To inspire children to learn Portuguese online through the use of unique materials that effectively and enjoyably develop linguistic and cultural skills.
In Escola de Português iei, we offer courses of Portuguese as a Heritage Language (PLH) and Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) for children aged 5 – 16.
The primary goal of the Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) program is to initiate and/or develop communication in Portuguese, focusing on the development of vocabulary and linguistic structures appropriate for the students’ ages.
The work carried out in PLE classes takes into account the prior knowledge the child brings with them from their own language. With younger students, there is a greater emphasis on oral communication and playful activities; with older students, while always valuing oral and lexical components, we also address reading and writing skills in Portuguese.
The Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) program is designed for children and young people who:
Do you want to know more information on Portuguese as a Heritage Language? Click the buttom below.
Our interactive and flexible classes can improve your child’s language development while keeping them connected to their cultural roots.
I am Marisa Soares, founder of iei – inovar educar inspirar (inovate, educate, inspire).
With 17 years of teaching experience and an international journey that spans Portugal, Switzerland, and Dubai, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 80 nationalities, which has allowed me to develop a truly inclusive and student-centered approach to education.
My passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom, focusing on the emotional, social, and academic development of each child, creating learning environments that are engaging and challenging.
I combined my experience as a teacher with my entrepreneurial spirit and founded iei to innovate how we teach and learn Portuguese. I strongly believe in the value of human connection and its impact on learning.
By bringing together teachers, students, and families, we create challenging and enriching environments where education goes beyond the classroom. I am always ready to explore new ways to teach, learn, and grow, with the mission to innovate, educate, and inspire.
If you are looking for an educational environment that values personalized, student-centered learning, I invite you to discover how iei can support your family. Get in touch, and together we will innovate, educate, and inspire!
Our Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) curriculum was developed in accordance with the guidelines of QuaREPE (Reference Framework for Portuguese Teaching Abroad) and the Camões PLE Framework.
Escola de Português iei offers Portuguese as a Foreign Language courses for the following proficiency levels: Pre-A1, A1, and A2.
Students placed at levels B1, B2, and C1 will follow the Portuguese as a Heritage Language (PLH) curriculum with the necessary adjustments.
The Little Portuguese Explorers! At this level, students begin learning basic vocabulary and simple structures, with a special focus on oral communication. Perfect for taking the first steps in the language! – Pre-A1 Level
At this stage, students expand their vocabulary and begin mastering simple linguistic structures. In addition to oral communication, we gradually introduce reading and writing, building a solid foundation for further language progress. – A1 Level
With a balanced focus on oral communication, reading, and writing, this level deepens vocabulary knowledge and linguistic structures, always adapted to the students’ age group. This is where confidence in communication begins to grow! – A1 Level
With a balanced focus on speaking, reading, and writing, this level deepens students’ understanding of vocabulary and linguistic structures, always tailored to their age group. This is where confidence in communication really starts to flourish! – A1 Level
At this level, students explore Portuguese through a variety of topics, games, and activities that help them gain confidence in communication. Grammar and speaking skills are developed in greater depth, preparing them to confidently soar into the A2 level. – A2 Level
* The levels are designed to be completed within the indicated timeframe; however, several factors may contribute to shortening or extending the duration.
* Progression to the next level depends on age, progress, and achievement upon completion of the current level.
Help your child gain fluency in Portuguese, one of the most spoken languages in the world. Give your child the advantage of learning a new language in a fun and effective way!
Escola de Português iei offers two types of courses: Portuguese as a Heritage Language (PLH) and Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE).
Yes, all of our courses are taught exclusively in European Portuguese.
Portuguese as a Heritage Language (PLH) is designed for children and young people who speak Portuguese fluently, whereas Portuguese as a Foreign Language (PLE) targets children who do not speak Portuguese.
PLH is for children who understand and speak Portuguese fluently. PLE is for children who do not speak Portuguese fluently. For children in a “gray zone,” we recommend starting with PLE to build confidence in the language. Contact us via email or WhatsApp if you need further guidance.
The IEI Portuguese School supports children and young people aged between 5 and 16 years old.
All iei courses are conducted online via the Zoom platform.
The content for each course (PLH and PLE) is detailed on the respective course page.
Yes, our courses follow the iei curriculum, which is structured and adjusted according to the students’ levels and progress, based on guidelines for teaching Portuguese as a foreign or heritage language.
Yes, the teacher will conduct an informal diagnostic assessment during the first lessons to adjust the curriculum.
Learning levels are assigned based on the child’s age, and the PLH or PLE content is adapted according to each student’s starting point.
Student progress is regularly tracked through continuous and informal assessments during classes. Parents receive a detailed end-of-level report and can meet with the teacher twice a year to celebrate achievements and set new goals.
We do not conduct formal tests or exams. Our assessment is informal and continuous throughout the lessons.
We do not assign mandatory homework. However, we encourage parents to support their child’s learning by helping with optional activities (missions) that reinforce lesson content and allow for family involvement.
At the end of the school year or each sublevel, students receive a participation or completion certificate.
Yes, our teaching staff is trained to support children with special educational needs, such as autism or dyslexia. Each case should be discussed during the initial admission interview.
Support strategies vary between the PLH and PLE modalities. In general, to help your child learn Portuguese:
Participate actively in the learning process, showing interest in the topics.
Create relaxed moments to use the language, based on your child’s skills (focusing on speaking and vocabulary for PLE, or reading a book together for PLH).
Communication with the teacher can be done through our platform, email, or WhatsApp.*
* WhatsApp communication is not available for 4-6 student group classes.
We prioritize the safety and privacy of our students by using secure platforms and adhering to strict digital safety protocols to protect student information and identity. Parents are asked to authorize image/video capture during enrollment or renewal for sharing with family or on social media/website.
All iei courses are conducted online via the Zoom platform.
Annual courses run from September to June, with the possibility of continuing during July and/or August. We also offer intensive summer courses in July.
The typical frequency for annual courses is 1 or 2 lessons per week.
Yes, we have school breaks, including: 1 week in October, 2 or 3 weeks at Christmas, 1 week in February, and 2 weeks at Easter. The exact dates are provided each academic year.
If your child is enrolled in individual lessons or a group of 2-3 students, you can choose the class times. For groups of 4-6 students, the schedule is predefined by Escola de Português iei.
Escola de Português iei offers three class formats:
Classes can have 2-3 students (for PLH and PLE courses) or 4-6 students (for intensive courses).
Having siblings in the same class depends on several factors, including age, language proficiency, and personality compatibility.
The duration of PLH or PLE courses depends on several factors, such as the child’s age, class frequency and length, learning profile, and initial language proficiency. More details are available on each course page.
Lesson duration can be 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on factors such as the child’s age, learning goals, and budget.
Lessons are conducted via Zoom, allowing real-time interaction between students and teachers. We use digital resources such as presentations, educational games, interactive exercises, and printable materials provided beforehand (activity books and cards).
Yes, printing materials is necessary. Although we work online, having printed support materials is highly beneficial for children’s learning.
Students need a computer, iPad, or tablet with internet access. We do not recommend using mobile phones due to the small screen size.
The monthly fee for individual lessons starts at €140, and for small group lessons (2-3 students) starts at 115€.
Yes, we offer a 10% discount on one child’s tuition if siblings are in the same class.
Tuition is due by the 5th of each month. Payments can be made monthly or per term.
For individual lessons and lessons with 2-3 students, tuition includes:
The tuition fee does not include:
Materials vary depending on the course (PLH or PLE) and the children’s age. This will be discussed directly with the teacher.
Students may cancel their enrollment at any time during the school year with one month’s prior notice. No refunds will be issued for amounts already paid.
Due to our global nature, it’s challenging to accommodate every country’s holidays. We offer a one-holiday tolerance per term, allowing students to reschedule based on teacher availability. Requests for rescheduling must be made in writing at least one week in advance. No adjustments to tuition or rescheduled lessons will be made for:
In the case of illness, please notify the teacher as soon as possible. Rescheduling will be subject to approval, and a medical note may be required.
To enroll your child in Escola de Português iei, you must first complete the registration form. You will then be contacted to schedule a video call to finalize the enrollment by filling out the enrolment form and paying the first month’s fee.
Registration for the school year starting in September takes place during the second half of August. Enrollment is also possible during the school year, subject to availability.
Yes, our teaching staff are native speakers of European Portuguese.
You can get in touch with us via email ola@iei.pt or WhatsApp +351 933 466 360. We will be happy to assist you.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) outlines the skills that learners of a foreign language must develop to use the language effectively for communicative purposes. It defines levels of linguistic proficiency that allow progress to be measured throughout their learning journey.
The CEFR establishes six common reference levels – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 – for three types of language users:
Escola de Português iei offers Portuguese as a Foreign Language courses for A1 and A2 levels.
The A1 level is considered the basic level of language use, where the learner is able to interact, with the help of the conversation partner, on concrete everyday matters using set phrases and vocabulary, as well as very common expressions (Council of Europe, 2001, p. 61).
The learner can interact in a simple manner, ask and answer questions about themselves and their conversation partner, about where they live, the people they know, and the things they own. They are able to engage or respond to requests using simple statements regarding immediate needs or familiar topics. They can understand familiar, everyday expressions and very common vocabulary (Council of Europe, 2001, p. 61).
At this level, most of the descriptors involve social interactions. From a “knowing how to do/act” perspective, the learner demonstrates pragmatic competence to handle simple, everyday situations (Council of Europe, 2001, p. 61).
The learner can use politeness formulas and simple forms of daily address. They are able to greet people, ask how they are, and respond to their replies. They can engage in very brief social conversations and start, maintain, and end simple conversations on everyday matters. The learner can ask and answer questions about school, work, and free time, make and respond to invitations, discuss plans and activities, and handle the necessary arrangements.
They can interact in very common day-to-day situations: conduct simple transactions in shops, post offices, or banks, exchange basic information about common subjects and activities, such as using public transport, asking for and giving directions, buying tickets, and requesting or providing everyday goods and services. They can engage in simple conversations with some limitations and with the help of the conversation partner on concrete or immediate needs topics. The learner can understand isolated sentences and very simple, short texts with common vocabulary (Council of Europe, 2001, pp. 49, 61-62).
At the end of this level, the elementary user can also structure short monologues about themselves, others, places, or activities (Council of Europe, 2001, p. 62).
They can express preferences, emotions, and opinions, make brief descriptions of everyday aspects and surroundings (e.g., people, places, a school or work experience). The learner is capable of describing daily habits and routines, plans, and their organization, explaining what they like or dislike in an activity, situation, or object. They can offer short and basic descriptions of events, activities they have seen or participated in, or personal experiences from the past or present, and describe pets and personal belongings (Council of Europe, 2001, pp. 49, 61-62).
CEFR Level: Pre-A1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×30 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 15 hours
Next Level: Pintainhos 2
CEFR Level: Pre-A1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×30 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 15 hours
Next Level: Galinhos 1
CEFR Level: A1.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×45 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 22.5 hours
Next Level: Galinhos 2
CEFR Level: A1.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×45 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 22.5 hours
Next Level: Galinhos 3
CEFR Level: A1.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×45 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 22.5 hours
Next Level: Galinhos 4
CEFR Level: A1.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×45 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 22.5 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 1
CEFR Level: A1.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×60 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 30 hours
Next Level: Galos 2
CEFR Level: A1.1 / A1.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×60 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 30 hours
Next Level: Galos 3
CEFR Level: A1.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 1
CEFR Level: A1.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 1
CEFR Level: A1.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 2
CEFR Level: A2.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×60 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 30 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 2
CEFR Level: A2.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×60 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 30 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 3
CEFR Level: A2.1 / A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 4
CEFR Level: A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 5
CEFR Level: A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Conclusion – iei Portuguese School
CEFR Level: A2.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 2
CEFR Level: A2.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 3
CEFR Level: A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 4
CEFR Level: A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 1×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 45 hours
Next Level: Conclusion – iei Portuguese School
CEFR Level: A2.1
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 2×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 90 hours
Next Level: Gaivotas 2
CEFR Level: A2.2
Recommended Weekly Class Duration: 2×90 min
Total Recommended Hours for the Level: 90 hours
Next Level: Conclusion – iei Portuguese School