A: Learning a language without help can be fraught with problems. Once you learn a sentence, structure or expression that is not exactly right, it is very difficult to correct it later. It is common to find foreigners who make the same mistakes over and over again, even after being corrected. Introduction is a very important part, if not the most important part, of learning a new language.

Q: Which books or materials do you recommend for a self study program?

A: I do not recommend self-study programs. One should get help from a professional tutor. However, there are several good references that could assist you in your learning of the language. You can find a list of recommendations here.

Q: Are there any group classes available?

A: Most of my classes are one-on-one. Please contact me to discuss any special requirements you may have.

Q: I would like to take classes together with my wife. We both speak English fluently and she also speaks Spanish. Is it possible for you to help us?

A: I prefer to refrain from providing concurrent lessons for a husband and wife. This is because most people progress at a different pace and have different interests. I've tried this before with little success. One or both people typically lose motivation and become frustrated. If you would like to study with a co-worker, spouse or friends, I would have to make an evaluation in order to tell you if it is possible or not. In a group class, all students need to be at the same level and have similar language backgrounds.

Q: Are there any differences between Portuguese as it is spoken in Brazil as opposed to Portugal?

A: Although the language is functionally the same, there are subtle differences between it's use in Brazil vs. Portugal.  Even within Brazil, there are differences in use and pronunciation throughout the different geographic regions.  This would be similar to the differences one would hear in spoken English in the different regions of the United States, i.e. New England, vs. New York, vs. the deep south.

Q: I am heading to the Northeast part of Brazil. Do you also teach in there?

A: No. I live and work in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Q: Please, tell me more about the way you teach.

A: I build a special series of classes for each student based on their goals and needs. I usually provide the material for each class based on the subject of the day. I  often use current articles and chronicles taken from magazines and newspapers in order to put the learning of the language into the context of what is currently happening around you.

Q: My 13-y-o daughter is coming to Brazil. Would you help her to speak Portuguese?

A: I am willing to work with anyone who has a desire to learn the language. But, being quite honest, most of my students have been business people, and their spouses.

Q: How long does it take to learn the basics?

A: It really depends on the student. However, to give you a rough idea, 100 hours should prepare you to handle daily life situations.

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