Before booking
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Is there a minimum age to enrol at CIAL?Yes. The minimum age to follow a course with us is 18.
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When can I start?Students with some knowledge of Portuguese may start on any Monday. For complete beginners, there are starting dates every 2 weeks.
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Does CIAL offer courses in all levels?Yes. We have groups in all levels from complete beginner(A1) to proficiency (C2). Course levels are linked to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), and learning objectives for each course are expressed in can-do statements.
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How long does it take to complete one level?On average, it takes 4-6 weeks to complete one level.
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What teaching method does CIAL use?CIAL's approach is based on communicative language teaching methodology, placing emphasis on language for communication. Lessons are planned to include a balanced combination of activities to help students learn and practice the four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
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Will I get a certificate at the end of the course?Yes, all students get a certificate. It can be an Attendance Certificate for those who don’t complete a level or a Completion Certificate for those who pass the final test.
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Is CIAL an accredited school?Yes. CIAL is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Instituto Camões and DGERT in Portugal and IALC and EAQUALS, internationally.
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Which school is best for me, Lisbon or Faro?The courses, starting dates and contents are the same in both schools. It really depends on the type of experience you are looking for and the type of city you prefer. You may also combine the two cities during your program.
Accommodation, Airport pick up and Activities
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Does CIAL provide accommodation for the students?Yes. CIAL offers several choices of accommodation in both cities for those students who are interested.
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When should I arrive/leave the accommodation?Accommodation is available from the Sunday before your course starts to the Saturday after it ends.
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Can CIAL organize airport or train/bus station pick up?Yes. Students are met by a member of the school staff bearing a CIAL sign with the school logo and the student’s name.
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Does CIAL organize leisure activities outside class?Yes. There is a monthly program of activities that includes films and lectures in the school, guided visits to museums and monuments, evening outings to live music concerts, bars, and Saturday half-day visits to points of interest, giving students an insight of Portuguese life. All these activities are included in the course fee.
In the school
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How do you assess my level?On the first day there will be an interview and a written placement test so you can be integrated in a group at your level.
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May I change the level of my course?To move from one level to the next, students need to pass the test with a grade of 75% or more.
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How many students are there in one group?The maximum is 8 students per group for General Portuguese Courses and 12 for Easter, Christmas and Erasmus courses.
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How long is one lesson?A standard lesson is 50 minutes.
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Do I have to buy the textbook?Textbooks and printouts are included. Exercises and grammar books may be bought at CIAL.