Welcome to Lighthouse Language School

Located in the heart of Lisbon, our classrooms are just steps away from historic streets and the sound of everyday Portuguese Life. We combine expert teaching with cultural experiences helping you learn Portuguese in Lisbon while exploring its traditions, history and people.

We are here to make your learning journey a unique enjoyable, unforgettable experience.

A dining room with a wooden table, chairs, a flower vase, and books. There is a decorative archway leading to a bright doorway.

Our Vision

Building belonging, one conversation at a time

Our Mission

To remove barriers and build bridges through immersive real-world language learning experience.

Our Values

Community

Connection

Adaptability

Efficacy

Innovation

  • A smiling bald man in a white button-up shirt standing outdoors on a city street with a red trolley in the background.

    Meet Chris

    CO-FOUNDER

    A California native with a global perspective, Chris brings over 20 years of international finance experience and 15 years of teaching and coaching to his work in Portugal. After relocating to Lisbon in 2024, he immersed himself in the local language and culture—an experience that inspired the founding of Lighthouse Language School.

    His passion for immersive learning was shaped by a year of world travel with his Brazilian wife, Leticia, during which they homeschooled their children. This journey deepened his belief in the power of experiential education.

    Chris enjoys exploring Portugal, discovering new foods (though he still politely declines iscas), and spending time with his dog, Rio. He’s also an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong learner, currently pursuing a master’s degree in American history—for fun.

  • A smiling man with gray hair and a white shirt standing in front of a two-tone wall.

    Meet Paul

    CO-FOUNDER

    A successful entrepreneur of Portuguese descent, Paul moved from Toronto to Lisbon, inspired by the country’s culture and beauty.

    While learning Portuguese at a local language school, he realized there was an opportunity to approach language education differently. With years of experience across retail, design, lifestyle, and beauty, he wanted to create a program that combines creativity, cultural immersion, and exceptional experiences.

    His vision for the school draws on his journey as a lifelong learner, as well as his passion for Portugal’s culture, food, and art, ensuring students not only learn a language but connect deeply with the country.

  • A smiling man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants, standing outdoors with crossed arms, in front of a beige wall and a red door.

    Meet Rafael

    CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER

    Rafael is a passionate educator and co-founder of Lighthouse Language School. He studied Linguistics (BA) and Portuguese as a Foreign and Second Language (MA) at the University of Lisbon, focusing on Literature, Applied Linguistics, Didactics, and Portuguese History and Culture.

    Rafael has over five years of experience teaching Portuguese to both native and international learners. He has also worked as a translator at NOVA University’s Faculty of Law and spent time as a Visiting Lecturer at Babeș-Bolyai University in Romania, where he taught subjects ranging from Portuguese Literature and Cinema to Linguistics and Legal Portuguese.

    At Lighthouse, Rafael combines his academic background with a practical, student-centered approach, making language learning clear, engaging, and enjoyable. Outside the classroom, he loves reading, films, music, and spending time with family and friends.