One in Four Foreign Students in Portugal Struggles with Portuguese Language Proficiency

Limited Portuguese Language Proficiency Among Foreign Students

Recent data reveals that one in four foreign students in Portugal has a limited understanding of the Portuguese language. Despite nearly 75% of over 140,000 foreign students being from Brazil or Portuguese-speaking countries, many arrive with little to no prior exposure to the language or culture. The Ministry of Education highlights that some students, due to recent migration flows, may not even be familiar with the Portuguese alphabet, presenting significant linguistic barriers.

To address this, the government is set to hire up to 287 cultural and linguistic mediators across 319 schools as part of the "Aprender Mais Agora" initiative aimed at enhancing educational quality for foreign students. These mediators will collaborate with teachers, educational professionals, and families, emphasizing their role as integral support rather than mere translators or activity facilitators.

Increasing Diversity in Schools

The educational landscape in Portugal is becoming increasingly diverse, with schools hosting students from an average of 19 different nationalities, nearly double the number from the 2018/2019 academic year. Last year, 41% of school groups reported having students from 20 or more nationalities, with some schools accommodating students from as many as 46 countries.

Curriculum Adjustments and Support Initiatives

In addition to employing mediators, the government is revising the Portuguese as a Non-Native Language (PLNM) curriculum to include a zero proficiency level and broader support that encompasses cultural and emotional aspects. This new approach aims to prevent segregation and ensure that foreign students are not excluded from the curriculum while learning the language.

Streamlined Integration Processes

Recent legislative changes now allow schools to assign equivalences to foreign students' educational levels without formal procedures, facilitating quicker integration and adaptation into the Portuguese education system. This initiative aims to improve the overall experience for foreign students as they navigate their new educational environment.