Enriching your experience in Porto involves not only enjoying its culture and beauty, but also immersing yourself in the local language: Portuguese. Mastering this language will open doors for you to better interact with the local community, understand the history and traditions of the place, and make the most of your stay in Portugal.
Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you learn and improve your Portuguese while enjoying your student adventure in Porto.
1. Mobile applications
Language learning apps are practical and accessible tools that you can take with you everywhere you go. Apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone and Memrise offer interactive lessons, vocabulary and pronunciation exercises, and personalised progress tracking. Spend a few minutes every day practising with these apps and you will see your Portuguese skills improve significantly.
2. Online classes
If you prefer a more structured and guided approach, consider enrolling in online Portuguese classes. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and Babbel offer courses complete with videos, exercises, exams and certifications upon completion. In addition, many local universities in Porto also offer Portuguese language programmes for international students, so be sure to explore these options during your stay.
3. Language exchange
One of the best ways to learn a language is to practice it in real conversations. Take part in language exchanges with native Portuguese speakers. They will help you improve your Portuguese and you will teach them your native language.
You can find exchange partners at local events organised by universities and student communities. The exchange will allow you to improve your fluency, gain confidence and meet amazing people in the process.
4. Local resources
Take advantage of the local resources available in Porto to learn Portuguese in an authentic and practical way. Visit libraries, bookshops and cultural centres where you can find books, magazines and learning materials in Portuguese.
Attend cultural events such as lectures, workshops and presentations, where you can listen and practise the language in real-life situations. Also, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in the daily life of the city, interacting with shopkeepers, neighbours and classmates in Portuguese.
5. Private lessons
If you prefer a more personalised and dedicated approach, consider hiring a private Portuguese teacher. Many professionals offer individual or small group classes, tailoring the content and methodology to your specific needs. Check with your student accommodation or go online to find experienced teachers with good recommendations.
6. Practice with fellow students in accommodation
A fun and effective way to improve your Portuguese is to practise with your fellow students in the student accommodation. Organise study meetings, word games or just informal conversations in Portuguese. This constant practice will help you gain confidence and fluency in the language in a natural and relaxed way.
7. Participation in cultural activities
Don’t miss out on cultural activities organised by your student accommodation or the local community. Attend lectures, musical events, Portuguese language film screenings and other activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the Portuguese language and culture. The constant exposure will help you become familiar with the language in an authentic and entertaining way.
8. Use online resources
Explore a variety of free online resources, such as podcasts, educational videos and blogs in Portuguese. These resources are accessible from anywhere and give you the opportunity to practice listening, speaking and reading in Portuguese. Spend time each day consuming content in Portuguese and you will see your understanding of the language gradually improve.
9. Trips and excursions in Portugal
Take advantage of your stay in Porto to travel and explore other cities and regions of Portugal. During your travels, interact with locals, visit historical sites and try the local cuisine, all in Portuguese. These experiences will help you apply what you have learned in real-life situations and improve your fluency in the language.
10. Visit libraries
Explore the libraries in your city and at your university to find books, magazines and study materials in Portuguese. Reading in the language will help you improve your vocabulary, reading comprehension and grammar skills. In addition, libraries often have multimedia resources such as films and audiobooks in Portuguese to diversify your learning.
11. Portuguese conversation club
Join a Portuguese conversation club at your university. These clubs usually meet weekly to practice the language through dynamic activities and group discussions. It is a perfect opportunity to interact with native speakers and improve your ability to communicate in everyday situations.
Learning Portuguese during your stay in Porto will not only enrich your cultural experience, but will also open up professional and personal opportunities. Use these available resources and tools to improve your language skills, connect with the local community and make the most of your adventure as an international student in Porto.
