Rafael Padial

Rafael is an amazing teacher. He adapts his instruction to the student and uses multiple entry points into language instruction depending on what is needed for the student. He has used materials, story telling, questioning, media, cultural touch points, music, videos, memes, etc… It makes learning non repetitive and enjoyable. Highly recommend.

As aulas com Rafael são sempre ótimas. É difícil encontrar um assunto que ele não conhece, você pode se sentir totalmente confiante para falar sobre qualquer coisa, ele é um excelente professor e, acima de tudo, uma boa pessoa ,)

Rafael was absolutely amazing. He is very approachable, caring, and understanding. He creates an environment that challenges you to think in Portugese, but also where making mistakes are normal and part of the learning process! Would definitely recommend Rafael for both brand new and intermediary students alike. I guarantee you'll finish the lesson feeling more confident about your Portugese!

I began studying Portuguese with Rafael as an absolute beginner about two and a half years ago. Although I’d had some experience learning languages, that was a long time ago and I was a little nervous. I immediately felt comfortable with Rafael. He is a gifted teacher and a true scholar of the Portuguese language. He seems to genuinely enjoy helping you make those first steps in your new language and meets you wherever you are in terms of your personal motivations for starting that journey. For me, that was an interest in Brazilian music and our earliest, simplest conversations revolved around that topic. Over time, my lessons have included lengthier and more complex conversations but Rafael always provides corrections and feedback on my use of the language along the way. And if, like me, you enjoy learning and understanding the mechanics of a new language, you’ll appreciate the homework review and his talent for explaining the nuances of Portuguese grammar!

Rafael é o melhor! A gente já colabora há mais de um ano, provavelmente dois, e ele, com a sua paciência e dicas instantaneas sobre erros cruciais me ajudou muito a consolidar meu nível inicial (já foi aproximadamente B2 naquela altura), crescer ainda mais como falante e atingir um nível ainda mais alto (C1-C2), e deixar com a maioria dos meus... italianismos, além de me inspirar a me imergir na cultura brasileira e incorporar expressões e modos de falar mais próximos aos dum falante nativo. Por último, a gente já preparou bastante para o exame CELPE-BRAS e é só tomar a decisão de me inscrever, algo um pouquinho complicado por causa da inacessibildade desse exame no meu país que torna necessário eu viajar para o exterior para realizá-lo. Grande Rafa, também te agradeço por todas as vezes que seu podcast Brasileiríssimo me tenha feito companhia nas taréfas domésticas!

Rafael is a great teacher, attentive and kind. He leads each lesson in a friendly and informal yet structured and productive way. I always look forward to our conversation as he keeps the discussion engaging and topical. Happy to recommend him to anyone keen to improve their Portuguese - I'd give six stars if I could!