Interview with the Kids: Moving to Portugal

We are an American family that moved to Porto, Portugal, about a year and a half ago. We thought it might be helpful for other families planning a move to check in with our kids and see how it is going, what they like, what is difficult, and what they would tell other kids making a similar move.

In this article, we’ll do a short interview with our two daughters, the first is 11 years old, and the other is 8 years old, about their personal experiences moving to Northern Portugal, settling in, and attending school here.

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Moving to Portugal: Family Overview

We moved to Matosinhos, Portugal, in July of 2024, a neighborhood on the Porto metro, with beautiful beaches. We live in a rented apartment with ocean views, and the kids attend an International School here that follows the British Curriculum.

Interested in moving? Check out our guide to the process as well as FAQ.

They have both completed a full school year and are well into their second year here. They have attended appointments with immigration officials, doctors, dentists, specialists, and more.

Before moving to Portugal, we traveled full-time for three years while homeschooling the kids. S has some experience with public school, as she attended through first grade in the U.S. E was in daycare in the U.S., but never attended public school.

Both girls are native English speakers who had a basic introduction to Portuguese before we moved, including apps and some in-person lessons on Preply, but really didn’t start learning Portuguese until we arrived.

After 1 1/2 years here, as we reflect on our experiences, we thought it might help other families to hear how the kids are adjusting.

As parents, we wrote a list of what we wish we knew before moving here.

S, 11 Years Old, 6th Grade

S arrived in Portugal at 9 years old, and started school in fifth grade, the first year of middle school at her school.

What did you expect when moving to Portugal? Was there anything you were worried about or particularly excited about?

I was excited to go to school. When we first got here, I was grumpy about moving and being away from family. I expected it to be hard to learn the language, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to communicate with anyone.

What surprised you the most about Portugal?

How easy it was to learn the language.

Note: The adults don’t find it easy! But we are not spending most of our day hanging out with Portuguese kids, while the girls’ school is 50% Portuguese.

What is the best part of living in Portugal?

Pasteis de natas! Also, I like how the Portuguese language rolls off your tongue.

What is the hardest part about living in Portugal?

Friendship drama at school.

What do you miss most about the US?

Candy corn, Rice Krispies treats, and my family.

What surprised you most about school here?

Most of the teachers are really patient.

How are you feeling now about living in Portugal?

I’m liking it. There are some days when I want to go back to America, but most days I like it here.

What would you tell other kids who are about to move here?

You are going to love it here! There’s pastel de nata, surfing, and the sand gets really hot on your feet. Look out for seagulls, they’ll steal your food!

E, 8 Years Old, 3rd Grade

E arrived in Portugal at 7 years old, and started school in 2nd grade, the first year of Cycle 2 in the Portuguese system.

What did you expect when moving to Portugal? Was there anything you were worried about or particularly excited about?

I was excited to go to an in-person school, but I was worried about making friends. I was looking forward to being in one place for a long time and not moving around a lot.

What surprised you the most about Portugal?

I was surprised by how nice the Portuguese people are. Today, it was raining, and my bus pass was around my wrist, and I was holding lots of stuff, and I couldn’t reach my pass to tap my card. A lady I didn’t know was getting on behind me and helped me tap it.

Note: E recited this to me, including what the lady said to her in Portuguese; the kids go back and forth smoothly.

What is the best part of living in Portugal?

The best part of living in Portugal is being close to the beach.

What is the hardest part about living in Portugal?

I don’t like the loud motorbikes or the fireworks that scare the birds.

What do you miss most about the US?

I really miss maple syrup and being close to my family there.

What surprised you most about school here?

I thought the teachers were going to be strict, but they are really nice.

How are you feeling now about living in Portugal?

I like it here. I have good friends here now.

What would you tell other kids who are about to move here?

I like it here, I think you’ll have a lot of fun, the kids here are nice and willing to help you.

There You Have It

Some of our kids’ answers surprised us, but it’s reassuring to know that they are settled in enough that they found some of these questions difficult.

They struggled to remember what they were worried about before arriving. The girls don’t have long lists of complaints or things they miss. Now they are very much in the routine of their lives here.

For more details on Portuguese culture and everyday life, check our travel tips for first time visitors, FAQ about life in Portugal, and the list of what we wish we knew before moving here.

Headed to Porto? We’ve got the best things to do, the best rainy day activities, and of course, the best coffee spots!