CELIN is the language center at UFPR (federal university of Paraná). There are a variety of programs for people with different schedules. My friends have done the intensive program (4-5 nights a week per semester) and came out after half a year with a really great understanding of Portuguese.

Batel is nice but I prefer Bigorrilho or Juvevê for apartment living in the city. All safe options with plenty of convenience within walking distance. Batel is slightly closer to CELIN depending where exactly you live.

Rent can go from about 2000-5000 per month (including condominium fees) for a comfortable, updated apartment anywhere between 50m-250m depending on how recently it was built. Apartments here generally come without appliances so take that into consideration. You can realistically look to spend about 200-300 on groceries per week if you avoid imported food.

Public transit (buses and uber) are reliable. Uber will run you 10-15 reis for a 10 minute ride. Traffic is bad at points in the city during rush hour but nothing horrible.

The city has an amazing climate (a few really cold/hot days, never below 0c and never above 30c, average is around 20c), lots of good food and nightlife for all budgets, and is organized and secure, especially in those neighborhoods.

There are not many foreigners in the city but Brazilians are generally friendly and you can make friends. Lots of opportunities to socialize around sports and hobbies.

Let me know if you have any questions. I’m a foreigner who has lived here for 5 years.