One of the interesting aspects of a visit to Brazil is that unlike the rest of South America where the majority of people speak Spanish, Brazil's origin as a Portuguese territory means that it is still their language that is spoken there. While those who do speak Spanish may be able to make themselves understood to most people in Brazil, it is wise to learn at least a few words before visiting the country, and for those planning an extended visit then it is a great opportunity to learn Portuguese.

There are plenty of places around the country where visitors can start learning Portuguese, while many cities are particularly good for those learning the language.

Sao Paulo

The largest city of Brazil is a natural choice for those looking to learn the language, as many of its colleges and universities have exchange programs with other countries allowing students to spend a semester or a year in the country studying and learning Portuguese. These include the University of Sao Paulo and the Federal University of Sao Paulo, which both run good programs for English speakers looking to learn Portuguese. There are also plenty of independent language schools, and the cosmopolitan population means that the city also has a reasonable proportion of people who can speak at least a few words of English, making it a little easier to get by as you start learning Portuguese.

Curitiba

The attractive city of Curitiba is a popular choice for many people wanting to learn Portuguese, as it has an established tourist industry with a reasonable number of people who have a few words of English.

The city also provides a great backdrop in which to learn, with green and pleasant surroundings and many areas of the city that are quite relaxed and unhurried. There are several choices in terms of independent tutors and schools offering Portuguese courses, with one of the most popular is the Celin course which is associated with the University of Parana, and can also help visitors to arrange accommodation with local families.

Rio de Janeiro

Located on Brazil's south east coast, Rio is a city that is famous for its superb beaches and the vibrant cultural life, with the famous Carnaval celebrations in late February and early March among the highlights of the year. The lively city is also quite cosmopolitan, drawing people from across the world, which does make it a little easier for those who are just starting to learn the language. There are plenty of different courses on offer in the city, with those at the Federal University of Rio and the Rio de Janeiro State University both being popular and affordable for visitors. An interesting option is at the Casa do Caminho Language Center which offers courses that allow visitors to support the work of this school for vulnerable children.

Salvador

For younger people who are looking for a great location in which to immerse themselves in the Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language, Salvador is a great choice. The famous UCLA university in the United States runs its annual exchange program with the United States Brazilian Culture Association in the city, meaning that it is a good choice for those looking to learn Portuguese with the support of other English speakers. The city is particularly good because it has a vibrant night life, and this certainly allows people to practice the language frequently in informal situations.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is another city where the strong tourist industry mean that there is a population within the city with some knowledge of English, while the excellent beaches and natural areas to explore makes it a great destination too. There are plenty of schools in the city that offer English language courses at a competitive price, with those based at the city's universities offering the highest educational standards. The relaxed pace of life in the city also adds to its attraction as a place to learn Portuguese.