Prazer, sou a Cat!

Hi there, and welcome!
I’m Catarina, a 32-year-old translator & Portuguese teacher passionate about simplifying European Portuguese.

I’ve been creating my unique teaching method that delivers immediate results, drawing inspiration from my experiences with over a thousand fantastic students across various language schools and the prestigious Institute for Portuguese Language and Culture (ICLP) in Lisbon.

My path

2015
I start learning Greek.
I graduate in International Relations.


2017
I return to Portugal.
Enmeshed in Corporate Translation, I dream about becoming a freelancer.

2022
I start teaching at ICLP.

2016
I start teaching Portuguese in a language school in Thessaloniki, Greece.

2020
Pandemic takes my job and I finally become a freelance translator
and Portuguese teacher.

2024
Portuguese with Cat is born. 💛

Me in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Jazzie, my PA
(3 month-old here)💛

My own language journey began when I fell head over heels for Greek - stumbling, struggling, and eventually thriving in a new linguistic world.
Those challenges taught me something crucial: language learning isn't just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists.

It's about connection. Emotion.

Finding your voice in a new cultural context.

That's why my approach is different - blending traditional teaching (20%) with transformative coaching techniques (80%) that address the real reason most language learners give up: not the complexity of the language, but the emotional barriers we face.

When you learn with me, you won't just memorize Portuguese - you'll develop a relationship with it that makes every new word feel like coming home.

My approach

  • immersive experience + authentic texts

    Connect to the genuine European Portuguese in motion

  • praise

    Learning a L2 in adulthood requires motivation and praise.
    I am here to praise your strengths, all the way (up)!

  • mindset

    Rewire your mind for success and boost your self-confidence

“When I started with Cat, I was B1 level. Last year I was at a point where I doubted whether I would ever speak this beautiful language, but since I started having lessons with her, I've felt a significant improvement, both in my knowledge and in my confidence. Catarina is a very friendly teacher and always adapts to my wishes to do grammar or read texts, making lessons dynamic and fun. There are no questions she can't answer. She's more than an educator, she's a mentor who is always willing to help and understand my difficulties. I highly recommend her.” -Michael, Germany

student love   ♡

“Catarina is an excellent Portuguese professor with great available material, a good sense of pedagogy, and a very dynamic and cheerful teaching style. She challenges her students and pushes them to the next level with intelligence and good humor. I recommend Catarina without reservations.” -Louisa, France

“Catarina is super dynamic, fun to work with, easy going and overall an excellent teacher! Couldn’t be happier. The lessons are very well structured and I see the progress every week.” -Pablo, Spain

“Perfeito! I can highly recommend Catarina as Portuguese teacher. She is very experienced and dedicated and is flexible to the needs of the students. Her online courses are well organized and structured and include videos and audios to ensure intensive and enjoyable lessons. She is also a very nice person who cares about your progress and can adjust accordingly.” -Hans, Switzerland

“Catarina is an excellent Portuguese teacher. The lessons are very intense (in a good way). I am learning a lot in a very short time and she is always ready to help me out. I highly recommend her classes!” -Lena, Germany

“I love having classes with Catarina - she is super positive, patient, very well structured which makes me see the progress every day and helps learning faster. Couldn't recommend her enough!” -Ola, Poland

“I highly recommend Catarina, a wonderful and experienced teacher! She is able to make the lessons a fun and dynamic moment, tailored to the student’s level, pace, and needs. By doing 1 hour per week, I grew a lot and very quickly, and the effort was deleted by the enjoyment :) ” -Pietro, Italy