Home Language International Portugal

The program Home Language International allows you to learn Portuguese in its homeland - in a sunny, vibrant and hospitable Portugal, in the capital Lisbon. The concept of Home Language International was developed back in 1979 and was originally used only for learning English in Portugal - but the increased interest of students from all over the world led to a rapid growth in the popularity of the program, and today Home Language International participants can study 20 foreign languages ​​in 35 countries!

Home Language International (HLI) is an international network of language immersion programs with homestay in the teacher's family, operating for over 40 years. Programs are available in more than 20 languages across over 30 countries and are designed for children, teenagers, adults, and professionals at any proficiency level.

The uniqueness of the program is that each student lives and learns directly in the home of an experienced, qualified teacher. You completely immerse yourself in the cultural and linguistic atmosphere of the host country: constantly communicating with native speakers (at least a teacher and his family), you will not only improve your language skills in a short time, but also learn a lot about the traditions, culture, art and customs of the new countries.

Foreign language lessons are also held in the teacher's home, individually. All the attention of the teacher is focused only on you: he closely monitors your progress and achievements, carefully explains especially difficult and incomprehensible topics and language aspects, if necessary stops at the specified places in more detail. You can choose the intensity and theme of the classes - all studying is subordinated to the achievement of your personal goals, it is guided by your requests and needs. Thanks to such a personal approach, students of any age and any level of initial knowledge can take part in the Home Language International program - for everyone there is an effective and comfortable course of study in Portugal.

In Portugal, students from all over the world can learn Portuguese - beginners will be able to learn it from scratch, and experienced students will have the opportunity to improve existing skills, to streamline knowledge, to expand vocabulary and acquire invaluable communication experience.

Parent company LSI Education operates a network of schools in England, Canada, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, France, and Switzerland, along with partner schools in Spain, Italy, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica. HLI holds ASIC Premier Accredited status. Every teacher undergoes qualification verification.

The course provides many additional options that you can choose as you wish:

• Meeting and seeing off at the airport;
• Transfer in both directions;
• Private bathroom;
• Luxury accommodation conditions (increased comfort);
• Certain subjects of the classes: preparation for tests and exams, business Portuguese, etc.

Home Language International is built around full language immersion: the student lives in the home of an experienced teacher, receives one-on-one lessons, and continues using the language throughout daily family life. The method excludes communication in the native language outside class, as the student is the only learner and speaks the target language before, during, and after lessons.

Lessons are fully personalized: the teacher focuses on the student's specific needs, adapting materials to age, level, and goals. The curriculum covers grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills with an emphasis on practical language use. A level assessment takes place on the first day, and upon completion of the course, a certificate and a personalized report are issued.

Online classes require a computer with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and Zoom software. Students receive round-the-clock support.

Home Language International does not have faculties or departments in the university sense. Its academic structure consists of language immersion programs:

• Classic Immersion Program — individual course with accommodation in the teacher's home, 15 to 30 hours of lessons per week,
• Immersion Program with Activities — combination of lessons and cultural activities (5 to 10 hours of activities per week),
• Immersion Program with Cultural Excursions — lessons plus three cultural excursions with the teacher,
• Homestay Language in Action — full board and 15 to 30 hours of activities for adults or 15 to 20 hours for children and teenagers,
• Farmstay — farm-based programs in Ireland and New Zealand with activities and English lessons,
• Boarding School Holiday / Academic English — academic English support for boarding school students during holidays,
• HLI Online Courses — one-on-one online lessons via Zoom,
• Lessons Only — individual lessons without homestay (available in major cities on the HLI list).

• Courses with 25 lessons per week meet Bildungsurlaub requirements in German federal states,
• HLI hosts many students through the Japanese Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative,
• Unique accommodation options include a Trullo, an Art Nouveau villa, a mountain chalet, a watermill, and a waterside house,
• Each lesson in HLI courses lasts 60 minutes.

Accommodation is provided in the host teacher's home. Students receive a private, comfortable bedroom and full access to shared areas of the house. All host family homes undergo thorough vetting. En-suite accommodation is not available in every destination. The VIP option offers an elevated standard of accommodation and meals, always includes a private bathroom, and provides an experienced teacher.

Meals are organized on a full-board basis: three meals a day with the host family. HLI accommodates special dietary requirements with advance notice. If a diet requires additional effort from the family (such as gluten-free), a surcharge applies. For students aged 13 and under, a Cocooning option with enhanced supervision ensures an adult is present at home at all times during the student's stay.

Subject list: Classes in mini-groups, Individual lessons
Activity list: entertainment programs, sport, visiting cultural attractions, visiting museums

Extracurricular activities at Home Language International vary depending on the chosen program and destination:

• Cultural excursions: visits to museums, historical landmarks, and attractions with the teacher,
• Sports options: typically three one-hour sessions per week with a professional instructor or family member, equipment rental included,
• Leisure activities: theme parks, sporting events, traditional dance classes, cooking workshops, movie nights,
• Farm programs: participation in agricultural work in Ireland and New Zealand,
• Unique activities: organic cooking, skiing, boating, meditation, French gastronomy (limited availability).

Homestay programs are available year-round and run from Sunday to Sunday. Programs can start on any Sunday of the year, with a minimum stay of one week. If a public holiday falls during the stay, lessons are made up on other days to ensure the full number of paid hours.

A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. Bank transfer fees are covered by the client.

Additional expenses include:

• Transfer from the nearest airport, train station, or seaport to the host family (students under 15 must book a round-trip transfer unless accompanied by a parent),
• Surcharge for bookings between December 24 and January 1 and for Thanksgiving in the USA,
• Additional nights without lessons (four or more nights are charged as a full week),
• Fee for changing region, dates, or program.

Extras:

• Transfer (one way) 80 EUR

The process includes selecting a program and destination, completing the registration form, and matching with a host family.

• HLI accepts students at all language proficiency levels, including beginners,
• Language level must be specified during registration, as it determines teacher selection,
• A mobile phone number is required for all students,
• Students must obtain insurance covering illness, accidents (including third-party liability), and cancellation,
• HLI accepts students with physical disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, and learning difficulties with advance notice,
• Bookings are accepted on condition that HLI is notified in advance of any disabilities or medical conditions,
• HLI does not issue visas but can send an invitation letter by express mail, regular mail, or email for visa applications,
• Students under 16 staying in the UK for more than 27 days may require special arrangements, including a notification letter to local authorities,
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent when studying with certain teachers.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision