Portuguese Language Schools in Brazil

Brazil is a massive country with a huge variety of city sizes and subcultures from region to region. Southern Brazil is better off economically and known as the industrial heart of the country, while Rio de Janeiro is the most popular city amongst foreigners, and the Northern region is home to its African-influenced culture in Recifé, Fortaleza, and Salvador da Bahia. Each region presents its own set of pros and cons for learning Portuguese in Brazil, but the most important are culture and amenities; Sao Paulo and the south are more “modern” while the northeast isn’t as developed.

Known as the flesh and blood of Brazil, Sao Paulo is a sprawling metropolis full of opportunities and high rises. From the Japanese quarter to the mega stadium of the Sao Paulo futebol club, Sao Paulo is Brazil’s version of a city that never sleeps. With a clean subway system and a population of 11.32 million, there are a lot of language schools and Portuguese profesores who are eager to teach a willing student in that clear Paulista accent. Also home to several universities, Brazilians from all over the country come to Sao Paulo, which provides a great opportunity for immersion in Portuguese from across the entirety of Brazil.

Located smack dab in the middle of the coastline of Brazil, Salvador da Bahia is one of those cities that should get a job as a travel postcard model. Heavily influenced by its colonial and African past, Salvador da Bahia is home to spicy acarajé (fried spicy shrimp pastries), samba, a variety of fresh seafood, and access to incredible beaches. The climate in Salvador is a constant balmy heat, providing students with hot days for the beach and cool evenings for Latin dancing and walking around. 

A city that’s not as well known as the rest, but as equally as charming, Florianopolis is a Brazilian city in the deep south that’s heavily influenced by its German descendents. Two picturesque and towering bridges connect the two halves of Florianopolis: the industrial half in Estreito and Coqueiros and the historic center with the always in style Beira-Mar Norte district, which is perfect for taking a stroll while trying to memorize those flashcards for language class. Ranked among the highest in Brazil in terms of quality of living, you’ll get a taste of mild luxury while living in Florianopolis, even as a student on a budget.