Answers to all Your Algarve Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions, along with the answers we are asked regarding living in the Algarve. Feel free to get in touch if you have any you would like added. Most of the topics are answered in full in our latest news section. However, you can find the links to the relevant articles in the answers below for more information.
Living in the Algarve
If you are a family thinking of moving to the Algarve one of the most important criteria on your list of prerequisites may be finding an International School for the children.
Bearing in mind that Portuguese schools are free but pupils are expected to speak the native language which can be a barrier for most kids.
In International Schools, the first language is English with Portuguese taught as the second language. However, as with all things good, there is a price to pay.
The cost varies from school to school but if you can afford the fees it is a great option and comes without the difficulty of the language barrier.
Although some would argue it is far better to throw them in the deep end in thinking that they will learn the language much quicker.
There are 14 Algarve International Schools on offer at present across the Algarve region so you will find a nearby International School nearby whichever location you choose to relocate to you.
The Portuguese public education system provides schooling free of charge to all residents and is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18 years of age.
Basic School / Ensino Básico, 1º ciclo
Years 1 – 4 are for children aged 6 – 10.
Children are taught basic Portuguese, Maths, Science, and Art.
Basic English is generally taught from years 3 to 4. However, it is often available earlier as an after-school activity.
The school generally beings at 8:30 am and ends at 3.30 pm. Find out more about the Public School Education System in Portugal.
Basic School / Ensino básico 2º ciclo
Years 5 and 6 are for children aged 10 – 12.
Learning includes Portuguese, English, maths, PE, history, geography, sciences, visual & IT education and music.
Basic School / Ensino Básico 3º ciclo
Years 7 to 9 are for children aged 13 – 15.
Lessons include Portuguese, English, maths, a choice of second foreign language (Spanish, French, or German), history, geography, chemistry, physics and PE.
Secondary Education / High School
Years 10 – 12 are for children aged 15 – 18.
Moving to the Algarve with older children can throw up many problems, one being the higher education offered in the region for university courses.
With plenty of options for kids under 18, including international and Portuguese public schools, unfortunately, the choices do become limited after that age.
The University of Algarve is the only public university in the Algarve region of Portugal. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, tourism, marine biology, environmental science and more.
In addition, some private higher education institutions offer courses in various fields, including hospitality, business, and sciences.
Founded in 1979, it is a Portuguese public higher education institution located in 3 cities of the Algarve. It has its headquarters and two out of its three campuses in Faro (namely the Gambelas and Penha), another campus in Portimão and one in Lagos.
The university has four faculties Tourism and Maritime Technology, Science and Technology, Health Sciences and Economics.
However, if you are willing to go further afield, there are some excellent Universities in other areas.