Teach English in Portugal
Teaching English in Portugal is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to live and work in a beautiful and historic country while sharing their knowledge of the English language. Portugal is a popular destination for English teachers, with a high demand for native speakers in both private and public schools. In addition to traditional classroom settings, there are also opportunities to teach English as a second language in language schools, universities, and private tutoring.
The Portuguese lifestyle is known for its relaxed and easy-going nature. The pace of life is slower than in many other European countries and people tend to take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. The country is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, which makes it easy to spend time outside enjoying the natural beauty of the country. Portuguese people are known for their love of food, with traditional meals often being a social occasion and enjoyed with friends and family. The country also has a rich culture and history, with many festivals and events throughout the year celebrating this heritage. Portugal is also known for its welcoming and friendly people, making it a great place for visitors to experience the culture and lifestyle.
Popular Cities
Lisbon
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a beautiful and historic city that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Visitors can explore the winding streets of the old town, lined with charming cafés and shops, or take a tram up to one of the city’s many viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the River Tagus. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Lisbon include:
- The Belem Tower – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 16th-century tower is a symbol of the Age of Discovery and offers views of the city.
- Jeronimos Monastery – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and is home to the tomb of the great Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes.
- The Castle of Sao Jorge – This medieval castle offers breathtaking views of the city and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
- The Time Out Market – This trendy food market is a great place to try some traditional Portuguese dishes and explore Lisbon’s culinary scene.
Porto
The second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and famous port wine. Visitors can explore the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a boat trip on the Douro River to see the famous port wine cellars. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto include:
- The Clerigos Tower – This iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
- The Porto Cathedral – This historic cathedral dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
- The Ribeira – This charming riverside neighborhood is a great place to stroll, enjoy a meal, or take in the views of the Douro River.
- The port wine cellars – Porto is famous for its port wine, and visitors can take a tour of the city’s port wine cellars to learn about the production process and taste some of the famous wines.
Albufeira
A coastal town located in the Algarve region, Albufeira is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, or simply relax on the golden sands. The Algarve also offers a range of activities for those who prefer a more active holiday, such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Albufeira include:
- The beaches – Albufeira is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, such as Praia da Oura, Praia dos Pescadores, and Praia do Evaristo.
- The Marina – This modern marina is a great place to stroll and enjoy the views of the sea.
- The Old Town – This charming neighborhood is home to traditional Portuguese houses and narrow cobbled streets.
- The Zoomarine – This marine park offers a variety of shows and activities, such as dolphin and seal shows, and the opportunity to swim with sharks and rays.
Food
Portugal is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the sea. Seafood is a staple of the Portuguese diet and traditional dishes such as bacalhau (salt cod) and cataplana (a seafood stew) are popular throughout the country. The bacalhau is a dried, salted codfish and it is considered the national dish. There are more than 365 ways of cooking bacalhau, one for each day of the year.
In addition to seafood, traditional dishes also include hearty stews and casseroles, such as cozido, a stew made with different meats, beans, and vegetables. Another popular dish is the feijoada, a stew made with beans and pork.
Portugal is also known for its sweet pastries and desserts, such as the famous pastel de nata, a custard tart made with puff pastry. The traditional pasteis de Belem are also quite popular, which are a variation of the pastel de nata, only made in a specific area of Lisbon.
Its cuisine also features a variety of sausages, cheeses and breads. The country is well known for its wine and port wine, particularly from the Douro Valley region.
Portugal’s culinary scene has evolved in recent years, with many restaurants and cafes experimenting with modern twists on traditional dishes. Visitors can find a variety of culinary experiences, from street food to fine dining
Culture
Portugal’s culture is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. It is shaped by its rich history, geography, and people. The country has a long and fascinating history, from its time as a global superpower during the Age of Discovery to its more recent history as a republic. This history has left a lasting impact on the culture of the country and can be seen in its architecture, art and music. Fado, a traditional music style that originated in Lisbon, is particularly important in the culture and is celebrated through live performances in Fado houses. The country is also known for its art, from the famous azulejos tilework to the contemporary art galleries. The Portuguese people are friendly, welcoming and easy-going, making it a great place for visitors to experience the culture. Portugal is a country that has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history, making it an ideal destination for those who are interested in exploring new cultures.
Job Types
English teachers in Portugal can work in a variety of settings, including private and public schools, language schools, universities, and private tutoring. Private language schools – These institutions offer classes to students of all ages, and teachers may be responsible for teaching a range of levels and abilities.
- Public schools – These institutions offer classes to students of all ages, and teachers may be responsible for teaching a range of levels and abilities.
- Universities – These institutions offer classes to university students, and teachers may be responsible for teaching a range of levels and abilities.
- Private tutoring – Teachers can work independently and offer one-on-one classes to students.
- Corporate training – teachers can work in companies teaching employees English for business purposes.
Qualifications
To teach English in Portugal, it is generally required to have a bachelor’s degree and a recognized TESOL Certificate.
Visa
To work as an English teacher in Portugal, you will need to have a valid work visa. The process of obtaining a work visa can vary depending on your country of origin, but generally, you will need to provide proof of your qualifications, a valid passport, and a criminal background check. It is important to check the specific requirements for your country and to start the visa application process as early as possible.
Get Started!
Teaching English in Portugal is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to live and work in a beautiful and historic country while sharing their knowledge of the English language. With a high demand for native speakers, a relatively low cost of living, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and language, Portugal is an ideal destination for English teachers. Whether you’re looking to work in Lisbon, Porto or Albufeira, you will find a variety of job opportunities and a welcoming culture to make your ESL teaching dream come true.