Pack your bags — and your Portuguese! Portuguese: Language for Travel is a practical course that helps you speak with confidence on holiday or work trips. Over two consecutive Saturdays at IH London, you’ll practice the phrases that matter through role-plays, guided conversations and real travel scenarios. 

You’ll leave with a “survival Portuguese” toolkit: high-frequency vocabulary, clearer pronunciation, and easy strategies to keep talking even when you can’t remember the exact word. 

Why study Portuguese at IH London? 

Portuguese is a global language spoken across Europe, South America and parts of Africa, making it a great choice for travel, culture and international communication.

At International House London, you’ll learn with expert teachers and dynamic, interactive lessons that help you build real communication skills quickly and naturally — with plenty of guided speaking practice from day one. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources 

• Additional self-study materials 

• Ongoing support from experienced teachers 

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for learners who want practical Portuguese for travel, including: 

• students who have studied very little Portuguese but want to use it more confidently 

• beginners who want a focused “holiday Portuguese” boost 

• learners who can understand basic Portuguese but hesitate when speaking 

• anyone travelling to Portugal or Brazil (or other Portuguese-speaking destinations) who wants useful language for real situations 

If you’re unsure about your level, we can help you choose the best option.

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate confidently in common travel situations 

You’ll practice Portuguese for real-life travel scenarios, such as: 

• greetings, introductions and polite social language 

• checking in/out at hotels and handling common requests 

• ordering in cafés/restaurants (dietary needs, problems, paying) 

• asking for and understanding directions and transport information 

• shopping and making simple enquiries (prices, sizes, tickets, times) 

• dealing with unexpected situations (lost items, delays, health/pharmacy basics) 

Speak more clearly and naturally 

You’ll also build speaking confidence through: 

• key survival phrases and high-frequency vocabulary 

• strategies to keep going when you don’t know the exact word (rephrasing, clarification, “buying time”) 

• pronunciation support for clearer, more intelligible Portuguese 

• mini role-plays and speaking tasks to help you respond quickly and naturally 

Explore Portuguese-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll build cultural confidence through: 

• polite requests and everyday etiquette 

• typical service interactions and communication style 

• practical tips for Portugal, Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking destinations 

Course materials: All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. 

Do I need previous knowledge of Portuguese? 

Some basic Portuguese is helpful, but the course is designed to support learners who want practical travel language and lots of guided speaking practice. 

Which variant of Portuguese will I learn (European or Brazilian)? 

You can learn European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, or a mix of both. Your teacher will include the version that best matches your travel plans and interests, while also helping you recognise the most common differences. 

What are the main differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese? 

They are the same language and speakers usually understand each other, but there are some key differences. Pronunciation is often the biggest—Brazilian Portuguese is generally more open and “clearer” for many learners, while European Portuguese can sound faster and more reduced in everyday speech. There are also some differences in vocabulary (a few everyday words), forms of address and grammar preferences (for example, how “you” is used in different situations). In the course, you’ll learn the most useful travel language and we’ll highlight the differences you’re most likely to notice in real life. 

When is the course and how long is each class? 

The course runs on two consecutive Saturdays, 10:00–13:00, at IH London. 

Is this course face-to-face or online? 

This is a face-to-face course taught at our school in London. 

What level is the course? 

This course is best for beginners and near-beginners who want practical Portuguese for travel. If you’re unsure, we can advise you on the best option. 

Will there be lots of speaking practice? 

Yes. The course is highly practical and includes guided speaking tasks, role-plays and realistic travel scenarios to help you build confidence quickly. 

What should I bring to class? 

Just a notebook and something to write with. Your teacher will provide materials, and digital resources are shared via SharePoint. 

Where will the class take place? 

Classes take place at IH London – 16 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LQ. You’ll receive full details in your welcome email. 

What if I miss a Saturday? 

Because this is a short course, it’s best to attend both sessions. If you miss a class, we’ll share key materials via SharePoint, but we can’t replicate the in-class speaking practice. 

Can I continue studying after this course? 

Yes! Your teacher can recommend the best next step, such as a general Portuguese course or a level-based programme at IH London. 

How will I receive the course materials? 

All course materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts. 

Is there a coursebook? 

No fixed coursebook is required — your teacher will provide targeted materials and resources for the course. 

Gentle Portuguese Level 1 is a face-to-face course designed for complete beginners who want to learn Portuguese at a relaxed, enjoyable pace — with more time to absorb the language and more opportunities to put it into practice in real-life situations. 

Over 8 weeks, you will cover the same essential content as our Portuguese Level 1 evening course, using the same coursebook and reaching the same learning outcomes. The difference is the experience: longer sessions, a gentler rhythm, and practical activities woven into every lesson that bring the language to life — from greeting people and ordering in a café, to exploring the rich coffee cultures of Portugal and Brazil. 

You will start using Portuguese from the very first lesson. By the end of the course, you will have the confidence to introduce yourself, hold simple conversations, and navigate everyday situations in any Portuguese-speaking country. 

Lessons are warm, interactive, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in Portuguese throughout, helping you to develop your listening and comprehension skills from day one — at a pace that gives everything room to settle. 

Course format 

Why choose Gentle Portuguese Level 1? 

• study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London 

• learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher 

• start speaking Portuguese from the very first lesson 

• cover the full Portuguese Level 1 syllabus at a more relaxed, sustainable pace 

• benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments built into every lesson 

• discover the café cultures of Portugal and Brazil as part of your learning 

This course is for complete beginners who want a more relaxed and spacious introduction to Portuguese — with more time to consolidate, more room to ask questions, and a richer range of practical activities alongside the core syllabus. 

It is a good fit for: 

• adults who are completely new to Portuguese and want to ease into the language comfortably 

• learners who have tried evening courses and found the pace too fast to consolidate properly 

• people planning to visit Portugal, Brazil, or another Portuguese-speaking country who want to connect with the culture through the language 

• learners who enjoy a sociable, interactive classroom with time for cultural exploration 

• anyone whose schedule suits a weekday afternoon commitment rather than an evening class 

This course may be especially useful if you want to: 

• feel genuinely secure in each topic before moving on to the next 

• understand the difference between ser and estar — one of the most important distinctions in Portuguese 

• discover the café traditions of Portugal and Brazil as part of your learning 

• build confidence in speaking and pronunciation without feeling rushed 

How does this compare to our Portuguese Level 1 evening course? 

Both courses cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. The difference is pace and format. Gentle Portuguese Level 1 runs for 8 weeks with longer sessions and practical communicative activities integrated into every lesson. The evening Level 1 covers the same material at a faster pace. Both are excellent — the right choice depends on how you learn best. 

This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a faster pace or want to complete Level 1 more quickly. In that case, our Portuguese Level 1 evening course may be more suitable. 

Gentle Portuguese Level 1 

CEFR Target: A1 

Coursebook: Passaporte para Português 1 – Livro do Aluno A1/A2 

Focus: Everyday communication, personal identity, and Portuguese-speaking cultures — with time to practise, consolidate, and enjoy 

Can-do statements: By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• greet people naturally and respond with confidence in different situations 

• introduce yourself and others and say hello and goodbye appropriately 

• talk about where you and others are from, and speak about nationalities and languages 

• ask simple questions and interact in Portuguese in class and social settings 

• order drinks and accept or decline offers in cafés and social situations 

• use numbers from 0 to 1,000 and talk about days of the week 

• use key verbs — ser, estar, ficar, chamar-se, and regular -ar verbs — accurately in the present tense 

• understand the difference between ser and estar 

• form simple questions and negative sentences 

• demonstrate awareness of café culture in Portugal and Brazil 

Learning approach 

Lessons are face-to-face, dynamic, and led by a qualified, experienced teacher who speaks in Portuguese throughout. Every lesson combines coursebook work with a practical communicative activity — a role-play, a cultural moment, a speaking game, or a short presentation — designed to help you use Portuguese in realistic and enjoyable situations from day one. 

Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are developed systematically alongside communicative practice, so you improve on all aspects of the language, not just conversation. 

The coursebook provides structure and supports your learning at home. It is available to purchase on our website from your second lesson onwards. 

Start your Portuguese journey with confidence. 

Portuguese Level 1 is the first step of the A1 level and is designed for complete beginners. From your very first lesson, you’ll start speaking Portuguese in a supportive and engaging environment, developing practical communication skills you can use straight away. 

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart. 

Why study Portuguese at IH London? 

Portuguese is a global language spoken by over 260 million people worldwide, opening doors to travel, culture and international opportunities. Whether you’re planning to explore Portugal or Brazil, connect with Portuguese-speaking communities, or enhance your career prospects, learning Portuguese allows you to communicate with confidence from the very start. 

At International House London, one of the UK’s most established and respected language schools, you’ll learn in the heart of Covent Garden with expert teachers who specialise in bringing language to life. Our dynamic, interactive lessons are taught primarily in Portuguese, helping you build real communication skills quickly and naturally. With expert guidance and an immersive approach, you’ll gain the confidence to use Portuguese in real-life situations from your very first lessons. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources 

• Additional self-study materials 

• Ongoing support from experienced Portuguese teachers 

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for: 

• Complete beginners with no previous knowledge of Portuguese 

• Learners who have never studied Portuguese formally 

• Students looking for a structured introduction to Portuguese 

• Learners who want to build a strong foundation before progressing to higher A1 levels 

No prior knowledge of Portuguese is required. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate with confidence in everyday situations 

You’ll start using Portuguese from day one, learning how to: 

• Greet people naturally and respond with confidence 

• Introduce yourself and say hello and goodbye in different situations 

• Talk about where you and others are from 

• Speak about nationalities and languages 

• Ask simple questions in class and interact with your teacher 

• Understand and follow classroom instructions in Portuguese 

• Order drinks and accept or decline offers in cafés and social settings 

Build a strong foundation in Portuguese 

You’ll develop essential language skills, including: 

• Numbers from 0 to 1,000 and days of the week 

• Vocabulary for countries, cities, nationalities, languages and classroom objects 

• Personal pronouns and definite articles (o, a) 

• Key verbs such as ser, estar, ficar and chamar-se (singular and plural) 

• Understanding the difference between ser and estar 

• Regular -ar verbs in the present tense 

• Prepositions de and em, including contractions (no, na) 

• Asking questions using como, quem and onde 

• Forming negative sentences and using colours and everyday vocabulary 

Explore Portuguese-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll gain cultural insight through: 

• An introduction to coffee culture in Portugal and Brazil 

• Popular snacks and everyday café traditions in Portuguese-speaking countries 

Required Coursebook: 

PASSAPORTE PARA PORTUGUES 1 – LIVRO DO ALUNO – A1/A2 + AUDIO DOWNLOAD. – Robert Kuzka & José Pascoal 

Publisher – Lidel 
ISBN 9789897528927  
 
Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you in your welcome email.  We recommend buying your coursebook after the first lesson. 

Do I need any previous knowledge of Portuguese? 
No. This course is designed specifically for complete beginners. If you have studied Portuguese in the past, you can explore our other courses or speak to our academic team – languages@ihlondon.com or call us +44 (0) 20 7611 2426. 

Which variety of Portuguese will I learn? 
You will be introduced to both European and Brazilian Portuguese, with a focus on clear communication and awareness of key differences. 

How will I receive the course materials? 
All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. Please ensure you can access the materials before your first lesson. 

How big are the classes? 
Classes have a maximum of 15 students, with an average class size of around 8 students. 

What can I do after completing Level 1? 
After this course, you will be ready to continue with our elementary Portuguese Level 2 (A1) course and build on the foundations you have developed. 

For more information check our Terms and Conditions page https://www.ihlondon.com/terms-and-conditions 

Start your Portuguese journey with confidence. 

Portuguese Level 1 is the first step of the A1 level and is designed for complete beginners. From your very first lesson, you’ll start speaking Portuguese in a supportive and engaging environment, developing practical communication skills you can use straight away. 

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart. 

Why study Portuguese at IH London? 

Portuguese is a global language spoken by over 260 million people worldwide, opening doors to travel, culture and international opportunities. Whether you’re planning to explore Portugal or Brazil, connect with Portuguese-speaking communities, or enhance your career prospects, learning Portuguese allows you to communicate with confidence from the very start. 

At International House London, one of the UK’s most established and respected language schools, you’ll learn in the heart of Covent Garden with expert teachers who specialise in bringing language to life. Our dynamic, interactive lessons are taught primarily in Portuguese, helping you build real communication skills quickly and naturally. With expert guidance and an immersive approach, you’ll gain the confidence to use Portuguese in real-life situations from your very first lessons. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources 

• Additional self-study materials 

• Ongoing support from experienced Portuguese teachers 

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for: 

• Complete beginners with no previous knowledge of Portuguese 

• Learners who have never studied Portuguese formally 

• Students looking for a structured introduction to Portuguese 

• Learners who want to build a strong foundation before progressing to higher A1 levels 

No prior knowledge of Portuguese is required. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate with confidence in everyday situations 

You’ll start using Portuguese from day one, learning how to: 

• Greet people naturally and respond with confidence 

• Introduce yourself and say hello and goodbye in different situations 

• Talk about where you and others are from 

• Speak about nationalities and languages 

• Ask simple questions in class and interact with your teacher 

• Understand and follow classroom instructions in Portuguese 

• Order drinks and accept or decline offers in cafés and social settings 

Build a strong foundation in Portuguese 

You’ll develop essential language skills, including: 

• Numbers from 0 to 1,000 and days of the week 

• Vocabulary for countries, cities, nationalities, languages and classroom objects 

• Personal pronouns and definite articles (o, a) 

• Key verbs such as ser, estar, ficar and chamar-se (singular and plural) 

• Understanding the difference between ser and estar 

• Regular -ar verbs in the present tense 

• Prepositions de and em, including contractions (no, na) 

• Asking questions using como, quem and onde 

• Forming negative sentences and using colours and everyday vocabulary 

Explore Portuguese-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll gain cultural insight through: 

• An introduction to coffee culture in Portugal and Brazil 

• Popular snacks and everyday café traditions in Portuguese-speaking countries 

Required Coursebook: 

PASSAPORTE PARA PORTUGUES 1 – LIVRO DO ALUNO – A1/A2 + AUDIO DOWNLOAD. – Robert Kuzka & José Pascoal 

Publisher – Lidel 
ISBN 9789897528927  
 
Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you in your welcome email.  We recommend buying your coursebook after the first lesson. 

Do I need any previous knowledge of Portuguese? 
No. This course is designed specifically for complete beginners. If you have studied Portuguese in the past, you can explore our other courses or speak to our academic team – languages@ihlondon.com or call us +44 (0) 20 7611 2426. 

Which variety of Portuguese will I learn? 
You will be introduced to both European and Brazilian Portuguese, with a focus on clear communication and awareness of key differences. 

How will I receive the course materials? 
All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. Please ensure you can access the materials before your first lesson. 

How big are the classes? 
Classes have a maximum of 15 students, with an average class size of around 8 students. 

What can I do after completing Level 1? 
After this course, you will be ready to continue with our elementary Portuguese Level 2 (A1) course and build on the foundations you have developed. 

For more information check our Terms and Conditions page https://www.ihlondon.com/terms-and-conditions 

Start your Portuguese journey with confidence. 

Portuguese Level 1 is the first step of the A1 level and is designed for complete beginners. From your very first lesson, you’ll start speaking Portuguese in a supportive and engaging environment, developing practical communication skills you can use straight away. 

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart. 

Why study Portuguese at IH London? 

Portuguese is a global language spoken by over 260 million people worldwide, opening doors to travel, culture and international opportunities. Whether you’re planning to explore Portugal or Brazil, connect with Portuguese-speaking communities, or enhance your career prospects, learning Portuguese allows you to communicate with confidence from the very start. 

At International House London, one of the UK’s most established and respected language schools, you’ll learn in the heart of Covent Garden with expert teachers who specialise in bringing language to life. Our dynamic, interactive lessons are taught primarily in Portuguese, helping you build real communication skills quickly and naturally. With expert guidance and an immersive approach, you’ll gain the confidence to use Portuguese in real-life situations from your very first lessons. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources 

• Additional self-study materials 

• Ongoing support from experienced Portuguese teachers 

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for: 

• Complete beginners with no previous knowledge of Portuguese 

• Learners who have never studied Portuguese formally 

• Students looking for a structured introduction to Portuguese 

• Learners who want to build a strong foundation before progressing to higher A1 levels 

No prior knowledge of Portuguese is required. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate with confidence in everyday situations 

You’ll start using Portuguese from day one, learning how to: 

• Greet people naturally and respond with confidence 

• Introduce yourself and say hello and goodbye in different situations 

• Talk about where you and others are from 

• Speak about nationalities and languages 

• Ask simple questions in class and interact with your teacher 

• Understand and follow classroom instructions in Portuguese 

• Order drinks and accept or decline offers in cafés and social settings 

Build a strong foundation in Portuguese 

You’ll develop essential language skills, including: 

• Numbers from 0 to 1,000 and days of the week 

• Vocabulary for countries, cities, nationalities, languages and classroom objects 

• Personal pronouns and definite articles (o, a) 

• Key verbs such as ser, estar, ficar and chamar-se (singular and plural) 

• Understanding the difference between ser and estar 

• Regular -ar verbs in the present tense 

• Prepositions de and em, including contractions (no, na) 

• Asking questions using como, quem and onde 

• Forming negative sentences and using colours and everyday vocabulary 

Explore Portuguese-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll gain cultural insight through: 

• An introduction to coffee culture in Portugal and Brazil 

• Popular snacks and everyday café traditions in Portuguese-speaking countries 

Required Coursebook: 

PASSAPORTE PARA PORTUGUES 1 – LIVRO DO ALUNO – A1/A2 + AUDIO DOWNLOAD. – Robert Kuzka & José Pascoal 

Publisher – Lidel 
ISBN 9789897528927  
 
Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you in your welcome email.  We recommend buying your coursebook after the first lesson. 

Do I need any previous knowledge of Portuguese? 
No. This course is designed specifically for complete beginners. If you have studied Portuguese in the past, you can explore our other courses or speak to our academic team – languages@ihlondon.com or call us +44 (0) 20 7611 2426. 

Which variety of Portuguese will I learn? 
You will be introduced to both European and Brazilian Portuguese, with a focus on clear communication and awareness of key differences. 

How will I receive the course materials? 
All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. Please ensure you can access the materials before your first lesson. 

How big are the classes? 
Classes have a maximum of 15 students, with an average class size of around 8 students. 

What can I do after completing Level 1? 
After this course, you will be ready to continue with our elementary Portuguese Level 2 (A1) course and build on the foundations you have developed. 

For more information check our Terms and Conditions page https://www.ihlondon.com/terms-and-conditions 

Why not try out a sample beginners Portuguese lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the Portuguese language before.

Sample Lesson Plan

• Greeting people
• Introducing yourself and someone else
• Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)