Christmas Portuguese Course

It was such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I enjoyed the international mix of students as well as the different ages of the students. The location was perfect. I don’t know about the housing as I did not use those. I was impressed by the very good quality of teaching and the small groups. I will definitely do another week at my next stay in Portugal. My favourite was the one to one class with Denise. Also the receptionists were lovely.

I booked for a week with the intensive 25 hour language course. However, I was the sole student who had booked the afternoon workshop lessons so the time was reduced in half. This turned out to be a good thing though, because it meant I had a one hour private lesson with the teacher instead.

This was one of the most valuable parts of the course, because we could go at my own pace and didn't need to slow down for other students. The teacher was willing to work on whatever I wanted to, but when I didn't know what to do she worked on areas that needed improvement. I got a lot of practice speaking and listening, the focused attention was really useful. I also really appreciated the advice my teacher gave me for continuing my studies.

The group lessons were also good, but like all lessons, it goes at the pace of the slowest student. Thankfully my teacher recognized this and pushed for me to be moved up to a higher level class, which was really helpful. I liked the focused pronunciation practice and cultural information. Sometimes the classes felt a little slow but I think it was still valuable as the textbook covered areas that I had missed out in my previous self studying.

The school was lovely and in a fantastic location opposite a market and cafe where we would go for a coffee during the break. I didn't stay in the school's student accommodation, I think it was fairly empty during this season, and I stayed in a hostel a 2 min walk from the school, which was great and convenient.

The activities were a tour around a local park and up a street with some interesting architecture. It was nice that they were so close and it was really helpful for my listening skills because the guide spoke Portuguese slowly at a pace that was right for the students.

I had been studying Portuguese for 3 months on my own before this trip and I hadn't had any opportunity to speak Portuguese at all. This course was incredibly valuable for that. Just hearing Portuguese and getting the opportunity to speak it with feedback from my teachers was so helpful. I feel so much more comfortable with the language now. I would really recommend this course to anyone studying on their own who is looking for that little extra push.

Teresa and Cristina taught us. We didn’t particularly want to focus on grammar, so they agreed to bring us to the market, for coffee etc, to experience everyday situations and practice our Portuguese.

It was the second time that I join one week learning Portuguese with CIAL. This time the class was smaller and that is an advantage. The teacher Denise was excellent. The way of teaching was very interactive in design and i liked that. Overall an splendid week with nice people. I think that my Portuguese improved a liitle bit. Time was to short.
I had expected a liitle more opportunities for the excursions in the afternoon. Also I missed a farewell dinner at the last evening of the week. Summarising it was a splendid week.

Very pleasant family to stay. Assists and corrects speaking Portuguese. The classes and professors were very good. On my level complete in Portuguese. Possibility of working in the school. Pleasant excursions in the afternoon. Good location with coffee possibility on the covered market.

Recommendation. Send with the other information also a street map and a survey with the buss from airport to bus and train station Faro (lines 16 and 14) and from the local bus lines in Faro.

I took a beginners class, three ours every day. Our teacher Denise was very good, patient, helpful and nice. I was staying at the student department, so the school was very close, which was nice. I didn't have a need to use other facilities at the school, so I don't know if they are good or not. I joined one walking-tour round the city and it was very informative, but was given in English, which was a little disappointing, because it would have been nice to practice the language also during the tour.

But the guide wanted to make the absolute beginners to understand what she is saying, so I guess it was ok. The student department was quite ok. I'm not very good in living in shared apartments - nobody was disturbing me in any way, but I still kind of need my own peace, so I got a little stressed during the two weeks I lived in the apartment.

The teachers were quite professional but I wasn't very happy with the teaching material (Português XXI, vol. 2) as this one isn't good at all. I had to buy another grammar book, which is much better. The teachers tried to respond to my need concerning the language and I was quite satisfied with all I was able to learn in 10 days.

Unfortunately Faro isn't a nice town and doesn't have the facilities of parks/beach or other amusements - it's a very noisy town! My guest family was very kind and lovely, but as their apartment is located near a busy street and the hospital, it was day and night very noisy and this tired me a lot. For 10 days the stay was ok but I won't go back anymore.

The school was very good structured, warm-hearted atmosphere and so so friendly. I felt very welcome there! Ana the good soul of the school was there for help if help was needed.I did not expect that! The teacher Christina was very good, she taught us the basics as it’s best and was able to see our individual needs. I learned a lot in only one week and I will continue my studies now! The cultural program was also good, we did a guided walk with a local guide. She was very nice and made my day!!! The student house was clean and there was all I needed. I really enjoyed my stay in beautiful Faro, with lessons, beach, in good company with other students. And I definitely fell in love with amazing Portugal.

I spent one week at CIAL Faro in January 2018. I had booked 6 hours of individual training for 5 days. This proved to be very intense as the teachers are highly professional and will not be lured into small talk for longer periods. I reached the limits of my cerebral capacity and will reduce the amount of sessions next time. That being said, I immensely enjoyed all the training sessions and found my two teachers to be warmhearted and very welcoming on top of being professionally demanding. Now, two weeks later, I still find myself thinking in Portuguese or trying to form sentences in my mind.
I stayed in the student apartment close to the school which proved to be the right decision - a nice place with a lovely rooftop veranda, equipped with everything needed (a supermarket 50 m away).
The reception upon arrival, the explanations, the extra curricular events, the handling in general were easy and flawless.
The atmosphere at CIAL Faro is very friendly, welcoming and fear-reducing.
I have nothing at all to complain about and would definitely recommend a training in Faro CIAL to anyone wanting to learn Portuguese - there are courses for all levels and needs.

Extremely nice and caring teacher. Very good atmosphere.

I had such an amazing experience. The staff was fabulous. I loved our late morning breaks for coffee, and chatting. I met so many wonderful people from across the globe.

The receptionist became a good friend of mine. Your excursion tour guide was absolutely amazing and encouraged us all to fall in love with Faro, which I did - I fell in love with Faro. I think about the city often, and want to go back. I want to bring everyone I love to this beautiful city. I would love to come back and take more lessons. I have been trying to keep up with the CDs back in the US, but it is very difficult. Immersion was the best experience.

Lourdes was my teacher, and she was the most amazing teacher I could have ever asked for. I felt like I was soaking up daily in a Portuguese perspective from a woman who has lived a long life, and has much to teach and share.

My reasons for coming to Portugal were to learn more about my ancestors. I was close to my Portuguese grandparents. They are no longer living, and so Lourdes filled a special place in my heart.

I cannot thank you enough for the amazing experience that was offered at CIAL. I will always recommend this school, and hope to come back some day.