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Portuguese School in Lisbon

CIAL

Course from (per week)

CIAL

This language school has offered comprehensive and high-quality teaching since 1959. Situated on the Rua Actor Taborda, it's very close to the gorgeous centre of Lisbon and a 5-minute walk from the handy Picoas and Saldanha metro stations. All of the wonderful teachers hold a university degree and are experts in the Portuguese language and culture. The 14 classrooms are spread over 2 floors. Students have access to lounge, a kitchen and free internet access. During breaks and after classes, you can enjoy the large terrace and the vending machines for snacks and drinks.

Courses & prices

Choose your course. Each of our courses has a special focus, allowing you to direct your studies in the way that best suits you. Don’t forget to check out reasonable accommodation prices.
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Gap Year (2+ months)
General courses
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Private language courses abroad

All courses

No two individuals have the same language goals, which is why we offer a wide variety of courses and options that will guarantee you find the perfect one for you.

Semi-intensive course

Duration: 1 - 36 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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Intensive course

Duration: 1 - 36 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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Combined course, 20+5 lessons/week

Duration: 1 - 36 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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Combined course, 20+10 lessons/week

Duration: 1 - 36 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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Portuguese + Surfing

Duration: 2 - 4 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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One-to-one course, 10 lessons/week

Duration: 1 - 36 weeks

Levels: Beginner to Advanced (C1)

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What is included in the price

Included

Level and needs assessment
Welcome activity
End-of-course report and certificate
Activity programme

Lowest price guaranteed

ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market! If you find any price difference, you will be entirely refunded.

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School Highlights

 
CIAL
Portuguese School in Lisbon
5 / -2

Key points

  • City with a rich cultural life
  • Renowned school with over 50 years of experience
  • Friendly atmosphere and qualified teachers

School facts

Levels:
Basic to Advanced
School size:
M
Accommodation:
Free Wifi

Student facts

Minimum age:
18 years old
Average age:
29 years old
Maximum students in class:
8

Accreditations

IALC partner agency
esl ialc partner agency accreditation
EAQUALS
esl eaquals accreditation
CSN
CSN logo accreditation
BILDUNGSURLAUB
ESL Bildungsurlaub accreditation

Student nationalities

      Germany
      Italy
      United States
      Switzerland
      Spain
      France
      United Kingdom
      Netherlands
      Colombia
      Sweden
      Belgium
      Others

Accommodation

ESL schools guarantee the same excellent standards for accommodation as they do for teaching. We take great pleasure in helping you find the most suitable accommodation for you.

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Host family

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Host family accommodation is by far the best way to learn a language and discover a culture beyond a tourist's perspective. The friendly families chosen by CIAL live 15 to 30 minutes from the school by public transport. You will stay in a single room with breakfast provided, speaking Portuguese with your hosts in total immersion. There's no better way to improve your language skills outside of class!

Shared apartment

Shared apartment - CIAL Lisbon Accommodation Gallery 1256 3

Ideally located in a quiet residential area 15 minutes’ walk from the school, the shared apartment is for the exclusive use of CIAL students. It includes seven bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 shared bathrooms, a living area with a TV and a balcony. Staying in a single or shared room, you will be near the beautiful Gulbenkian Foundation gardens and have access to a wide range of nearby restaurants, cafés and shops. There is free Wi-Fi, and bed linen and bath towels are provided. The apartment is cleaned once a week and there are laundry facilities on-site.

Home2students residence (minimum 2 weeks) (05.07 – 30.08.2026)

ESL Languages Home2Students residence CIAL Lisbon

This modern residence is located only 10 minutes on foot from CIAL, in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon. A bus stop and two metro stations are close by and so are many nice bars, restaurants and shops. You will stay in a single room with a balcony, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are shared (2 bathrooms for every 3 students). You will also share the lounge (which includes cable TV and a pool table) as well as the laundry room and fully equipped kitchen. When the weather allows, you can sunbathe on the terrace or have a barbecue!

Residence Livensa Studio Apartments (ages 18 and over, available 01.02.26 - 29.08.26, minimum 2 weeks stay)

ESL residential accommodation 4

Live the Portuguese student life in this residence offering studio apartments to both local and international students, just a 10-minute walk from the school. Each room is equipped with a bed, TV, 100 MB Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Linen and towels are included and can be cleaned for a fee using the onsite facilities. There is a cleaning service included in the price, but you will need to prepare your own meals. Between classes, you’ll be able to socialise with your neighbours in the onsite lounge, pool, gym, cinema room, games room, and terrace.

Why choose our accommodation

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Guaranteed Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation can be stressful. That’s why we guarantee that we’ll find the perfect housing option for you before you even land in your destination.

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Convenient Transport

Our accommodation is hand-picked to make sure your journey to the classroom is as safe, reliable, and smooth as possible.

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Safer and more comfortable

All of our accommodation options are rigorously screened to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting when you make the choice to book your program.

Leisure

The school offers a monthly activity programme that will allow you to meet other students and get to know the city. Enjoy guided visits to museums and monuments, nightlife and sporting activities. On Friday evenings, excursions or typical local meals are scheduled. You can also go to one of the surrounding pools or to the beach (the nearest is half an hour away from city centre). Lisbon also has various fitness and sport clubs, not to mention exceptional shops that offer good value.