Shangri-La is a state of mind. If you're happy, then everything around you will be okay and in harmony. Nothing is perfect anywhere. We must find our own paradise amidst the chaos.
Just the way a beautiful lotus blooms in dirty water.
Nita Bajoria (The Leap)
About Us
Welcome to the Shangri-la Learning Community
My name is Angela, I am a Portuguese native living in the Aldeia do Meco, Sesimbra.
Having been an expat myself for almost 10 years, I understand the struggles of living in a foreign country, with a different language, a different culture, and finding yourself to fit in, find your space.
Have you tried to help your child with her Portuguese homework and felt helpless? Did you ever go to a market to get your produce and had to speak half English half made-up sign language? I know those feelings all too well.
That is what led me to start this Community: I want to share with you my knowledge of Portuguese language, culture and help you help your family feel like you belong.
I look forward to meeting you!
What We Do
Let's get you started in Portuguese and help you feel more integrated.
Conversation Lessons
You have already done the Portuguese courses and have a basic understanding of the language. Here, we will work on your comprehension and accuracy
Book Club
Let's share our passion for reading while learning Portuguese
Beginners
Individual Lessons
I am inviting you to join me for a cup of tea or coffee in Meco where beyond learning the language and the culture, we will share our experiences and get to know each other. We will go together for field trips: test real-world scenarios with visits to the local market or simply by ordering some cake and coffee at a coffee shop.
Conversation Lessons
If you are already learning Portuguese or would like to improve your speaking and hearing skills, come along. In a relaxed environment and at your own pace, we will have a chat and find creative ways to keep you actively engaged. Tudo em Português, é claro!
Book Club
Come and join our Portuguese Book Club!
We’ll meet up ONLINE on a weekly basis and talk (in Portuguese, of course) about the pages we’ve just read; we’ll check any doubts regarding new vocabulary, pronunciation and unknown idiomatic expressions.
What Our Friends Say
Sam
Australia
"I'd like to recommend Angela from Shangri-la learning community. She helped guide me to begin to feel confident enough to practise speaking in Portuguese. Before my conversation classes with Angela I didn't feel comfortable to try to speak. With her gentle approach, a cup of tea, a calm, quiet environment, and her leading questions, I was able to gain confidence talking about a range of topics.
If I'm unable to say a word or phrase, she breaks it down into manageable parts, and has strategies to teach sounds that are difficult for non natives.
I'd highly recommend signing up for some classes."
Lila
USA
"I really enjoyed my Portuguese lessons with Angela. She is an experienced teacher and her classes are thoughtfully organized. She is kind, patient, professional, has a great sense of humor, and really seems to enjoy her role. I highly recommend Angela for anyone looking for a Portuguese language teacher."
Mariella
Italy
"Fui aluna da Angela, ela è muito simpatica, profissional e puntual, tem paciênza para ensinar. As aulas com Angela são muito amigáveis, ela adapta-se às necessidades do aluno. Racomando vivamente aulas com esta professora fantastica!"
Dave
UK
“I really enjoy my lessons with Angela, I chose conversational Portuguese. I am English and have been married to my Portyguese wife for over 30 years. We moved to Portugal 4.5 years ago. But, when we lived in England, we spoke English in the house. Prior to the Covid epidemic, I was attending the Camara free lessons in a group, however, the classes were then conducted by Zoom meetings. They were going too fast for me and I lost my way. I have attended 2 classes a week with Angela for a few months now. Before, I could barely construct a sentence, now, I feel a lot more confident and notice that my Portuguese is getting a lot better. The lessons are in Angela's house. It is a quiet location and we are able to sit outside. She is very friendly, kind, helpful and has a great sense of humour. I feel totally relaxed in her company. Even Leah the dog is getting used to me. I love the naughty kitten too. I would highly recommend Angela, you can go at your own pace.”
Ann-Sophie
Belgium
“Angela is a very nice teacher who understands the individual needs of the student. I needed some extra help in improving my conversational skills and pronunciation. She fulfilled this role patiently and kindly.
Lessons are held at her home in a friendly, convivial and relaxed atmosphere.
She is very easy going and does not put pressure on the student.
She supports her lessons with didactic material and gives some homework, which I think is essential to improve the language.
In a word, I recommend Shangri-La!”
Our Packages
Terms & Conditions
Our packages are personal and non-transferable and are valid for 3 months.
