Opportunities for Expat children in International schools: Central Portugal

By admin| Immigration Visa

Expats from across the globe have discovered many reasons to make Portugal a home specially in the Central
region. The quality of life and work life balance is top notch and now their concern about child’s education is
also being taken care of by the top-tier international schools.
Most families worry about their child’s education while migrating to Portugal and more so because Portuguese
is the official language of Portugal and it remains the medium of instruction in State schools. There have been
ample of international schools in cities like Lisbon and Algarve but when it comes to a slow paced, peaceful life
in Central Portugal, there were not many options available earlier.
The good news is things have changed for better and here we have a list of top three international schools in
this area-

1. Colegio Luso – International de Centro (Lieria)
The motto of this school is to promote an all-around development of children with empathy and
concern for others at its core. CLIC students wear a school uniform to create oneness and sense of
equality.
Curriculum- British and Portuguese
Language of Instruction- English
Tuition fee per annum- 4,460 to 7,065 Euros
Foreign language- Mandarin and German
Age – 3 to 18 years
Extra-curricular activities- Arts club, Ballet, Dance club, Computer club and Piano

2. Colegio de sao Jose (Coimbra)
This is a great choice if you are looking for a Christian ethos school. It focuses on imparting ethical-
evangelical values with an all rounded development of personality.
Curriculum- available upon request
Language of Instruction- English
Tuition fee per annum- on request
Foreign language- Mandarin and German
Age – 3 to 18 years
Extra-curricular activities- Sports, drama, music

3. St. Paul’s School (Coimbra)
This is the best option if you are looking for a creative and self-reliant approach in your child. It
prepares students to be the role models in solving global issues and responding to the needs of the
society.
Curriculum- British
Language of Instruction- English
Tuition fee per annum- on request
Foreign language- Spanish, Latin and German
Age – 3 to 18 years
Extra-curricular activities- Arts and Social clubs

Portugal school calendar
Generally, most academic years begin in September through mid-June but it is important to note that
it might differ from one zone to another. The international schools might have a slightly different calendar
compared to the State institutions. However, the holidays and schedules will be common including:

1. Carnival Break- between late February and early March
2. Summer break- between June and September
3. Easter break – April
4. Christmas break – December

Apart from these holidays listed above, there might be one day and few days holidays which would be school
specific. There are a lot of fun activities in Portugal during Summer and Winter break like visiting the
Portuguese cultural heritage sites, fun parks visit, etc.

Portuguese Public School vs International schools

The Portuguese public education, being a part of the European education system, is amongst the best in
producing brilliant individuals fit for society. The only concern that expats have is the language barrier. When it
comes to young children, they adapt easily and grow with the system but for children coming in High schools,
the transition takes time and requires significant efforts. Therefore, some parents would want to give the
same environment as they earlier had and this is where the International schools fit the best. Also, they would
provide all the other activities apart from academics in one place. For most parents, it is convenience that
matters.

Higher Education in Central Portugal

It’s an excellent place for higher education with three major universities in this area-

1. University of Coimbra
2. University of Aveiro
3. University of Beira Interior

Apart from these, there are many Polytechnics and small institutes. We know it is for tourism, but Portugal is
also famous for higher studies in Europe because of its quality of education and comparatively cheaper fees
ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 Euros per annum.