Question 1

What is Tiago’s teaching style & methodology?

Accepted Answer

With a background in communications, Tiago’s teaching style is informal and spontaneous, focusing on practical application over memorization. Memorization comes with application—this motto is at the core of Tiago’s methodology. Tiago’s sessions are structured and comprehensive, with a focus on grammar as the foundation for error-free language use. Nevertheless, grammar is better learned when students have the right chances to apply it outside the classroom. If practice is key, then confidence is a must. Not only will regular sessions improve the student’s confidence, but this confidence will also help them open new doors in their day-to-day dealing with the language. Every new word the students learn, every sentence they understand, is a step closer to truly belonging.

Question 2

What is Tiago’s education and the certificates acquired?

Accepted Answer

Tiago holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies, with a minor in English Literature, from Southern Utah University. After graduating, he completed a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification at Arizona State University and a pós-graduação [certification] in Português Língua Não Materna at PIAGET (Portugal).

Question 3

What clients can expect from Tiago’s consultancy service?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are entirely remote, one-on-one, lasting either 60 or 90 minutes, scheduled and conducted via Google Meet. The professor oversees all class materials, which will be shared using Google tools like Docs, Slides, and Forms. Additionally, the professor will supply various files containing exercises and homework. Tiago is also responsible for other resources such as articles, documentaries, news videos, podcasts, and other multimedia content used during the lessons. Students do not need to purchase any materials; they only need to attend the classes, as the professor handles everything else.

Question 4

What are Tiago's plans if I want to commit in the long term?

Accepted Answer

There are four Monthly Plans (subscription basis) and four Packages available. Contact Tiago to know more details about the prices.

Question 5

What is the difference between a Monthly Plan and a Package?

Accepted Answer

With the Monthly Plan, students can choose to meet one, two, three, or four times per week. The Monthly Plan is for students who are committed to the idea that regularity is key. Monthly Plan students have priority over Tiago’s calendar compared to those with Packages. The regular commitment prevails. All the weekly lessons will be booked before the beginning of the month, and the Monthly Plan should be paid before the first lesson of the month.

The five, 10, 20, and 30-lesson Packages allow students to book their lessons whenever they have better availability. With it, students have more space to manage their lessons the way they want! It gives them more freedom at the end of the day. All the lessons are booked by the student through Calendly, choosing from the available slots after the Monthly Plan sessions have been booked. All the Packages have expiration dates.

Students and the professor can still change a lesson if something comes up, but that should be done at least 24 hours before the lesson.

Question 6

Is it possible to consult Tiago without a longer-term commitment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, be aware that the cost per hour is higher when compared to when students register on a Monthly Plan or purchase a Package. Contact Tiago through the Contact Form to know more about this.

Question 7

How many lessons should I take per week?

Accepted Answer

While learning a new language might seem a bit daunting at times, keep this in mind: consistency is more powerful than intensity. If your availability allows you to take two lessons per week consistently for more than one year, that’s great. Taking three lessons per week is even better. If you cannot commit to that amount, then one lesson per week is fine. In any of the cases, projecting your learning progress in the longer term is always better than in the shorter term. In other words, it’s better to take one lesson per week for two or three years than to take four lessons per week for six months.

Question 8

How does Tiago calculate all the prices?

Accepted Answer

Tiago’s services are thoughtfully tailored to meet each client's unique needs. Note that, on average, language experts in the European, North American, and Australian markets charge between 40€ and 80€ per hour. Nevertheless, with Tiago’s Monthly Plan and Packages, you can significantly lower this hourly rate by more than half. Plus, the more lessons you commit to each week with the Monthly Plan, or the more sessions you purchase with Packages, the more affordable the hourly rate becomes. It’s also important to consider that, in Portugal, independent workers pay about 23% in IVA (tax), and social security contributions range from 11% to 21%.

Question 9

What are Tiago’s payment methods?

Accepted Answer

Tiago’s has several payment methods for residents in Portugal, European citizens, and non-European residents. These include PayPal, Revolut, MBWAY, or direct transfer. Contact Tiago through the Contact Form to know more about this.

Question 10

What is Tiago’s weekly schedule?

Accepted Answer

Tiago’s schedule encompasses Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 08:00 (8 AM) until 20:00 (8 PM) Portuguese time, and Friday from 08:00 (8 AM) until 17:00 (5 PM) Portuguese time. Tiago doesn’t work on weekends.

Question 11

Does Tiago have clients in Portugal only?

Accepted Answer

No. Tiago assists clients from a variety of global locations. His clientele ranges from California to New Zealand. Thanks to many digital tools used and the internet, Tiago can accommodate various time zones. On top of this, Tiago has clients spread across many locations in Portugal, from the South to the North.

Question 12

If I recommend Tiago’s service to a friend, would I be compensated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. “Bring a Friend” and get discounts. For every person you recommend and successfully join the classroom, you can get between 5 and 20% discount on some monthly payments and/or packages. Moreover, your recommendee can also get a similar discount by joining the classroom. The amount of the discount depends on the number of lessons one purchases.

Question 13

Does Tiago create content for social media?

Accepted Answer

No. Tiago is not a language influencer. Tiago’s business is free of the pressure imposed by social media. Tiago’s focus is to work individually with a smaller number of clients and not with the masses. Still, feel free to follow Tiago’s posts on LinkedIn, and to read his Newsletter under “Journal” on his website.

Question 14

Why is it important to be proficient in a new language?

Accepted Answer

Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a wonderful gateway to connection. It opens doors to new friendships, creates smoother experiences in your daily life, and helps you appreciate the world.

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