Portuguese Classes NYC, New York

Best Portuguese Classes in NYC

In-Person Portuguese Classes & Schools in NYC

Learning Portuguese is a great way to tap into a different culture and make new friends, but also a way to explore new professional opportunities. If you often find yourself scrolling through social media aimlessly or binge-watching a television show, try learning a new language instead. It could be a great new hobby for you as it is not only a way to be more productive with your time, but it is also a useful skill to list at a job interview. In more densely populated areas such as New York City, there are many people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Studying another language is the first step in expanding your cultural horizons and meeting new people. Whether you intend to travel across the globe or just want to learn a beneficial skill, there are many reasons to learn Portuguese.

Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, as it derives from Latin. The language is spoken throughout Latin America, in Portugal, in parts of Spain, and even in Africa. Once you master the Portuguese language, it is easier to learn other languages as well, such as Spanish, Italian, or French. Imagine how wonderful and empowering it would feel to visit Portugal after mastering the Portuguese language. This is made possible through the classes offered on CourseHorse.

However, not all Portuguese-related courses have to focus on learning the language. For example, there are literature classes that focus on Portuguese and Brazilian authors, poets, and playwrights. In a course titled, The Abyss I Am Made Of: an Intro to Clarice Lispector, you can learn more about Clarice Lispector, an influential Jewish Brazilian woman who details her experience fleeing to Brazil from a war-torn Ukraine. Although she was not raised in Brazil, she found her place in the beautiful country and made her mark as a novelist and influential voice of her generation. Her works are often described as “otherworldly” and often related to Brazilian political events. In this course, you can dive deeper into Lispector’s novels and short stories while learning more about Brazilian culture. This course explores Lispector’s feminist musings, her whimsical prose, and how to understand her works in the context of our modern culture.

Although Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, it is not the only Latin American country to speak the language. In Argentina, they also have many native Portuguese-speaking people and Portuguese influence. If you are planning a trip to Argentina, consider learning more about Argentinian culture before your visit. For example, you can take an Argentinian cooking class to give yourself an idea of what to expect when you visit the country. Located in Queens, this course is ideal for learning the traditional drinks, foods, and customs associated with Argentina. This class will offer tastes of traditional Argentinian snacks such as cheeses, breads, and charcuterie. In addition, all the meats come from a local Argentinian butcher, which adds to the authentic experience that you are paying for. The instructor, Mirta, is incredibly experienced and has immersed herself in the culture. In this course, you will learn to cook traditional Argentinian dishes such as entraña a la parilla, peras al malbec, papas al horno con hierbas, and more.

Lastly, the Portuguese language is considered closest to the Spanish language. If you are more familiar with Spanish than you are with Portuguese, it may be beneficial to brush up on your Spanish skills before moving on to Portuguese. By enrolling in a Total Beginner Spanish course, you can ensure you have the building blocks necessary to move on to other romantic languages such as Portuguese. Located in Manhattan’s Financial District, this course offers an introduction to the Spanish language and provides an instructor who works with you throughout. This 6-week course includes basic conversational skills, vocabulary, and grammar, which will assist you in your future Portuguese courses.

CourseHorse offers a variety of classes depending on your needs. If you are traveling to a new country that predominantly speaks Portuguese, there are many classes available that allow you to immerse yourself in a new culture before your visit. Perhaps you have made a new friend who comes from a Portuguese-speaking country and you want to show them how much you care – this is a great way to deepen a relationship. Or, maybe you just need a fun new hobby that will provide you with new opportunities, personally or professionally. These courses are a great way to understand more about a culture before diving straight into learning the language.

Virtual Portuguese Classes & Schools

There are many factors to consider when signing up for a foreign language class. One of the first is whether to take the course in-person or online. While there are many benefits to in-person classes, there are also benefits of taking online Portuguese classes that are also worth mentioning. For example, saving time and money on a commute is something everyone would benefit from. Additionally, taking online courses allows you to learn in a more comfortable environment, which can help with the language learning process. While the lack of in-person assistance may seem daunting at first, it is a fear that will quickly melt away as the live virtual classrooms on CourseHorse still emphasize interactivity and class discussion.

For example, ABC Languages offers an Intro to Portuguese Crash Course that focuses on the basics of Brazilian Portuguese and boasts small class sizes averaging four students per class. The class, held via Microsoft Teams, is a fantastic way to brush up on the Portuguese language before taking a trip. In this 90-minute class, you will learn basic Portuguese greetings and travel phrases, which will help build confidence when traveling. All in all, this course is a great way to decide if learning the Portuguese language is right for you.

Once you have decided to commit to learning the Portuguese language, you can sign up for the Portuguese Total Beginner course also offered by ABC Language. In this 6-week class, you will meet once a week to focus on grammar and the basic structure of the language. This is a great way to polish your Portuguese conversational skills and identify more vocabulary words. Classes are remote with a live instructor who will be with you every step of the way to provide feedback, answer questions, and explain complex concepts. 

For those who are already fluent in other romantic languages, such as Spanish, French, or Italian, consider taking the Portuguese Fast Track course. This 8-week class is a more in-depth look into the Portuguese language and focuses on verb tense, negations, and adjectives. More specifically, the course focuses on practicing conversation in Portuguese. Class sizes are small, which aids in the learning process as you can easily familiarize yourself with your peers and find comfort in knowing everyone has a shared goal.

Private Group Portuguese Classes in NYC

If traditional classes are not your speed, try searching Portuguese classes for private groups in NYC. This is a perfect way to learn a new language while maintaining your comfort. The courses offered on CourseHorse are versatile, engaging, and go more in-depth. Of course, you can always reach out via the contact form on the CourseHorse website to learn more about the options available to you. Your learning journey is customizable and curated with your needs in mind.