Learning and Teaching Portuguese as a Non Native Language

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 and located in the historic city of Coimbra, is one of Europe’s oldest universities and a UNESCO cultural landmark. With about 25,580 students, including roughly 4,351 international students, the university blends centuries of academic tradition with a vibrant, international campus life. Its historic colleges, libraries and concert halls coexist with modern research centers across disciplines from law and humanities to engineering and biomedical sciences.

Coimbra offers a broad academic portfolio with strong research output, international exchange programs and multidisciplinary centers that foster innovation. The university is especially well known for its law, arts, social sciences and health faculties, and it participates actively in Erasmus and global partnerships that facilitate study abroad and collaborative research. Students benefit from structured academic advising, language support and numerous cultural activities tied to the city’s student traditions.

Student life is shaped by rich traditions, lively academic societies and a compact city layout that makes it easy to combine study and cultural exploration. International students enjoy access to modern facilities, research opportunities and a welcoming community with a strong focus on academic excellence and cultural exchange. For those seeking a historically rich European university experience with robust research networks and an active international student community, the University of Coimbra offers a compelling academic and cultural environment.

The Learning and Teaching Portuguese as a Non Native Language program at the University of Coimbra is a non-degree course for those interested in teaching Portuguese. It's a 50-hour program that suits students passionate about language education and wanting to enhance their teaching skills in a global context.

The curriculum focuses on sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic profiles of learners, addressing challenges faced by non-native speakers. Participants will learn to identify interlanguage characteristics and develop instructional strategies tailored to their students' needs, equipping them with practical tools to adapt their teaching methods.

Graduates can pursue roles like language instructors, curriculum developers, or educational consultants, finding opportunities in language schools, universities, or international organizations. They can also work in diverse educational settings or roles that require strong communication skills, such as education coordinators or language assessors.