Interview with Susanna Pereira - Part 1

Portugal continues to attract people from all over the world with its warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle. But what does it really take to integrate into Portuguese life?

In this special two-part interview, we speak with Susanna Pereira, founder of Susanna Portuguese Academy, about the role of language in building a new life in Portugal. Susanna shares her journey from teaching in Switzerland to creating a thriving online Portuguese academy, as well as her insights into what expats need to succeed.

Alongside her is Elena, founder of RelyOn Relocation, a company that helps international families and individuals relocate smoothly to Portugal. Together, they explore language, relocation challenges, visas, cities, and practical advice for anyone planning a move.

Taking the first step — in language and in life

“You don’t have to be fluent to take action. You just need to start.”

That message came from Susanna Pereira, founder of Susanna Portuguese Academy, during our first live podcast session. Susanna joined Elena from RelyOn Relocation, to talk about her journey as a language educator and share insight for expats moving to Portugal.

A teacher’s journey from primary school to online academy

Susanna began her teaching career in primary education, but everything changed when she moved to Switzerland in 2009. There, she started teaching Portuguese as a foreign language — and discovered a deep passion for helping others connect through language.

Fast forward to 2019, after returning to Portugal, one of her students planted the seed: “Why not teach online?” At first, it seemed unlikely. But when COVID-19 hit, Susanna embraced the moment and launched what would become Susanna Portuguese Academy. Now, she leads a small but impactful team helping students all over the world learn European Portuguese.

And soon, the school will expand beyond screens — with a physical space opening near Braga.

It’s not about being perfect — it’s about showing up

Although Susanna joined the podcast in English, she was quick to acknowledge that her fluency isn’t perfect — and that’s exactly the point.

“I tell my students all the time: even if you’re not fluent, just start. Each time it gets easier,” she said.

Her story is living proof. With courage and commitment, she built a business, helped hundreds of expats, and continues to learn herself – while guiding others to do the same.

Why language still matters in a global world

At RelyOn Relocation, we often hear this question: Can I just get by with English in Portugal?

Susanna answered honestly: “In Lisbon, Porto, Braga, or the Algarve – yes, you can survive. But if you want real integration, Portuguese is essential.”

She shared that in her small town near Braga, English is rare. Simple things like chatting with neighbors or ordering coffee require Portuguese. But more than just daily tasks, learning the language helps unlock the deeper layers of Portuguese culture.

“It’s not just about vocabulary,” Susanna said. “Language teaches you how people think.”

The biggest hurdles in learning Portuguese

So what holds people back from learning?

• Pronunciation: European Portuguese sounds very different from Brazilian Portuguese.
  
• Verb conjugations: Tricky but essential.
  
• Idiomatic expressions: The real challenge begins after the basics.
  
• Gendered language: Masculine vs. feminine forms confuse many.
  
• Formal vs. informal speech: “Tu” or “Você”? Start formal until invited otherwise.

   

Susanna and her team focus on helping learners move past the “plateau” of intermediate Portuguese and toward real fluency — with programs that are practical, flexible, and even fun.

Relocating to Portugal? Here’s where to begin

Switching gears, we spoke about what we do at RelyOn Relocation, helping expats move to Portugal with as little stress as possible.

Many people don’t realize how many visa pathways exist. Some of the most popular include:

• Student Visas – for language courses or full-time study (even for retirees!)
  
• Entrepreneur Visas & Highly Qualified Worker Visas – ideal for professionals starting businesses or working in tech/finance.
  
• Passive Income Visas (D7) – for those with income from rent, dividends, or pensions.
  
• Digital Nomad Visas – perfect for remote workers earning from abroad.
  
• Golden Visa – an investment-based residency with minimum stay requirements.

   

We guide clients from start to finish: visa documentation, finding a home, tax ID setup, enrolling kids in school, hiring home staff — whatever’s needed.

And our №1 tip? Start early. Visa appointments and approvals can take months. Even if your move is a year away, now is the time to prepare.

A final word of encouragement

Whether you’re moving countries or just learning to say “bom dia,” the biggest hurdle is often internal.

“You don’t have to be fluent to take action,” Susanna reminded us again. “Just start. Each step builds confidence.”

Want to see the full episode? Here is the link