Language Schools in Rio

Hello Stranger_UK,

While I'm sure there are a number of reputable schools in Rio where you can take beginner level Portuguese courses they will probably be rather juvenile content courses if they're run anything like the English Language Schools in this country.

You will probably be far better off, save money on fees and get more one-on-one attention from the teacher if you find a private teacher. Generally they will be willing to give classes in your residence, or any other suitable (quiet/private) location, such as some private corner in a restaurant, lounge at Starbucks, etc.

You should take a look in the Classifieds section that you will find in the menu bar on the left side of the page. I believe you'll find a few Portuguese teachers offering their services there.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Many Thanks Mr Woodward.

I've always been of the opinion to study in groups. Private tuition is generally expensive and again I'm worried about the quality of teachers charging a minimum fee.... In any case ill have a browse and see what pops up.

Hi Stranger_UK,

As a language teacher with more than 25 years in the career, I can tell you from personal experience some very important observations.

Both group classes and private classes have their own advantages and disadvantages, however I firmly believe that the advantages of private classes outweigh the disadvantages; they may even outweigh the advantages and disadvantages of group classes.

The only disadvantage of private classes (aside from price, which actually you should look at as an investment rather than an expense) is that during the class dicussions you have only two points of view, yours and the teacher's. This sometimes can limit debate which will help greatly in the learning process. However, having said that; a good teacher should be able to present various different opinions or facets of an issue which will compensate for this loss and generate a further exploration of the different sides of an issue.

The advantage is simple, you have the undivided attention of your teacher. Your teacher isn't occupied with resolving learning issues with other students. Let's imagine you're in a class with five other students; your teacher has exactly ten minutes to devote to each individual student under ideal circumstances. If a student has a serious problem our doubt that requires assistance you may end up getting much less attention during a given class. Also, you progress at your own speed unlike in group classes where you will either have to keep up to the most advanced student in the class or you will end up being held back in your development by the weakest student in the class. Neither of these situations is very good for your learning experience.

Depending on the school, group classes may or may not be less expensive. Schools usually charge high fees, which may be two or three times more than what they pay the teacher. These administration costs are rarely divided among the students, but rather used as a means for the school making a greater profit. Conversely, private teachers will charge a fixed price (usually what they're accustomed to being paid by a school where they've worked or just a little bit more than that figure). Private teachers may also give discounts of their fees for additional students as opposed to the fixed fees in schools regardless of class size.

In traditional schools you have to go to the teacher, and depending on the location of the school and your residence this can increase your costs and consume much of your time. Private teachers will often come to you; they may even offer classes given on Skype or other such network reducing your costs and consuming less of your time. Certainy teachers will factor into their fee the costs of transportation and the time they spend in transit, however this rarely increases the fee you pay to what you would have otherwise paid had you enrolled in a traditional school.

Regarding the fee a given teacher charges, a lower fee may not necessarily reflect a teacher with less experience or qualifications than a teacher who charges more. Sometimes it simply is a reflection of how competitive the profession may be in a given area. Teachers may be forced to undercut the prices charged by other competitors in order to maintain a decent student roster and work the maximum number of hours possible. Like the old saying goes, "You can't judge a book by it's cover."

What you need to do in either case, private classes or traditional school, is to find out as much information as you possibly can about your teacher's previous experience, educational background and if possible obtain references from other students who can give you their own insights into the level of teaching they received and their satisfaction with their own progress.

I hope that this information will help you make an informed choice as to which way you intend to map out your educational plans.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Wow. A very detailed reply. I'm convinced. Totally makes sense. I think I will go for a private teacher!

It would be nice to sit down and have a chat with you when you're free and if you're in Rio over the next month... You seem like you know a lot more than meets the eye!

Many Thanks again!

Stranger_UK wrote:

You seem like you know a lot more than meets the eye!

Living here for over eleven years and helping lots of expats sort out their problems will kind of do that!

I don't get into the "big city" often, one a month or so. Exactly when are you staying until? Sure would be nice to meet you too.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

wjwoodward wrote:

Exactly when are you staying until?

I'm here from the 1st of August to the 1st of September...

I'll travel to you if you're not around. Would be a good chance to do a bit of traveling.

Great, I will probably be coming into Rio in the early part of August anyway. I'll let you know when and we can set up a meet.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Hi,

I'm wanting to move to Brazil and study Portuguese. I've already got a basic grasp of the language (after living in an ex-Portuguese colony for 3 years), and want to take it to the next level.

My goal is to live in Rio.

It looks like there are two options for me; private language colleges or university. I've investigated the universities and it seems like my options are limited.

I would like to get a student visa and stay in Rio for 12 months. Can anyone please help me and suggest language colleges that are recognised by the Ministry of Education?

Any help would be really appreciated.