Portlandia International School Of Languages

"I am about to tell you my honest experience with Walter and this "school" and explain to you why you should completely avoid it altogether. 3 Weeks ago I called this school seeking Spanish lessons. A man named Walter answered the phone and seemed friendly and enthusiastic, and told me to come in that Wednesday, at 230pm , to do an assessment. I reread the date and time back to him and he confirmed. When i showed up at the time he told me, nobody was there. The door was locked, the lights were off, the classroom was empty. I stood outside his office and phoned him multiple times, and got no answer. I left a voicemail, waited 30 minutes, then left disappointed. 2 Days later Walter called me back. He explained that he forgot about our appointment on Wednesday but got my messages (2 days later apparently). I told him it was OK, things happen, and we rescheduled for the next week. We set the day again for Wednesday, and this time for 2pm. He told me he was writing it down this time and he will be there "for sure". The next week I come in, its Wednesday, its 2pm, just like he said. And low and behold, he isn't there again, the school is locked, the lights are shut off, and nobody is around. I again call, nobody answers, I leave a message, and then I wait outside, in the rain, for 30 minutes. Nobody called me back. Walter wasn't there. And there I was, left wondering what the deal is with this guy. I commuted 35 minutes one way, each time, (over one hour round trip). I set aside time from my busy schedule. And I followed all of the instructions on our meeting time. I was eager and excited to meet Walter and learn Spanish. But both times in a row, my time was wasted. My gas was wasted. Walter lied to me and didn't show up. And chain reactively, I left disappointed and in a bad mood. It kind of ruined my whole day especially the second time in a row that Walter did this. For anyone thinking to use this guy as a tutor or teacher, I would advise against it. He may seem friendly on the phone, but for a "teacher" to not be articulate enough to actually show up to the dates that they themselves set, and not have enough decency to call a person back, not only once but twice in a row, is irresponsible. I see other reviewers have had this same thing happen to them. In my opinion this place should be shut down, because I see this is a continuing occurrence with multiple students. Its irresponsible and unprofessional. For whatever positive reviewers their are, they could either be fake, or just caught Walter on his apparent good days that he actually shows up. I don't know what it is, be this is an honest review that I am providing. If you want somebody that actually values who you are, your time, and is articulate enough to schedule the dates and show up to their own set appointments with you, go to a different Spanish school. This place will constantly leave you wondering, is the guy going to show up? is he going to call me back? Is he going to just take my money and flake week after week? I don't wanna see anyone else go through what i went through this this guy. I cannot urge people more to avoid this place altogether."

"Walter is an excellent teacher. He really knows his stuff and knows how to speak at your Spanish level and take you to the next level fast."

"Having no prior knowledge of Spanish, this language school is everything that I could have asked for and more! The environment is friendly, fun, and relaxed. The students are adults from all walks of life brought together by a common desire to learn Spanish. Walter is a wonderful teacher who brings years of experience and prioritizes getting to know each student on a personal level. I have seen my knowledge of Spanish improve by leaps and bounds in just a short time. I would recommend Portlandia Language School to everyone!"

"I have taken language lessons from Walter, the owner of the school, for over two years now, and I really appreciate his help and the progress I've made while studying with him. Walter has helped me greatly improve my my ability to speak and understand Spanish, and his prices are very reasonable. My main goal has been to enhance my verbal communication, and this goal is an excellent fit with Walter's preferred teaching methods. While he is a native speaker of Spanish and is well educated in Spanish grammar, our main focus has been conversation. Instead of emphasizing the memorization of grammatical rules, we mostly converse. In the course of our conversations, he helps me speak better, understand more, and learn to avoid common mistakes. Walter is deeply committed to advancing intercultural contacts and communication. He manages a number of free weekly Spanish conversation groups (previously in person but online during the pandemic), and he runs these groups with great care, sensitivity, and attention. Through these groups and during my lessons, he has helped me better understand the cultures of Mexico and Central America. He has a very busy life running the school and it's important to be sensitive to this fact."

"I LOVE Portlandia International Language School and all the people I meet there! I attend the Thursday conversational group practically every single week and the Friday movie night 2-3 times a month. I am extremely excited for the Yoga class that will be starting up in October and plan to attend as I am able. I am taking a combination of private sessions and group classes and it's awesome. Walter, the director, is VERY encouraging, funny, creative and knowledgeable. When I was in college I took a year and half of Spanish and I ended up dropping it because I couldn't for the life of me, get down the basics...Ser and Estar were a complete mystery! That formal setting wasn't for me and also I had several non-native speakers as teachers. Walter's cultural knowledge, humor and coaching skills changed everything. Participating in the events and classes has given me an edge in my career and fed my passion for the language and culture. I have met many friends through the school and value the community that is fostered there."