Menu

Open a language school

Post new topic

ThierryS

Good evening. I intend to open a language school. Language taught are french, english and russian. I don't know if it would be better to open this business in Rio, Sao Paulo, or Florianopolis. I  also wonder if have a language school in Brazil could be a profitable activity. For those who have undertaken such an activity, what advice could you give to me? Rio and Sao Paulo, or Florianoplis? what city is the most adapted? How can I meet a specialised consultant which could give me advice to achieve this project? Thank you for your replies. Thierry

James

I presume you are aware that in order to open an acredited school (i.e. one that may actually give a grade or some kind of meaningful certificate to students) a foreign national may not be the sole owner or register the business in his/her name. Schools are required to have a Brazilian partner and the business must be registered to a Brazilian.

I never knew this until I became friendly with a British gentleman in São Paulo (former diplomat) who had lived in Brazil for 20 years, had a Brazilian wife and two Brazilian children. He had never naturalized as a Brazilian citizen, so he had to register the school in the name of his wife.

If you intend simply to give private classes teaching languages "in-company" or residental classes then you really don't need to do anything beyond recruit students. You are essentially not even operating a business, but rather providing a service on a private basis.

Regarding anyone specialized in the field I really don't know if one exists. Almost any lawyer or accountant can advise you regarding business start-up, but for schools?????? I really don't think so.

I don't know if there is any way to get around the non-Brazilian ownership even if you were to purchase a franchise of a nationally known language school. Perhaps they could advise you on that point.

Cheers,
William James Woodward, Expat-blog Experts Team

Bardamu

There a quite a lot of opportunities in Brazil but this market is overcrowded. Between national franchises, small local schools and private teachers (non declared), you would need to have something very special to develop a successfull business.
Concerning your question about a consultant who could give you advice, well, I think you should check first by yourself at SEBRAE which is a national public organisation in charge to help new business (like a chamber of commerce for small businesses). There website is great and they have got branches in all brazilians cities. They have consultants that you can meet for free, specialized in all industries. This should be first step for any entrepreneurs.

Dimas Hilario

If you're really interested, I'm thinking about selling my language program - it's been in business since 2001. It will facilitate you getting into the Market asap and you'll be able to take advantage of my cliente base.

Please feel free to contact me if this interests you.

Best Regards,

Dimas

Marcio B

Hello, James,   you seem to be well acquainted with Brazil.      we live in Pindamonhangaba, SP.  we have two teeagers at home,  we are still trying to get used to Brazil.   Sometimes it feel like we are in a new planet,  not in  a new country.  Do you know other expats near our town?

Texanbrazil

Marcio
James has passed away, but left us with some of his greatest gifts (knowledge) on this site.
I have been here for years and something new seems to happen everyday. Language is the biggest thing to over come. It is very different world from which we know in North America, but there are many kind people to be found.
Keep tabs on the SP forum (and Brazil forum). There are many near you.

Marcio B

Sorry to hear about James´passing away.     Thanks for your insight.   Brazil and Brazilians have lots to offer,  I gotta learn to adjust and I will  act on your tip.

sujamal54

Hi there,
As a Native English Professor, I'm looking for a partner to open a Specialized English School, please keep me posted.

mooseheadlaw

I teach English online for a company in the U.S. but because they require me to teach from within the U.S. I have opened my own private company where I am taking my own students with no location rules. I'm hoping to expand to offering an English immersion program once travel post-COVID is easier. I use Zoom for my private lessons and it is going well. Is this similar to what you are doing, and which city in Brazil are you in? My background is six years TEFL for Education First, prior to that 20 years university teaching legal writing and other law courses, also 30 years as an immigration lawyer. Hope to chat soon, Deborah

sujamal54

I'm in Rio for now, but anywhere in Brazil could be an option. I'm a Specialized English Professor on Careers Cluster and having all books available. I have +20 years experience in teaching, and in many countries as well. Please keep me posted my email *** and contact, and what's up # is ***

Moderated by Cheryl 2 years ago
Reason : For security reasons, do not post your contact details on the forum please.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct
Kurterino

Do you guys realize that that thread is from 2014? It’s old enough to go to school ;)

Texanbrazil

Kurterino wrote:

Do you guys realize that that thread is from 2014? It’s old enough to go to school ;)


One of the best posts yet!   :lol::lol:

roddiesho

@Kurterino I am with you. I was looking for the latest post and almost all of them are old, however it is a good topic.


This is on my Bucket+ list. If I run out of things and I have the money this would be it.


My wife, who is a Brazilian National and I would open a small school in Camocim, Ceara with a population of 63,907 people. This would serve the English learning population of Sobral, Granja and more. The area for the school would be adjacent to the shore across the bay with Jericoacoara on the opposite side. Private Bus Transportation would bring them to class 1 0r 2 days a week.


On the old, old, old thread it was mentioned that this was a competitive venture. etc. I did a quick search of English Learning Schools and all of them appear to be in Rio or Sao Paulo.


Of course, this is something that is an after-Bucket List venture.  It is not meant to be extensively profitable, but to give back to the community.


Roddie in Retirement1f575.svg

Articles to help you in your expat project in Brazil

  • Study in Brazil
    Study in Brazil

    Pursuing a course of study in Brazil can be a great addition to your CV; it can be fun, interesting, and exciting ...

  • Using phones in Brazil
    Using phones in Brazil

    It's much easier these days to get a cell phone in Brazil, and phones and calling plans are inexpensive. ...

  • Accommodation in Brasilia
    Accommodation in Brasilia

    Brasilia, the country's federal capital, is home to many highly-paid government employees and foreign ...

  • Dating in Brazil
    Dating in Brazil

    If you're single and ready to mingle, then you might want to try your hand at dating after you've settled ...

  • Marriage in Brazil
    Marriage in Brazil

    Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...

  • Leisure activities in Brazil
    Leisure activities in Brazil

    Have you always dreamed of dancing to the rhythm of a Brazilian carnival? Do you wish to enjoy the sand and the ...

  • Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
    Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

    With an official population of about seven million people, and almost twice that number in the metro area, Rio de ...

  • Driving in Brazil
    Driving in Brazil

    If you‘re moving to Brazil for a short time, then you can use your national driving license. However, if you ...

All of Brazil's guide articles