Lisbon

CIAL

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4.3 /5 217 Reviews

Portuguese school in Lisbon: CIAL

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From 269.- GBP

285.- EUR

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Key points

City with a rich cultural life
Renowned school with over 50 years of experience
Friendly atmosphere and qualified teachers

The school

Levels: Beginner to Advanced
School size: M
Accommodation: Host family, Apartment, Residence
Wifi: WiFi is free

The students

Minimum age: 18 years
Average age: 29 years
Nationality mix: Germany, Italy, France, etc..

This language school has offered comprehensive and high-quality teaching since 1959. Situated on the Rua Actor Taborda, it's very close to the gorgeous centre of Lisbon and 5 minutes’ walk from the handy Picoas metro station. All of the wonderful teachers hold a university degree and are experts in Portuguese language and culture. The 18 classrooms are spread over 2 buildings situated less than a 5-minute walk from each other. Students have access to a library, audiovisual material, a multimedia room and free internet access. During breaks and after classes, you can enjoy the large terrace and the vending machines for snacks and drinks. Both buildings are also accessible by lift.

Our partner school reopened on 29/06/2020.
Please note that due to the safety measures implemented following official recommendations and requirements, some school facts and services – such as the number of students per class, schedules, access to common areas as well as certain activities - may differ from those described on our website. Please contact us for more information.

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Choosing the right course for you

Our table of levels can help you choose the right duration to achieve your objectives.

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Included in the price

Level and needs assessment
Welcome activity
End-of-course report and certificate
Activity programme

Lowest prices guaranteed

ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market in the UK! If you find any price difference, you will be entirely refunded.

Lessons: 15 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 18 years
Schedule: 09:00-12:00; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

285 EUR

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8160 EUR

7840 EUR

Extra week (24+)

190 EUR

340 EUR

325 EUR

EUR 1 ≈ GBP 0.95 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates beginner

06.01 / 20.01 / 03.02 / 17.02 / 02.03 / 16.03 / 30.03 / 13.04 / 27.04 / 11.05 / 25.05 / 08.06 / 22.06 / 06.07 / 20.07 / 03.08 / 17.08 / 31.08 / 14.09 / 28.09 / 12.10 / 26.10 / 09.11 / 23.11 / 07.12 / 21.12.2020

Starting dates

Every week, throughout the year

Bank holidays

01.01 / 10.04 / 01.05 / 10.06 / 05.10 / 01.12 / 25.12.2020

Arrival: Sunday prior to course start (Residence: between 14:00 and 18:00)
Departure: Saturday following course end (Residence: between 10:00 - 12:00)

Lessons: 25 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 18 years
Schedule: 09:00-12:00 + 13:00-15:00; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

475 EUR

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6000 EUR

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8000 EUR

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7680 EUR

11280 EUR

10960 EUR

Extra week (24+)

320 EUR

470 EUR

455 EUR

EUR 1 ≈ GBP 0.95 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates beginner

Starting dates

Every week, throughout the year

Bank holidays

01.01 / 10.04 / 01.05 / 10.06 / 05.10 / 01.12 / 25.12.2020

Arrival: Sunday prior to course start (Residence: between 14:00 and 18:00)
Departure: Saturday following course end (Residence: between 10:00 - 12:00)

Lessons: General (group): 15 of 50 minutes
+ General (private): 5 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 18 years
Schedule: General (group): 09:00-12:00
General (private): To be defined; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

443 EUR

593 EUR

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9720 EUR

13320 EUR

13000 EUR

Extra week (24+)

405 EUR

555 EUR

540 EUR

EUR 1 ≈ GBP 0.95 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates beginner

Starting dates

Every week, throughout the year

Bank holidays

01.01 / 10.04 / 01.05 / 10.06 / 05.10 / 01.12 / 25.12.2020

Arrival: Sunday prior to course start (Residence: between 14:00 and 18:00)
Departure: Saturday following course end (Residence: between 10:00 - 12:00)

Lessons: General (group): 15 of 50 minutes
+ General (private): 10 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 1 - 52 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 18 years
Schedule: General (group): 09:00-12:00
General (private): To be defined; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

Course info

Free quote

638 EUR

788 EUR

813 EUR

1276 EUR

1576 EUR

1586 EUR

1914 EUR

2364 EUR

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6840 EUR

8640 EUR

8500 EUR

9120 EUR

11520 EUR

11320 EUR

13680 EUR

17280 EUR

16960 EUR

Extra week (24+)

570 EUR

720 EUR

705 EUR

EUR 1 ≈ GBP 0.95 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates beginner

Starting dates

Every week, throughout the year

Bank holidays

01.01 / 10.04 / 01.05 / 10.06 / 05.10 / 01.12 / 25.12.2020

Arrival: Sunday prior to course start (Residence: between 14:00 and 18:00)
Departure: Saturday following course end (Residence: between 10:00 - 12:00)

Lessons: General (group): 15 of 50 minutes
+ Surfing: 2.5 of 50 minutes
Course duration: 2 - 4 week(s)
Levels: Beginner to advanced (C1)

Students/class: Max 8
Minimum age: 18 years
Schedule: General (group): 09:00-12:00
Surfing: To be defined; Schedule may vary depending on student’s level and time of year.

More information about this programme

Course info

Free quote

783 EUR

1083 EUR

1093 EUR

783 EUR

1233 EUR

1228 EUR

1270 EUR

1870 EUR

1850 EUR

EUR 1 ≈ GBP 0.95 (Not-binding exchange rate)

Extras

Options

Starting dates beginner

30.03 / 13.04 / 27.04 / 11.05 / 25.05 / 08.06 / 22.06 / 06.07 / 20.07 / 03.08 / 17.08 / 31.08 / 14.09.2020

Starting dates

30.03 / 06.04 / 13.04 / 20.04 / 27.04 / 04.05 / 11.05 / 18.05 / 25.05 / 01.06 / 08.06 / 15.06 / 22.06 / 29.06 / 06.07 / 13.07 / 20.07 / 27.07 / 03.08 / 10.08 / 17.08 / 24.08 / 31.08 / 07.09 / 14.09.2020

Bank holidays

01.01 / 10.04 / 01.05 / 10.06 / 05.10 / 01.12 / 25.12.2020

Arrival: Sunday prior to course start (Residence: between 14:00 and 18:00)
Departure: Saturday following course end (Residence: between 10:00 - 12:00)

100% authentic opinions

These students attended a course in this school through ESL – Language studies abroad and their evaluation has been checked. Students' opinions don't necessarily correspond to those of ESL – Language studies abroad, but reflect the individual experience of those participants. This is meant to provide you with further information about this school.

4.3/5

Overall rating

96% of students recommending this school

Destination: / 5
School: / 5
Accommodation: / 5

Value for money: / 5
Teaching: / 5
Leisure: / 5

217 students gave their opinion about this school

Country of residence

Number of weeks

Rating

Value for money (3 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (2.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4.3 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (3.7 / 5) (Shared apartment)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (3.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (4.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (3.5 / 5) (Other)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere

Do you think you've made progress?

« Ho fatto grandi progressi, riesco a formulare abbastanza bene frasi e concetti. Ho anche migliorato la mia comprensione della lingua parlata »

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Kristina K.

27 years old - Austria

/ 5

Portugal ist ein wunderschönes Land, sehr sicher, sehr gutes Preis-Leistungsverhältnis und sehr herzliche Leute.

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17 weeks, May – September 2019

Value for money (4 / 5)
Destination (4.7 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (3.7 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4.3 / 5) ()
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Ja, die schule fährt ein sehr striktes Programm. Pro Monat wird mit einer Steigerung von einem Sparchlevel gerechnet. Das ist zu einem gut, da man schnell voran kommt, aber auch schwierig, da man zu wenig zeit hat, das gelernte zu festigen. »

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School highlights

« Tolles Activity program jeden nachmittag und noch dazu kostenlos (anreise+eintritt museum, etc) »

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Roger B.

65 years old - France

/ 5

J'ai retrouvé la même école qu'en 2000. Même niveau de sérieux de la part des professeurs du CIAL qu'en 2000. Ecole à recommander avec peut être une restriction, pour que le séjour linguistique soit profitable je recommanderai d'arriver avec un niveau correct de connaissances basiques. Quant à Lisbonne, c'est une ville formidable.En conclusion, j'ai apprécié tout à fait ce stage et je pense renouveler ce type de stage pour recyclage de la langue. J'ai apprécié tout particulièrement les visites culturelles organisées par l'école. Son représentant, Miguel est vraiment très compétent. J'ai apprécié cette école et tout particulièrement Maria notre professeur. OK pour l'appartement partagé. Merci Miguel. Merci ESL pour tout. Maintenant, je reviens à la langue russe où j'ai un objectif d'obtenir le niveau B1. Je suis allé à Moscou et St Pétersbourg (trois fois en tout) et je compte y revenir en 2020 pour le niveau B1.(avec Liden&Denz et ESL)

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3 weeks, September 2019

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Shared apartment)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Leisure (5 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Oui. Ayant déjà fait le niveau A2 en août 2000, il était nécessaire de reprendre toute la grammaire du niveau A2 qui est la base de la grammaire portugaise. Si j'étais resté une semaine de plus j'aurai continué avec le niveau B1.J'ai fait en fait trois semaines de cours standard soit 45heures de cours. J'estime que c'est correct et je peux parler portugais correctement à nouveau. Je pense à aujourd'hui revenir à Lisbonne en 202 pour faire le niveau B1. »

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School highlights

« Tout »

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Top tips

« Peut-être rester un minimum de quatre semaines pour faire complètement un niveau. »

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Ursula B.

37 years old - Switzerland

/ 5

Ganz tolle Lehrer! Sehr freundliche Frau, wir haben viel zusammen gesproche. Sie hat viele Ausflugstipps und Infos zu Verkehrsmitteln gehabt für mich Es wurden tolle Ausflüge abgesagt, das war sehr schade..

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1 week, September – October 2019

Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.8 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (5 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (4.3 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

Do you think you've made progress?

« Ich war nur 1 Woche in der Schule und habe sehr viel Grammatik profitiert! Die Lehrer sind ganz toll auf uns eingegangen und haben sich unseren Vorkenntnissen angepasst und viele extra Übungen eingebaut. »

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School highlights

« Kleine Klassen, Standort, die Möglichkeit in einer Gastfamilie zu wohnen, tolle Einheimische Lehrer »

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Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.5 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere
Accommodation (4.3 / 5) (Host family)
Bedroom
Shower / Bathroom
Meals
Leisure (4.3 / 5)
Leisure activities offered by the school
Trips offered by the school
Staff availability

School highlights

« Schulischer Ablauf gut strukturiert, nette und gut informierte Ansprechpartnersehr nette und sehr kompetente Lehrerangenehme Athmosphäre in der Schule »

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Value for money (5 / 5)
Destination (5 / 5)
Overall impression of the city
Overall impression of the country
Overall impression of the trip
School (4.3 / 5)
School location
School facilities
Classrooms
Nationality mix

Teaching (5 / 5)
Course materials
Relations with the teachers
Classroom atmosphere

Do you think you've made progress?

« En mycket bra repetition av grammatiken. Har däremot inte förbättrat ordförrådet eller språkförståelse särskilt mycket. »

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Testimonials

Walter Villarreal

CIAL, Lisbon
Duration: 2 weeks

Thanks to ESL, I achieved the dream of all language students: living in the country where the language they are studying is spoken. I had a wonderful stay, from my arrival in Lisbon until my departure. I was immersed in the language on a 24-hour basis: when speaking, writing, reading, talking to the locals, discovering their culture and in the various situations of everyday life (shopping, contacts with administration, arrival at the airport, etc.). It was very useful and rewarding. Once on site you realise how difficult the local economic situation is. As you may know, the economic crisis is still going on in Europe. This trip allowed me to talk directly to Portuguese people and see how they are dealing with the crisis in such a difficult context. Regarding the school, it is well located. The teacher is very competent. Thanks to her, I made a lot of progress in Portuguese and I would like to thank her for that and my group as well.

I met people who shared my interest in the Portuguese language, it was great. They had different accents (English, French, German among others). I was the only one who came from Latin America, and the only one from Argentina. When my classmates heard that I was from Patagonia, Argentina, they started asking me lots of questions about major tourist sites in my country (ex. Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia, San Carlos de Bariloche, the whales in Puerto Madryn, etc.) during breaks. I was surprised to see how much they knew about Argentina and I felt proud to represent my dear Patagonia. Thanks to my language course, I made new friends and established contacts all over the world. Thanks again! I hope to go on another trip soon if the context is still favourable in my country.

Paolo Taccone

CIAL, Lisbon
Duration: 4 weeks

Just like the Portuguese language, Lisbon has a charm of its own. I have been learning this language for a year in my free time and last summer, I spent four weeks in Lisbon thanks to ESL. The CIAL school organised many extra-curricular activities, most of which were free. I can only recommend this experience in Lisbon, at this school.

Lisa Evripidou

CIAL, Lisbon
Duration: 2 weeks

I spent 2 weeks in CIAL Lisbon, Portugal and loved every moment of it. The only regret I have is not staying longer. It was my first time studying abroad and I highly recommend it to everyone. It's a great way to learn any language quickly. I never stopped practising Portuguese, if it wasn't in a classroom, it was among my classmates at a local cafe or on a social activity organised by the school. The social programme was very good and I am happy I took part in so many excursions. It was a great way to explore Lisbon from local people and not from a tour guide! I was also very impressed as all trips were free including students travel to the site. The best part of my study abroad were the teachers, they were very helpful and intelligent. I will defiantly be visiting CIAL Lisbon in the near future.

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Host family
Host family accommodation is by far the best way to learn a language and discover a culture beyond a tourist's perspective. The friendly families chosen by CIAL live 15 to 30 minutes from the school by public transport. You will stay in a single room with breakfast provided, speaking Portuguese with your hosts in total immersion. There's no better way to improve your language skills outside of class!

Shared apartment
Ideally located in a quiet residential area 15 minutes’ walk from the school, the shared apartment is for the exclusive use of CIAL students. It includes seven bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 shared bathrooms, a living area with a TV and a balcony. Staying in a single or shared room, you will be near the beautiful Gulbenkian Foundation gardens and have access to a wide range of nearby restaurants, cafés and shops. There is free Wi-Fi, and bed linen and bath towels are provided. The apartment is cleaned once a week and there are laundry facilities on-site.

Click here to see detailed residence fact sheet

Home2students residence (minimum 2 weeks) (05.07-29.08.2020)
This modern residence is located only 10 minutes on foot from CIAL, in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon. A bus stop and two metro stations are close by and so are many nice bars, restaurants and shops. You will stay in a single room with a balcony, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are shared (2 bathrooms for every 3 students). You will also share the lounge (which includes cable TV and a pool table) as well as the laundry room and fully equipped kitchen. When the weather allows, you can sunbathe on the terrace or have a barbecue!

Lisbon Shared Apartment

General information

It is an excellent location, one of Lisbon’s most prestigious areas, with excellent shops, restaurants and bars close by. There is a bus stop and underground station nearby.

School distance

Door-to-door travel time:: 15 minutes
Means of transportation:: Walking
Average public transport cost:: Single ticket: EUR 1,45.- / Monthly pass: EUR 36,70.-
Walking distance to public transport:: 5 minutes

Walking Distance

Supermarket:: 5 minutes
Coffee shops:: 2 minutes
Restaurants:: 2 minutes
Shops:: 5 minutes
Pharmacy:: 5 minutes

Availability

All year round
Minimum age : 18+

Arrival and departure

	Check-in / Check-out Sunday from 12:00 Saturday until 12:00
	Entry card (building)
	Key (building)
	Code (building)
	Staff on-site 24h
	Deposit EUR 100.- in cash

Meals

	Use of kitchen
	Meal-plan

Facilities

	Reception desk
	Smoking area
	Cafeteria
	Shared kitchen Fully equipped
	Oven
	Microwave
	Cutlery available
	Vending machine
	Laundry One washing machine available.
	Common area/lounge
	Wi-Fi internet access
	Cable internet access
	TV in common room
	DVD-player in common room
	Balcony/terrace
	Garden
	BBQ area
	Wheelchair accessible
	Parking (cars)
	Parking (bicycles)
	Swimming pool
	Gym

Room types and facilities

	Single 6 ~9 m²
	Twin 1 ~9 m² Twin room is also available for a single travelling student.

	Air conditioning
	Heating
	Smoking
	Duvet and pillow provided
	Bed sheets provided
	Towels provided
	Toilet paper
	Ensuite toilet
	Ensuite shower
	Wash basin
	Shared toilets
	Shared showers
	Cleaning Weekly
	Desk
	Wardrobe
	Cooking facilities
	Microwave
	TV
	Wi-Fi internet access
	Cable internet access
	Floor Wood
	Balcony
	Safe deposit box
	Room key provided

The school offers a monthly activity programme that will allow you to meet other students and get to know the city. Enjoy guided visits to museums and monuments, nightlife and sporting activities. On Friday evenings, excursions or typical local meals are scheduled. You can also go to one of the surrounding pools or to the beach (the nearest is half an hour away from city centre). Lisbon also has various fitness and sport clubs, not to mention exceptional shops that offer good value.

You can trust us

ESL guarantees you the most attractive prices on the market in the UK! Any price difference will be refunded 100%.

Our students recommend it

96%

217 students rated this school. See the testimonials of former students.

One-to-one course (1-60 lessons) (per lesson)	39 EUR
One-to-one course (61+ lessons) (per lesson)	36 EUR
Extra night (host family, apartment)	30 EUR
Airport transfer (pick-up)	50 EUR

One-to-one course (1-60 lessons) (per lesson)	39 EUR
One-to-one course (61+ lessons) (per lesson)	36 EUR
Extra night (host family, apartment)	30 EUR
Airport transfer (pick-up)	50 EUR

One-to-one course (1-60 lessons) (per lesson)	39 EUR
One-to-one course (61+ lessons) (per lesson)	36 EUR
Extra night (host family, apartment)	30 EUR
Airport transfer (pick-up)	50 EUR

One-to-one course (1-60 lessons) (per lesson)	39 EUR
One-to-one course (61+ lessons) (per lesson)	36 EUR
Extra night (host family, apartment)	30 EUR
Airport transfer (pick-up)	50 EUR

One-to-one course (1-60 lessons) (per lesson)	39 EUR
One-to-one course (61+ lessons) (per lesson)	36 EUR
Extra night (host family, apartment)	30 EUR
Airport transfer (pick-up)	50 EUR