How can I help my children integrate?

Relocating with children is a big transition, but Portugal is an incredibly family-friendly and welcoming country. Here are the best ways to help your kids settle in and feel at home:

Embrace the Language Early

While English is widely spoken by locals, learning basic Portuguese will significantly boost your child's confidence and integration. We highly recommend starting before you even land! We have excellent connections for Portuguese tutors who offer online lessons via Zoom. The good news is that children are like language sponges, once they begin school and are immersed in the environment, they tend to pick it up incredibly fast.

Find the Right Educational Fit

School is where your children will make friends and truly connect with the local culture. Navigating a new education system, whether you are considering public, private, or international schools, can feel overwhelming. We partner with professional education consultors to make this transition seamless.

From preschool through university, they provide expert consulting, handle applications, and offer ongoing support to ensure your child finds the perfect school.

Dive into Hobbies and Local Culture

Getting your children involved in local sports clubs, arts, or other extracurricular activities is one of the quickest ways for them to meet peers outside of the classroom. We also highly encourage attending your town's cultural festivities! The Portuguese love their local festivals, and participating is a wonderful way for the whole family to bond with the community.

Adjusting to "Portuguese Time"

Here is a fun cultural quirk to prepare for: you will quickly notice that family events, dinners, and activities involving children tend to run much later into the evening than you might be used to in North America! It takes a little adjustment at first, but embracing this relaxed schedule is a big part of enjoying the lifestyle in Portugal.