Details of the review
Course: Standard
Review date: 23. Mar. 2004 by
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
See all reviews of CIAL Lisbon

Ratings of CIAL Centro de Linguas compared to ratings of all schools in Portugal

 CIAL Centro de Linguas LisbonAverage of all other schools in Portugal
Overall school rating4.3

Rating: 4.3/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Location of the school4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

4.9

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Facilities3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0

Social activities4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Organisation4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Quality of teaching4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

4.6

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Value for money4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Homestay4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Shared flat4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

CIAL Centro de Linguas (CIAL)

“We look forward to welcoming you to CIAL. It will be an unforgettable experience of cultural immersion and fun learning meeting people from around the world.”
Alexandra Borges de Sousa
– 
Alexandra Borges de Sousa
, 
Director of CIAL Centro de Linguas
Accreditations and Quality seals
EAQUALSIALCPreferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalInstituto Camões, DGERT
Portuguese teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Student gender mix
41% male / 59% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at CIAL Centro de Linguas and you book here.
Year of school foundation
1959

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Drink vending machine

  • Computer lab

  • Library

  • Daily press

  • Free after-class access to language learning software

  • Movie room

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Copy machine

  • Free water dispenser

  • Free WIFI

  • Smoking zones (outdoors)

  • Paid parking (<500m)

  • Classroom equipment

    • TV in some classrooms

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 14
    • Number of public PC workstations: 4
Additional comment about facilities of school
* Vending machine with hot drinks.

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
Student Nationality Percentage of students
Germany 28%
England 9%
Italy 6%
Switzerland 6%
France 6%
USA 6%
Netherlands 4%
Spain 4%
Sweden 2%
Japan 2%
Other nationalities 27%
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 0%
18-24 years 33%
25-34 years 28%
35-50 years 21%
>50 years 18%
The average age outside summer is 10 years higher than in summer.
Average number of students
In summer: 80
Throughout the year: 40
Minimum age of students
18 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 6
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 35 years
Read our recommendations for students in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Information for all courses offered by CIAL Centro de Linguas

Lesson duration
50 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Comments about courses

Airport transfer for two students traveling together: EUR 60 (one way).


If only one student is placed at a given level, the course will be replaced as follows:

Group 20 lessons/week - Individual 12,5 lessons/week

Workshop 5 lessons/week - Individual 2,5 lessons/week

Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 40 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 18 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 10 Jun 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 01 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Portuguese language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport:
55 € one way
110 € return (both ways)
Best arrival airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS).
More details about airports near Lisbon and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Lisbon page. For flight comparisons to Lisbon, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Leisure activities

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

- Visits to museums and monuments
- Lectures at the school
- Movies at the school
- Port wine tasting

Adults - Paid activities

- Typical dinners around EUR 35 some with live music
- Outdoor sports activities with experienced monitors (canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, paintball, scuba diving)
Video about leisure activities at CIAL Centro de Linguas Lisbon
activity possibledistance from school
Ballet2 km
Basketball2 km
Dancing2 km
Diving15 km
Football (soccer)2 km
Golf5 km
Horse riding5 km
Mountainbiking15 km
Music5 km
Rugby2 km
Sailing15 km
Squash2 km
Swimming2 km
Tennis2 km
Volleyball2 km
Windsurfing15 km
Yoga2 km

Accommodation

Show details of all accommodations
Tip: Type of accommodation. What is best for you?
Homestay Most Popular Accommodation
In high demand!
4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0
92 ratings
Single room, Breakfast
Shared bathroom
Minimum age: 19
Extra nights possible
WiFi free
Heating
Air conditioning
Towels provided
Bedding/Linen provided
from
200 €/ week
Premium Student Residence - Livensa Living Lisboa
Single room, No meals
Private bathroom
Minimum age: 19
WiFi free
Heating
Air conditioning
Towels provided
Bedding/Linen provided
from
315 €/ week
Shared Apartment
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0
12 ratings
Single room, No meals
Shared bathroom
Minimum age: 19
WiFi free
Heating
Air conditioning
Towels provided
Bedding/Linen provided
from
215 €/ week
Shared Apartment
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
4.1

Rating: 4.1/5.0
12 ratings
Twin room, No meals
Shared bathroom
Minimum age: 19
WiFi free
Heating
Air conditioning
Towels provided
Bedding/Linen provided
from
185 €/ week
Student Residence
Only limited places left for the summer months!
3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0
10 ratings
Single room, No meals
Shared bathroom
Minimum age: 19
WiFi free
Heating
Air conditioning
Towels provided
Bedding/Linen provided
from
225 €/ week

Student Testimonial Videos

Note: The video testimonials of students from CIAL Centro de Linguas have been provided by the school and schools do not usually publish negative testimonials. For uncensored reviews read what our students report about their stay at CIAL Centro de Linguas.

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Other language schools in Lisbon offering Portuguese courses: 

Questions and answers about CIAL Centro de Linguas

  • “Group courses in Lisbon are exclusively for European Portuguese. Brazilian Portuguese in private lessons.
    The teachers can explain the main differences between the two varieties in class. European and Brazilian Portuguese are the same language. The differences can be compared with Spanish in Spain and the countries of South America.    ”
    Teresa, Student Advisor from CIAL - Jan 03, 2025
  • “No. The host families are Portuguese with a Portuguese background.”
    Teresa, Student Advisor from CIAL - Jan 03, 2025
  • “The school will be working with new books from 2025 on. The new book is “Português Em Foco”.”
    Teresa Margarida, Adminstration from CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon - Oct 29, 2024
  • “Current status May 2024: If students books the Workshop they are not able to go to the surf lessons. Students usually go at 14:00 and the workshop ends at 14:40.”
    Teresa Margarida, Adminstration from CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon - May 02, 2024
  • “Unfortunately, this is not possible. The host families only offer breakfast. Also, cooking for yourself is (unfortunately) not permitted.”
    Tanja, LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 04, 2023
  • “For longer stays, we strongly suggest our Shared Apartment option. The apartments are managed by Cial and are exclusively for Cial students. Apartments are located around 10 minutes walk from the school.”
    Teresa Margarida, Administration from CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon - Dec 04, 2023
  • “Currently, the school offers accommodation in a shared flat, but not entire appartments.”
    Teresa Margarida, Administration from CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon - Jul 03, 2023
  • “I have good news for you! CIAL does indeed offer classes for Brazilian Portuguese in Lisbon. However, these are always private lessons as there is not much demand for them.
    ”
    Robin Rebecca Pietersma, LanguageCourse.Net - Mar 09, 2023
  • “At the time of writing, CIAL does not offer a Junior Programme for students under 18. The minimum required age to book a course is 18 years old.”
    Ana Carolina Dos Santos, LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 12, 2023
  • “No, the school is closed on bank holidays and group classes that are missed due to bank holidays are not refunded.”
    Louise Granath, LanguageCourse.Net - Nov 18, 2022
    • “I am afraid that we can not accommodate this request for the accommodation. Cial does not accept pets either in the school or in any of the accommodation’s options. ”
      Teresa, Registrar from CIAL - Mar 04, 2022
    • “The minimum required level to book the Teacher's Training Course is B2 - Upper-intermediate.”
      Ana Carolina, LanguageCourse.net - Feb 28, 2022
    • “You can certainly combine private lessons with group lessons, the course is still available. Students who are complete beginners can start private lessons any Monday; after taking some individual lessons they can join the group.”
      Ana Carolina, LanguageCourse.net - Jan 25, 2022

FAQ about CIAL Centro de Linguas, Lisbon

  • “Unfortunately, CIAL only offers courses and accommodation to students over 18 years of age. If you are flexible, we will be happy to help you find a good alternative! ”
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 10, 2025
  • The accommodation Homestay is the most popular among all our clients of CIAL Centro de Linguas
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (55 €)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at CIAL Centro de Linguas varies from 1 students (Online One-to-One Lessons 10) to 12 students (Easter and Christmas Course)
  • The highest Nationality percentage at CIAL Centro de Linguas comes from England with a 9,5% representation, followed by students from USA (6,6%) and Germany (28%).
  • CIAL Centro de Linguas offers courses from 18 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 35 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of CIAL Centro de LinguasView or Send them to your email

Starting dates and prices 2025
Starting dates and prices 2025
View
CIAL Centro de Linguas Online lessons 2025
CIAL Centro de Linguas Online lessons 2025
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Terms of CIAL Centro de Linguas

First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:50
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoPayPal - logoBank Transfer - logo
Legal name/parent company
Sousa e Coimbra Lda | Tax registration ID: PT500275378

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
South America: 90 €
,
Africa: 90 €
,
Asia: 90 €
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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Lisbon
Lisbon city attractiveness rated by our students:
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

More information about Lisbon including climate data and events on our Lisbon page with a list of all 7 Portuguese schools in Lisbon.
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