The TASIS Portugal Language Academy
 

Immerse yourself in the diverse tapestry of languages at the TASIS Language Academy, where the world's linguistic treasures come to life. Our academy offers an enriching array of language courses, including Mandarin, German, Dutch, Russian, as well as Spanish and French until Grade 4, providing students with the key to unlocking international communication and cultural exploration.

At the TASIS Language Academy, we celebrate the beauty of language in all its forms, fostering an environment where students can develop linguistic skills that open doors to the global community. Our meticulously designed courses are tailored to accommodate learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, ensuring a personalized and effective language journey.

Our mission at the TASIS Language Academy encompasses:

• Nurturing linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding

• Cultivating effective communication, critical thinking, and global awareness

• Instilling a love for languages and a curiosity for diverse cultures

• Equipping students with invaluable language skills for academic, professional, and personal pursuits

Join us at TASIS Portugal Language Academy to embark on a transformative journey of linguistic discovery. To explore the possibilities for your child, kindly complete the enrollment form available here: Enrollment Form, or scan the QR code provided below.

The Language Academy is a newly established program that initially focuses on providing courses for the most home-spoken languages within the TASIS community.  However, we are open to expanding our program by adding more levels to the offered languages and even introducing new ones. Your valuable input and suggestions are always welcome, so please don't hesitate to contact our coordinator, Camille Adam, at camille.adam@tasisportugal.org with any ideas or feedback you would like to share. Your insights will help us tailor our offerings to better serve our community.

Ann Jiao
Mandarin Instructor

Ms. Jiao brings extensive experience from various regions of China, offering a deep understanding of the nation's diverse culture and languages. With a background as an accomplished editor and proficiency in standard Mandarin usage, she is well-equipped to impart linguistic skills. Holding a Master's Degree in developmental and educational psychology from Beijing Normal University, Ms. Jiao excels in comprehending students' needs and motivations, tailoring her teaching to their cognitive preferences, thereby enhancing their grasp and mastery. Her recent teaching endeavors at Chinese institutions in Lisbon have endeared her to children, thanks to her warm, humorous, and relaxed teaching style.

Christine Ratzke de Figueiredo
German Instructor

Introducing Christine Ratzke de Figueiredo, our esteemed German language instructor. Born in Northern Germany, she has cultivated a lifelong connection with nature that profoundly influences her teaching philosophy. Possessing a degree in Sports and Arts teaching and extensive experience in international schools and entrepreneurial ventures in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, Christine embodies adaptability and a remarkable ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds. In her role, she inspires students to embrace diversity, approach learning with passion, and discover the richness of the German language and culture.

Nick Westbroek
Dutch Instructor

Meet Nick Westbroek, an experienced primary education teacher with seven years of dedicated service in the Netherlands, specifically in the Utrecht and Rotterdam regions. Nick specializes in Dutch language, history, and physical education, offering comprehensive instruction across all language domains, including reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, concepts, and language care.

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Irena Curto
Russian Instructor

Russian by birth and Portuguese after marriage, Irina is a dedicated instructor in Russian language, literature, and culture. Equipped with a Master's in Linguistics and Translation from Moscow State Linguistic University (Moscow, Russian Federation) and Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (Lisbon, Portugal), she collaborates regularly with esteemed institutions like the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute and Zlatoust Language School, specializing in teaching Russian to international students. Beyond her teaching, Irina is also an accomplished artist and an active member of the International Art Foundation & Moscow Art Society. Her curatorial work spans international exhibitions, and she maintains collaborations with the Russian Art magazine and various Portuguese museums that house Russian art collections. Thanks to her extensive residencies in diverse countries, Irina possesses a profound understanding of various cultures, a quality that enriches her work.

Susana Perez
Spanish Instructor

Meet Susana Perez, an experienced educator hailing from Spain with an impressive 20-year tenure in teaching children. As a Primary School teacher, Susana brings a versatile skill set, including expertise in music, special needs education, and teaching Spanish to both native and foreign speakers. Susana is deeply committed to the idea that languages can foster inclusion and break down communication barriers among learners from diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy and a brighter future for our children. She prides herself on adapting to students' learning paces, ensuring dynamic and practical classes while utilizing resources to stimulate oral language development for foreign students, and following a dynamic and normative approach for native speakers.

 

Portuguese Conversational Classes
 

Starting January 2024, the TASIS Language Academy is introducing Portuguese conversational classes to enrich linguistic skills and enhance self-confidence. 

Why Portuguese Conversational Classes? 
At TASIS Language Academy, we understand the importance of fostering well-rounded linguistic abilities in our students. With an increasingly globalized world, proficiency in multiple languages opens doors to diverse opportunities. Portuguese, with its rich cultural heritage and growing global influence, offers a unique and valuable skill set. 

What to Expect: 

• Interactive Learning: Our classes are designed to be interactive and dynamic, allowing students to immerse themselves in the Portuguese language through engaging conversations.  

• Qualified Instructors: Our experienced TASIS teachers are dedicated to creating a stimulating learning environment, ensuring your child's success in further enhancing Portuguese language skills. 

• Boosted Self-Confidence: Tailored to prioritize personalized attention and effective learning, our small-group setting aims to boost self-confidence as students actively participate in language development. 

• After-School Convenience: The classes will be held during after-school hours, starting at 15:00 on Monday for kindergarten. For elementary school students, classes will start at 17:00 on Tuesday or Wednesday, and on Thursday for middle school students. 

Enrollment Details: 
Participation in the Portuguese conversational classes is a paid after-school activity. The fee structure and payment details can be found in the enrollment form, which you can access through the link below or by scanning the QR code with your mobile device. 

Act Now: 
Spaces are limited, so enroll today to join this new linguistic journey!  

The Language Academy is a newly established program. Your valuable input and suggestions are always welcome, so please don't hesitate to contact our coordinator, Camille Adam, at camille.adam@tasisportugal.org  with any ideas or feedback you would like to share. Your insights will help us tailor our offerings to better serve our community. 

Mariana BarrosMariana is a dedicated Elementary Teacher from Lisbon with over 10 years of teaching experience. She earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Elementary and Middle School Teaching from Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa, and has since been committed to providing her students with the best possible education. Mariana is passionate about teaching and has a strong belief in the power of education to change lives. She strives to create a positive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and supported, and her classroom is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to her teaching work, Mariana is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her family. She believes that learning is a lifelong pursuit and is always looking for ways to improve her own knowledge and skills.
 

Rita Levita
Rita is a passionate and experienced teacher with a Bachelor's and a Master's degrees in Elementary and Pre-School Education from the Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa. During her studies, she spent a semester abroad at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. She also holds a professional certification in Teaching Portuguese as a Second Language from the University of Porto. Rita's passion for teaching and travel took her to Leipzig, Germany, where she completed a European voluntary service, working with children and adults in refugee integration and language learning. Besides her international experience, she taught for one year in Kolín, Czechia, and for three years in London, UK, where she honed her skills as a teacher of young children. During her free time, Rita loves to explore new places and the great outdoors.

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Jorge Coelho
Jorge holds a Master's Degree in primary and middle school teaching from the Instituto Politécnico do Porto - Escola Superior de Educação and a post-graduate degree in Portuguese as a second language from the Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. He taught Portuguese and Portuguese as a second language at St. Peter's International School and Park International School and was a primary teacher at St. Paul’s School. While at those schools, he was part of a few chess initiatives, as well as numismatic activities. Jorge has a passion for traveling, having visited nearly all countries in Europe and Southeast Asia, where he also visited schools in the Philippines and Cambodia. He is an avid sports enthusiast and has played roller hockey for 11 years, runs trail races, and is always up for a challenge in playing tennis, paddle, or snooker. Additionally, Jorge is a published author, having written and published the book titled "O momento antes de adormecer".
 

Joana Gomes
Joana has an Integrated Master’s Degree in Psychology, specializing in Educational Psychology. She has experience working with children who have learning difficulties and special educational needs in various schools and kindergartens. Joana worked with children aged 2 to 4 years old in a small alternative school, helping them develop emotional and social skills through various activities.In her free time, Joana enjoys playing the cello, running, and swimming in the sea. She has a passion for traveling and hopes to explore the world.
 

Sérgio Simões
Sérgio holds a Bachelor's Degree in Modern Languages and Literature, Portuguese Studies, and a post-graduate diploma in Teaching from the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Since college, Sérgio has taught both children (in Portuguese public schools) and adults (in training centers), and he has been working at TASIS Portugal since 2021. Besides teaching, he has also worked in several areas such as journalism, marketing, and communication. For several years, he worked as a book editor in various publishing houses, publishing numerous books of all genres, including children's books. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies, playing soccer, and spending time with his family.