Best way to learn Portuguese: Private Lessons or Group Classes?

Learning a new language is never an easy thing to do. It is definitely a challenge. Overall, our students are always wondering what is the best way to learn Portuguese, whether they should choose private lessons or group classes. However, there is no right answer here. It all depends on your personality, learning style, availability, and goals.

For instance, if you focus on learning Portuguese for business, maybe you should consider private lessons. That is because your teacher will make sure your classes are tailor-made for your needs and availability.

On the other hand, if you are studying Portuguese to travel around Brazil and make friends, group classes would be ideal for you. Not only because you will have the opportunity to meet other travelers like you, but also because it will allow you more room to practice your speaking skills. And, in this case, conversation will be very important for what you are looking for.

Discovering what works better for you will help you learn faster and more efficiently.

Once you have decided to study Portuguese, there is only one question left. What is the best way to learn Portuguese: private lessons or group classes?

Group Classes

Portuguese group classes are the right choice if you are looking for a dynamic setting, where you will meet people from all across the globe.

A typical Portuguese class at Caminhos will incorporate several Brazilian cultural and social activities into the lessons. You will be involved in interactive sessions with other classmates and your instructor, practicing your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in Portuguese.

You and your classmates will usually speak around the same level of Portuguese. During classes, they might have questions you never thought about. You may even learn interesting things thanks to them. And when your teacher corrects another student, you will also have the opportunity to avoid future mistakes by learning beforehand.

Your classmates will definitely help you learn Portuguese by practicing with you not only during classes but also on breaks and during social gatherings outside the school. Meeting other students also creates a support system, since everyone is learning the same thing, having similar difficulties, and going through the same process. You and your classmates will most likely create a bond and motivate each other, which improves language development.

Portuguese conversational classes are also a great complimentary group course to meet new people, improve pronunciation, and learn informal speech. It will give you more opportunities to put yourself out there, speaking Portuguese, breaking barriers, and just practicing what you have learned in class.

One-on-One Private Lessons

If you are looking for a Portuguese course adjusted to meet your personal needs, availability, and topics of interest, one-on-one private Portuguese lessons are the ideal course for you.

Some people might struggle with the pace in the intensive group courses. Tailor-made classes might be ideal to help you learn Portuguese more efficiently. Your teacher will design your classes based on personal interests, hobbies, and goals. They will make sure to focus on your weaknesses so you improve the things you need more attention on, and help you reveal your strengths.

With private classes, you can also choose the focus of your lessons — whether you are studying Portuguese for business, education, family, travel, etc. Moreover, you can ask your teacher to concentrate on formal, business, or street-smart Portuguese, as you wish. Private lessons would also allow you to take your time and ask as many questions as you want.

One-on-one private Portuguese classes enable you to learn at your own pace. It also focuses on your individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

You can do both!

If you have read this article this far, you have realized both group and private classes have advantages. So, what about having the best of both worlds?

The combination of group classes and private lessons might be the most effective method of learning a new language. You can focus on specific aspects of the language while interacting with other students as well.

Caminhos offers you the Combo 25 Course, which combines four hours of group course plus one hour of private lesson each day, five days a week. That is a total of 25 hours of Portuguese lessons per week.

Learn Portuguese: Private Lessons or Group Classes?

Now that you have learned about private lessons and group classes you can weigh on which one is the ideal Portuguese course for you. Either way, we would love for you to consider booking your Portuguese classes with Caminhos.

And if you are having second thoughts about learning Portuguese, check our blog posts Why learn Brazilian Portuguese? and Why Study Portuguese at Caminhos Language Centre?.

We offer a wide range of Brazilian Portuguese courses, such as group classes, conversational courses, private lessons, and Celpe-Bras training. Caminhos can also help you obtain a Brazilian student visa and homestay accommodation in Rio de Janeiro.

We have free after-class activities every day, so you can practice your Portuguese whilst having fun and meeting new people. Our activities include beach volleyball, capoeira lessons, samba classes, hikes in the mountains, city tours, and much more.

Your tuition fee also helps underprivileged children in Brazil through our social program, Mais Caminhos. The program provides children from nearby communities with educational, cultural, and recreational activities they would not have otherwise.

Learn Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro. Study at Caminhos Language Centre. Follow Caminhos on Instagram for Portuguese tips, videos, and Portuguese content.

Caminhos Language Centre is the largest and most exciting Portuguese school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We have an excellent infrastructure, over 15 experienced Brazilian teachers, and a friendly multilingual support staff. We are the only school in Brazil able to offer Portuguese group courses throughout the year on 10 different levels. Moreover, our school also offers more than just Portuguese lessons for foreigners, we offer you the complete Rio de Janeiro experience. Every day we organize 100% free and fun activities for you to socialize and practice your Portuguese. We can also help you with a student visa for Brazil and accommodation in Rio de Janeiro. Follow us on Instagram for some Portuguese tips and news.