Classes & Packages
Choose the package that fits your goals, whether you need to pass the CELPE-Bras, master the Carioca accent, or finally stop translating in your head and start thinking in Portuguese.
Trial lesson
About this lesson
45m
$10
45m
$10
- Level assessment to understand your current skills
- Introduction to my teaching method and materials
- Conversation practice to break the ice and get you speaking
- Goal-setting discussion to define what you want to achieve
- Personalized learning plan suggestions for your next lessons
- Time for your questions about the course or the process
- Recommendation of Textbooks and other materials
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- All lessons will take place on Google meet
- Students must be over eighteen
- This is not a children's lesson
Beginner lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
- Greetings and introductions – learn to say hello, introduce yourself, and use polite expressions.
- Essential everyday vocabulary – numbers, days, colors, food, and travel basics.
- Pronunciation practice – focus on Brazilian Portuguese sounds, rhythm, and intonation.
- Basic grammar structures – present tense verbs, articles, gender, and plurals.
- Listening and speaking activities – short dialogues and role-plays to build confidence.
- Cultural notes – tips on Brazilian habits, expressions, and daily life.
Intermediate lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
- Conversation practice – discuss familiar topics (work, travel, hobbies) with more fluency.
- Expanded vocabulary – idiomatic expressions, synonyms, and richer word choice.
- Intermediate grammar – past tenses (pretérito perfeito & imperfeito), reflexive verbs, and prepositions.
- Listening comprehension – authentic audio (songs, news, TV clips) to train your ear.
- Reading and writing skills – short texts, emails, and stories to improve structure and clarity.
- Cultural insights – deeper look into Brazilian customs, traditions, and real-life language use.
Advanced lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
- Fluency in conversation – refine natural speech, debate, and express nuanced opinions.
- Advanced vocabulary – colloquial expressions, regional slang, and professional/academic terms.
- Complex grammar – subjunctive moods, advanced verb tenses, and sentence connectors.
- Listening to authentic sources – podcasts, films, interviews, and fast-paced conversations.
- Writing practice – essays, reports, or formal emails with focus on style and accuracy.
- Cultural and social topics – deep discussions about Brazilian society, politics, literature, and current events.
Conversation lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
- Warm-up chat – quick, casual talk to get comfortable speaking right away.
- Guided conversation topics – everyday life, travel, culture, or student’s personal interests.
- Vocabulary in context – learning new words and expressions as they naturally appear.
- Pronunciation and fluency tips – feedback to sound more natural and confident.
- Error correction in real time – gentle corrections with explanations for grammar or word choice.
- Cultural expressions – idioms, slang, and authentic ways Brazilians speak in daily life.
Couples/Group lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
- Diagnostic assessment – identify your current level and specific exam needs.
- Exam structure overview – understand the format, timing, and evaluation criteria.
- Integrated tasks practice – listening + writing and reading + writing activities, just like the test.
- Speaking simulation – practice oral tasks with feedback on fluency, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Strategies and tips – how to manage time, organize answers, and avoid common mistakes.
- Personalized feedback – corrections, guidance, and a study plan tailored to your performance.
CELPE Bras lesson
About this lesson
50m
$20
50m
$20
What my students say
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“Jefferson is truly and incredible teacher! I recently completed my 100th lesson with him and feel so grateful for his expertise and patience.
I meet with him 3 times a week and always find myself smiling after the lessons because he finds a way to make learning a new language fun!
He’s brilliant as a professor, creative in his materials, and always happy to adjust to my season of life. I can’t recommend him enough.”
Lexi Venancio
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“I highly recommend anyone planning to take the Celpe-Bras to take courses with Jefferson!
The lessons and the short homework assignments have been extremely helpful, and he knows exactly how to prepare you for the exam.
Jefferson uses real material from past Celpe-Bras exams, and focuses on the skills and parts of the exams you want to improve on.”
Colin Radcliffe
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“I have enjoyed tremendously working with Jefferson.
He is very qualified and professional in his approach and knowledge and provides the necessary learning materials so that the student doesn't have to guess what materials should he/she use.
Also, with him you can learn to speak like a true Carioca, which is one of my main learning goals.”
Mikael Liimatainen
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"Jefferson is an incredible tutor. He's super present during each session and adaptable to however you want/need to learn."
Kirk
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Jefferson knows exactly how to hit the right notes, allowing you to learn from your mistakes faster. He is very calm and very kind. In the lessons, he provides direct and constructive feedback, and there is also a lot of laughter. I have a great time with him and look forward to the next lesson every time! :). I won't stop until I can speak Portuguese FLUENTLY.
Tom
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"I’m glad I found Jefferson! I’m a French teacher myself on Preply, and I really appreciate his clear and well-structured way of teaching. He is very well prepared and focuses on my needs to help me improve my Portuguese before my trip to Rio. Highly recommended."
Pauline
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"Jefferson is really patient and easy to talk to. After my first lesson he made a clear plan of how we will be working together going forward and the things I can improve on. I really enjoyed it."
Ian
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"Jefferson is an amazing tutor. I struggled with the same things for a long time, but he explained them in a way that was super easy to understand. He really listens, gives helpful corrections, and makes learning feel comfortable. He’s very patient, friendly, and supportive. I’d definitely recommend Jefferson to anyone who wants to learn Portuguese!"
Sena
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"Jefferson is an amazing tutor, very personable. He is patient and takes the time to explain how the language is structured and the correct way to speak portugues for someone who is English speaking where we don’t have the use of masculine or feminine in our daily communications. I loom forward to continue learning from Jefferson"
Kenneth
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a total beginner. Can I start lessons with you?
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Absolutely. I teach all levels from A0 to C2. For beginners, I use a "Survival Portuguese" approach to get you communicating in basic, real-life situations - like going to the supermarket or the beach - very quickly.
Do I have to commit to a long-term contract?
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No. Most students start with a trial lesson to see if our "vibe" and methodology are a good fit for their goals. From there, we can define a rhythm that works for you, though 2-4 classes per week is typically recommended for steady progress.
I’ve been studying for years but still "freeze" in conversation. Can you help?
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This is the most common challenge for intermediate learners. I focus on moving you past the "intermediate plateau" by practicing spontaneous speech and reducing the need to translate every word in your head. The goal is to help you think in Portuguese so words come out naturally, even in high-pressure social situations.
What materials will I receive, and is there homework?
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Every lesson is built around organized Google Slides or PowerPoint presentations. After class, you’ll receive a PDF containing all my notes and detailed corrections from the session so you can review them anytime. I can also provide practical exercises and authentic materials like articles or videos if you want to practice between classes.
Can you help me prepare for the CELPE-Bras exam?
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Yes, I am a specialist in CELPE-Bras preparation. I focus on the specific communicative practices, oral production, and written skills required to pass the exam and obtain your official proficiency certificate.
Why do I struggle to understand Brazilians even though I use apps every day?
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Apps often fail because they don't teach you how words blend together in natural speech. I specifically train you to hear word boundaries, helping you identify where one word ends and the next begins. We focus on auditory processing at native speeds so the language stops sounding like one long sentence.
What happens if I have to miss a class because of a work meeting?
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I understand that my students are often busy professionals with careers. While I maintain a professional schedule to ensure your progress stays on track, I offer clear communication and as much flexibility as possible to adapt to your life.
Can we focus on my specific professional field, like business or medicine?
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Yes. Because I use a tailored-method, I can adapt the vocabulary and scenarios to your specific professional or academic needs. Whether you need to conduct lab meetings, negotiate contracts, or navigate medical appointments, I can integrate those real-world requirements into our lessons.
Do you offer lessons for couples or friends who want to learn together?
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Yes, I offer dynamic group lessons specifically for two people. This is a fun way to build confidence with a partner or friend, using role-plays and pair challenges while still receiving my personalized guidance.
I’ve used Duolingo for years; will I have to start over?
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Not at all. We start with a diagnostic to identify the "gaps" in your foundation - usually grammar logic and listening comprehension - that apps often miss. We’ll take the vocabulary you already know and bridge the gap to functional, real-world conversation.
Not sure which classes are right for you?
Don’t worry. The best first step is to simply book a Trial Lesson.
Together, we will build a personalized plan that respects your goals, your schedule, and your rhythm.