Over 300 intermediaries are set to assist in the integration of approximately 170,000 foreign students, and Iara aspires to join their ranks.
In Portugal, the education system is home to a diverse mix of foreign students, hailing from both Portuguese-speaking countries and non-Portuguese-speaking countries.
Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other Lusophone nations, contribute significantly to this diversity due to shared language and cultural ties. Brazil, for instance, has historical migration links with Portugal and a large Portuguese-speaking population, which naturally extends to education exchanges.
On the other hand, many foreign students also come from non-Portuguese-speaking countries, drawn by Portugal’s quality education system that offers courses in both Portuguese and English, particularly at the university level.
In this multilingual and multicultural educational context, mediators play a crucial role. They act as linguistic and cultural bridges, facilitating communication between foreign students and the native Portuguese-speaking environment, helping students from non-Portuguese-speaking countries to overcome language barriers and adapt to the Portuguese curriculum and social system, and supporting intercultural understanding within schools, promoting inclusion and easing social integration. Mediators also assist families in navigating the education system, particularly for those unfamiliar with Portuguese language and culture.
These mediators help ensure that educational opportunities are accessible, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all foreign students, regardless of their linguistic background.
The majority of foreign students in Portugal come from countries that primarily speak Portuguese. Seventy percent of foreign students come from countries of the Portuguese Language Community. Approximately half of the total foreign students are Brazilian.
Schools will continue to provide mediators for students who are not proficient in Portuguese to ensure a smooth transition and successful academic experience for all.
References:
[1] Portuguese Education System: A Multicultural Approach. (2021). Multicultural Education Review.
[3] Portuguese Education System and Foreign Students. (2020). Portuguese Ministry of Education.
- The Portuguese Education System, with its integration of Portuguese and English courses, serves as a conduit for learning and cultural exchange, attracting students from non-Portuguese-speaking countries who are interested in education-and-self-development, including those pursuing online-education opportunities.
- In the context of the Portuguese Education System, where cultural ties and language sharing are prominent features, online-education platforms could potentially extend learning opportunities and reinforce intercultural understanding among students from various nations, thereby fostering a more diverse and enriching culture of learning.
