PORTUGUESE
TEACHING & TRANSLATION
Within languages, I teach Portuguese as a foreign language, as well as doing translation work; whether that be documents, websites or any form of text that you might need translating. If you are interested in translation work, please contact me here to find out more.
Do you want to learn Portuguese as a foreign language? For pleasure? To travel? For business? Or for an exam? Well, whatever the reason, and no matter your skill level, experience or age, I can help you learn the ever-growing language of Portuguese.
As a native speaker, of course, I have the language down. I have the expressions, the idioms, the grammar, the accent and the history of my home country, where I was born and lived for 19 years. So when you’re learning with me, you will gain the skills you need to reach your goals, in the best way to suit you.
XAVIER DE SANTOS
PORTUGUESE NATIVE SPEAKER FROM PORTO, PORTUGAL
BASED IN BRISTOL/BATH
A little bit about me...
A few years ago, not long after graduating from University, I started to work as a choreographer/movement director for a theatre company who was working on their touring Spanish/English bilingual educational show, with a follow up drama workshop. This sparked my interest in teaching and became the beginning of my journey in education. A few months later I found myself fully immersed in education, teaching a rage of dance styles at schools and universities in both the UK and Portugal.
At this moment of my life I had come to the point where I had the desire to expand my skills by sharing my native language knowledge - teaching Portuguese as a foreign language. I am now a freelance Portuguese language teacher and have students with a broad range of abilities and goals.
How I teach...
First and foremost, the important thing for me is that you quickly develop your skills, always respecting your own pace, whilst having a good time! I am very friendly and aim to ensure a welcoming and fun atmosphere in each session.
I plan the sessions based on your goals and learning needs, always making it fun and diverse, from informal discussions and readings, to video narration, studies of music you like, or sports you might be interested in, etc. If you are looking to take exams in Portuguese, I have the resources to build your confidence in the most up to date tests, so that you can gain the qualifications you need, from revision guides to exam practice for higher academic expectations.
I can teach adults looking for specific topics relating to business or holidays for example, as I know that creating a connection between your interests and the lessons is key. I will always teach in the way that is best for you. Given the current circumstances, all of my lessons are online. However, usually I would teach either online or face to face, wherever is most comfortable for you.
If you are advanced in Portuguese and simply looking for extra practice or accent reduction, I also offer an alternative session style through spoken practice over a walk or a coffee, just to build on that confidence that is so key in speaking a language.
So, whatever your reason, whether it is simply to find out a little bit more or to book a taster session, please don’t hesitate to get in contact here. Thank you for visiting my website, and I hope to hear from you soon! Obrigado!
I am Enhanced DBS checked and have Public Liability Insurance.
Reviews
Wes, Bristol
Alex, Bath
Gary, Calne
Although half of my family are Portuguese, I never learnt the language and, thirty years on, I thought I would try to change that.
I have been learning with Xavier for just over three months and each week, I have grown in both confidence and understanding. Xavier has always been kind and patient, while being quick to celebrate achievements in each lesson, no matter how small. Lessons are both fun and detailed (an important factor when tackling complicated grammar) while always raising a smile.
Although I still have a long way to go, I would highly recommend Xavier to support and guide you in your Portuguese journey. Via Skype or in-person, it is always the highlight of my week!
Xavi is a tremendous teacher. He is very experienced and up to date with the latest teaching methods which means he plans the sessions meticulously and is very focused on how he wants to approach each lesson.
I am so pleased with the progress I have made! I feel a real sense of achievement and I so l always look forward to the next session.
I’ve been learning Portuguese with Xavier for a couple of months now. I’m a complete beginner and my memories of learning languages at school aren’t good! But this time it’s different…
The most important thing about learning anything is to be relaxed and Xavier’s lessons are completely stress-free. He plans them in a format that mixes new vocabulary with practical examples, and he’s careful to make sure we’re moving at a comfortable pace (so I remember what I learn and build up a vocabulary as we go).
Learning a new language from a standing start is difficult, but I’m now finding I’m able to put the lessons together and work out new things for myself. This week my wife (who has Portuguese family) joined the lessons too, so soon we’ll be able to hold our own with the in-laws.
Rates
Rate for online lessons: £18/h
Rate for face to face lessons: £25/h
Rate for 5 hours of online lessons: £87
Rate for 5 hours of face to face lessons: £122
Discount available for group lessons.
Translation fees: contact me here to get a quote.