Saturday, December 14th
2024 Portuguese Lesson Reviews
Fluenz
- One-time fee for lifetime access
- Pricing ranges from $187 to $398
- 100% money-back guarantee in first 30 days
- Up to 5 levels of Brazilian Portuguese available
- Accessible on mobile apps and desktop
- Can be used by up to 3 people per household
Fluenz was co-founded by Sonia Gil, an entrepreneur and travel vlogger. Gil herself went to China to develop a Mandarin Chinese program, originally created as a way to help English learners of Mandarin to become fluent more easily - mapping the language they were studying onto the one they already knew for quicker acquisition. Fluenz Portuguese works the same way.
Similar to a classroom setting
With Fluenz, your learning journey begins with an introductory video, setting the stage for each lesson. From there, you'll engage in exercises, or "workouts," interspersed with instructional videos to deepen your understanding. While some might find the formal tone of the videos a bit off-putting, Fluenz distinguishes itself by simulating a traditional classroom experience. This format, akin to personalized tutoring sessions, aims to keep you engaged, especially if you prefer more structured learning environments. Unlike many other platforms, Fluenz provides clear explanations in English, making it accessible even if you're new to language learning. Just bear in mind that all videos are pre-recorded; there's no live tutoring involved.
Leans on English to teach you Portuguese
What sets Fluenz apart is its tailored approach to teaching Portuguese, designed specifically for English speakers. Unlike programs that adopt a one-size-fits-all immersion method, Fluenz prioritizes the nuances of Portuguese, ensuring a targeted learning experience. By leveraging your fluency in English, Fluenz seamlessly bridges the gap between the two languages, eliminating guesswork and fostering a deeper understanding. This focus on direct explanation can be a game-changer, particularly if you've felt frustrated with immersion-based approaches offered by other language programs.
One-time purchase for the levels you select
When you opt for Fluenz, you're not just subscribing; you're making a one-time purchase that grants you lifetime access to your chosen program. Prices vary depending on the level you choose. For instance, Level 1 or 2 alone will set you back $187 each, but purchasing them together costs $258. There are also bundled packages available for Levels 1 through 3 or 3 through 5, catering to different proficiency levels. Investing in all five levels of Fluenz Portuguese amounts to $398. Plus, keep an eye out for discounts; signing up might score you a coupon, like the $40 off we received via email. Interestingly, Fluenz hasn't updated its pricing in the last three years, which adds to the impression that this isn't exactly a place where you'll get Portuguese lessons with current events or pop culture included.
Each level has clearly-defined content
Wondering what each level covers? Level 1 lays the groundwork for basic Portuguese, focusing on essential travel scenarios such as dining out and navigating transportation. Level 2 delves deeper into grammar and conversational skills, preparing you for social interactions like making plans with friends or visiting the pharmacy. As you progress through Levels 3 to 5, you'll tackle more advanced topics, from discussing the internet to narrating stories in the past tense, all while refining your grasp of complex grammatical structures.
No free trial or sample lesson
Despite its strengths, Fluenz falls short in a few areas. Unlike its competitors, it doesn't offer trial options or sample lessons, leaving you to rely solely on screenshots for insight into the platform. This lack of preview means potential issues, like malfunctioning activities or broken features, may go unnoticed until after you've made a purchase. However, Fluenz does provide a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, offering some peace of mind for your investment.
Not a lot of feedback
While Fluenz positions itself as an advanced learning solution, feedback suggests it tends to deliver more of an intermediate level of fluency. For some learners, this might not align with expectations, especially those aiming for mastery of complex grammatical concepts. Additionally, the absence of recent reviews raises concerns about the program's relevance and updates over time.
Not recommended
In the rapidly evolving landscape of language learning, Fluenz faces stiff competition from newer, more innovative platforms. What might have been considered adequate a few years ago now pales in comparison to the plethora of alternatives available. With limited trial options and a lack of recent reviews, it's difficult to wholeheartedly recommend Fluenz Portuguese. While it offers a solid foundation, its shortcomings leave us wanting more from their language lessons.
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The 11 Best Portuguese Lessons
Where Can You Find the Best Portuguese Lessons?
Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language in the world, with over 260 million speakers spread across several continents. And with today's technology, there are a number of online resources and platforms available for learning Portuguese. These range from interactive apps to comprehensive language courses tailored to different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced.
For those who seek a more immersive learning experience, tutoring sessions with native speakers can be arranged through live video calls. These give you the opportunity to practice speaking and listening skills in real-life situations. Learning Portuguese online gives you the ability to learn the language in all of these ways.
Portuguese Lesson FAQ
Continued from above...
One of the primary reasons for learning Portuguese is its importance in international business and trade. Brazil, with its rapidly growing economy, is a major player in global markets, making Portuguese a valuable asset for professionals seeking opportunities in sectors such as finance, agriculture, technology, and energy. Additionally, Portuguese proficiency can open doors to cultural exchange programs, academic research opportunities, and international collaborations.
Another compelling reason to learn Portuguese is its rich cultural heritage. From the captivating rhythms of Brazilian samba and bossa nova to the haunting melodies of Portuguese fado, the Portuguese-speaking world boasts a diverse tapestry of art, music, literature, and cuisine. Learning the language provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of these cultural treasures, allowing learners to engage more fully with Portuguese-speaking communities around the globe. Why not order feijoada in fluent Portuguese when you visit Rio?
Learning Portuguese can be an enriching experience for various reasons, including its cultural significance, global relevance, and the potential for personal and professional growth. Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and Brazil, of course, but did you know Portuguese is also spoken in Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Sao Tome and Principe, with cultural importance in regions such as Macau, East Timor, and Goa?
Ready to get to it? Muito bom! Let's take a look at some criteria you can use to choose the right Portuguese lessons for your learning style and fluency goals:
- Levels offered. Consider your current fluency level and what you're hoping to accomplish. Do you need to start from zero, or do you have a background in Spanish or another Romance language that will give you a head start into a more intermediate difficulty level?
- Mode of instruction. How do you learn best? Is it with lots of audio files with native speaker accents for you to imitate, direct grammatical instruction in English, total immersion from the get-go, or a combination of all that and more? Are you looking for classroom-style lectures or a fun app to keep you motivated? You'll find all of that and then some in today's most popular online Portuguese lessons.
- Cost. What will you pay to access the Portuguese lessons you need? Many services give you something for free, with the hope that you'll buy or subscribe later. Pay attention to monthly vs. annual billing, automatic recurring subscriptions, and charges that may apply after you sign up for a free trial.
- Effectiveness. How well will you be able to speak, read, write, and understand Portuguese after putting effort into the lessons? What do other students say about their fluency levels after using the program?
- Satisfaction guarantee/refund policy. If you pay for access to the Portuguese lessons and wind up not liking them, can you get your money back? Is there a time limit to requesting a refund?
Whether for business, travel, or sheer curiosity, acquiring proficiency in Portuguese opens doors to a vibrant and dynamic world, enriching the lives of learners and fostering connections across continents. To help you on your language journey, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have tried and ranked some of the most popular Portuguese lessons available today. Boa sorte!
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