The general level of English tuition in Portuguese State schools is very high, with many students graduating with the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE). There is a clear preference for British English, though teachers from other English-speaking countries are rarely overlooked.

Private English schools can be found throughout the country, even in small coastal towns such as Póvoa and Averio. In the bigger cities, international language school chains International House, inlingua, and the Wall Street Institute have a significant presence. Most of these schools recruit many of their teachers from overseas.

The Cambridge CELTA and Trinity Cert.TESOL are by far the most commonly recognized TESOL qualifications in Portugal.