Bem-vindos! Welcome!
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“Portuguese with Empathy” (formerly “Fran’s Portuguese Corner”) offers resources to learn the language, as well as personalized 1-to-1 online lessons designed for people who want more than memorizing grammar rules.
Fran’s approach combines structure, conversation, cultural understanding, and empathy — because learning a language is also about feeling comfortable, understood, and encouraged.
Whether you are moving to Portugal or simply falling in love with the language, lessons are adapted to your goals, rhythm, and personality.
With the lessons, you will:
- Speak naturally from the beginning
- Learn authentic European Portuguese
- Build confidence step by step
- Improve pronunciation and listening
- Receive fully personalized guidance
- Learn in a calm, supportive environment
Ideal for:
- Expats living in Portugal
- Beginners starting from zero
- Intermediate learners who want to speak more naturally
- Professionals and remote workers
- People preparing for Portuguese exams or citizenship
- Anyone looking for a warm and human learning experience
Olá, I’m Fran 👋 – founder of Portuguese with Empathy
I help students learn European Portuguese in a calm, supportive, and human way.
I have almost 10 years of experience teaching languages. I first began teaching English after completing my CELTA qualification and a BA in English Literature. Later, I was given the opportunity to teach my native language to Portugal’s growing international community — and quickly discovered how much I loved helping people feel more connected and confident through language.
For four years, I worked as a Portuguese instructor at a language school while also teaching independently online to students living all over Portugal and beyond.
Portuguese with Empathy started as a labour of love — created from a desire to offer lessons that truly adapt to each individual person. Over time, I paused the project to gain even more experience, deepen my teaching practice, and learn more about course creation and educational resources.
I believe language learning should feel encouraging, personal, and realistic — not overwhelming or intimidating.
By tailoring lessons and resources to your goals, pace, interests, and learning style — together with patience, empathy, and practical guidance — I truly believe you can build the confidence to live comfortably in Portuguese or even achieve full proficiency in the language.
Whether you are:
- moving to Portugal,
- preparing for citizenship,
- improving your communication skills,
- or simply learning for personal growth,
my goal is to help you feel supported every step of the way.
A Personalised Way to Learn European Portuguese
Tailored
Every lesson and resource is adapted to your level and goals.
Practical
Focus on real conversations and everyday Portuguese.
Supportive
A calm, patient environment where mistakes are welcome.
Human
Connection matters as much as grammar.
Learn Portuguese Your Way
“During the lessons I understood more and more and could speak with other people…”
I have learned a lot in the Portuguese lessons with Fran. It was a good mix of speaking, writing and doing grammar exercises. During the lessons I understood more and more and could speak with other people. I absolutely can recommend her if you want to learn the language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of European Portuguese lessons do you offer?
At Portuguese with Empathy, I offer different ways to learn European Portuguese, depending on your level, goals and preferred learning style.
You can choose from personalised 1:1 online lessons, À Conversa guided speaking sessions for A1–A2 learners, or my A1 European Portuguese group course, starting in January 2027.
I also provide free learning resources to help you practise independently.
Do you teach complete beginners?
Absolutely! You don’t need any previous knowledge of Portuguese to get started.
My 1:1 lessons are adapted to your individual level and learning pace, while my A1 group course is specifically designed for beginners who want to build a solid foundation in European Portuguese.
Whether you’re starting from zero or returning to Portuguese after a break, I’ll help you find the most suitable learning option.
Do you teach European or Brazilian Portuguese?
I teach European Portuguese, as spoken in Portugal.
My lessons focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and everyday expressions that will help you communicate in real-life situations — from ordering at a café to speaking with neighbours or attending appointments.
Do you issue official Portuguese language certificates accepted by AIMA or for Portuguese nationality applications?
No. Portuguese with Empathy is a private language-teaching service and does not issue officially accredited Portuguese language proficiency certificates for AIMA, nationality applications or other official purposes.
My lessons and courses can help you develop your European Portuguese skills and prepare for language exams such as the CIPLE (A2), but attending lessons or completing a course does not provide official proof of language proficiency.
Students who complete my A1 group course may receive a private certificate of completion, which is not an officially recognised language qualification and cannot be used as a substitute for the language evidence required by the relevant authorities.
If you need a certificate for an official application, I recommend checking the current requirements with the relevant authority before enrolling.
How do the 1:1 lessons work?
My 1:1 lessons are personalised to your goals, level and learning pace.
Each lesson lasts 60 minutes and takes place online. Depending on your needs, we can focus on speaking, listening, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary or practical situations you encounter in Portugal.
Before getting started, I offer a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call so we can discuss your goals, answer your questions and see whether my lessons are the right fit for you.
How much do private lessons cost?
I offer three lesson bundles:
- Starter: 4 lessons — €88 (valid for 6 weeks)
- Consistency: 8 lessons — €168 (valid for 10 weeks)
- Immersion: 12 lessons — €240 (valid for 14 weeks)
Each lesson lasts 60 minutes.
All lessons must be booked and completed within the validity period of the chosen bundle.
What is “À Conversa”?
À Conversa is a guided online speaking practice experience for A1–A2 learners who want to become more confident using European Portuguese.
Sessions focus on practical, everyday topics and take place in a friendly, supportive small-group environment.
Each 60-minute session costs €8, with a maximum of 10 participants and no monthly commitment. A short level assessment is required before joining, and sessions are subject to confirmation.
What’s included in the A1 group course?
My A1 European Portuguese group course runs from 11 January to 16 April 2027 and is designed for complete beginners.
It includes 40 live online classes of 90 minutes each (60 teaching hours in total), with a small group of 4–10 students.
You’ll learn essential grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and communication skills through structured lessons and practical activities focused on everyday life in Portugal.
The course also includes guided homework, supplementary learning resources, revision, progress checks and individual feedback. The textbook is purchased separately.
Can I prepare for the CIPLE exam with you?
Yes! My personalised lessons can help you develop the European Portuguese skills assessed in the CIPLE (A2) examination, including reading, listening, writing and speaking.
We can work on relevant language skills, practise exam-style activities and focus on areas where you need additional support.
Please note that Portuguese with Empathy is an independent teaching service and is not an official CIPLE examination centre.
How do I get started?
Complete my Learning Enquiry Form to tell me a little about yourself, your current Portuguese level and what you’d like to achieve.
I’ll review your information and get in touch with you about the most suitable learning option, whether that’s personalised 1:1 lessons, À Conversa speaking sessions or the A1 group course.
Submitting the form is free and doesn’t commit you to booking lessons or enrolling in a course.
Please click the button below to do so!
