European Portuguese Classes Online

Clara Lipszyc was born and raised in Lisbon and also spent part of her childhood in Mozambique. For about two decades she has taught Portuguese and Spanish at Case Western Reserve University, where she developed the Portuguese curriculum and serves as section head of the program.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Western Ontario and has taught Portuguese, Spanish, and French in Canada and the United States. Clara adapts her instruction to individual goals and strives to make language learning motivating, enjoyable, and confidence building.

Elsa Alves was born in Bragança and has lived in Lisbon since 2010. She holds a degree in Portuguese Studies and a master’s in Portuguese Literature. For more than nine years she has taught Portuguese as a foreign language across levels A1 to C2, including intensive university courses and preparation for CAPLE and DIPLE examinations.

Her multidisciplinary lessons combine grammar, speaking, writing, and authentic materials such as menus, news, songs, advertising, and literature selected for the learner’s level. Elsa also works as a proofreader and has contributed to cultural and literary magazines; she published a poetry collection in 2022. Her interest in literature adds depth to her practical teaching.