coast of lisbon portugal nighttime
Lisbon, Portugal

Language + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Known for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors, the western tip of Europe is the perfect place to launch your study abroad experience! Suppose you are looking for a city full of authenticity, where ancient history and old customs intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. In that case, Lisbon is the right place for you! The sunny weather, excellent cuisine, and safe atmosphere make it the perfect icing on the cake.

While spending the semester immersed in Portuguese culture at CIEE Lisbon, you will learn from the best professors while taking courses in English or Portuguese at CIEE Lisbon and CIEE’s partner schools: NOVA FCSH (Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa) and ISCTE-IUL (Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa). All courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Experience
  • lisbon fall study abroad students water
  • lisbon city exploration study abroad

Your Destination

The western tip of Europe is steeped in ancient history, creating a rich base to launch your study of the Portuguese language and culture. Spend the semester immersed in Portuguese culture at CIEE Lisbon while taking courses in English or Portuguese at CIEE and CIEE’s partner schools, NOVA FCSH (Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa) and ISCTE-IUL (Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa). All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Lisbon.

The Culture

evora portugal study abroad trip

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Visit stunning medieval walled towns like Óbidos and Sintra.
  • Get to know Setúbal, a town south of Lisbon, known for its beautiful coast and wonderful cuisine.
  • Explore a Romanesque cathedral and gilded Baroque altarpieces during a tour of Évora, a historical center surrounded by 16th-century walls.
  • Get into campus life by joining a student association or sports team.
  • Take advantage of Lisbon’s vibrant theater and historic opera house, plus concert venues, galleries, and a dynamic cinemathèque.
lisbon three students eating together

PROJECTS

Volunteering. Students who want to share their time and gain practical skills can connect with a range of organizations throughout Lisbon that need support.  
Peer support. Connect with Lisbon Buddies – students from FCSH – to discover local culture, routine student life, and practice Portuguese.

language learners portuguese picnic together

LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

  • Meet local students who will be your CIEE Buddies during your semester abroad. Take the opportunity to deepen your learning of the language and the culture by participating in our weekly Conversation Groups organized by the local buddies. 
  • Volunteer in local organizations: students who want to share their time and gain practical skills can connect with a range of organizations throughout Lisbon that need support.   
  • Take our semester academic internship class! This way you will be able to become familiar with the local professional community and strengthen your experience in areas such as Art, Communications, or Entrepreneurship. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.

Program Blogs

Tiles and Smiles - My First Month in Lisbon, Portugal

By Talia d.

Between tiles and smiles, I have fallen in love with this new city I get to call home for the next semester. Lisbon has welcomed me with open arms! Although... keep reading

From CIEE

The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Lisbon

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

As the capital of Portugal , Lisbon is an incredible city. Known for its history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique, modern culture, visiting Lisbon is an experience like no other... keep reading

From CIEE

Portugal vs. Spain Study Abroad: Which is Better?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Portugal and Spain are both incredible European destinations that offer an immersive study abroad experience. From their histories, cuisine s, architecture, cultural events, and more, exploring Portugal or Spain will... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I absolutely loved this program. Lisbon is an incredible, welcoming city that is very easy to adapt to. The program directors are extremely helpful and warm and they are so enthusiastic about this program. The size of the program is also very comforting and its great that our whole program got very close and could enjoy lots of group moments and experiences together."

    Isabelle C., Denison University

  • "This program well planned and the staff is so nice and helpful. This program is small and you really get a chance to meet new people"

    Greta L.

  • "This was an amazing experience and the program was awesome."

    Olivia S., University of Vermont

  • "It is a very well-organized program in a very vibrant and lively city where you can learn lots of things inside and outside the classroom"

    Romina V., Macalester College

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students of all Portuguese language levels can dramatically increase their knowledge of the Portuguese language and culture while taking business, social sciences, and humanities courses at CIEE partner schools, NOVA FCSH and ISCTE-IUL. Students begin the Language and Culture Program with a two-week intensive Portuguese class and then continue their studies throughout the semester. Language placement is determined by a language placement exam upon arrival. 

 

NOVA FCSH - Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa was founded in 1977 and is now one of the highest-ranking social sciences and humanities schools in Portugal. It is dedicated to education, scientific research, and cultural creation. Courses are taught in Portuguese. The school hosts more than 2,800 undergraduate students and 16 research centers and is located in the heart of Lisbon. 

 

Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL) is a public university established in 1972, pursuing teaching, research, and community service activities with scientific and pedagogical expertise. The strategic objectives of ISCTE-IUL are innovation, quality, internationalization, and the development of an entrepreneurial culture. ISCTE-IUL offers a range of courses taught in English from areas such as business and economics to political science and psychology. ISCTE-IUL has been recognized by highly reputed foreign agencies and associations. For instance, ISCTE Business School is an AACSB-accredited institution and is considered one of the best Portuguese business schools and a reference both nationally and internationally in several programs. It is located in the business center of Lisbon.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students enroll in five classes per semester: 

  • One two-week intensive Portuguese language course 
  • One semester Portuguese language course 
  • Three to four elective courses, choosing from: 
    • CIEE content courses 
    • FCSH-UNL courses taught in Portuguese 
    • Up to two ISCTE-IUL courses taught in English

Program Credit

Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • FCSH-UNL courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted. 
  • ISCTE-IUL courses: mostly 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

FCSH-UNL and ISCTE-IUL courses are academically rigorous, and students should expect challenging work. Students must take exams as scheduled and turn in all work on time. Both FCSH-UNL and ISCTE-IUL value active intellectual inquiry and exploration, particularly through interdisciplinary study and creative thought. Students are encouraged to think critically, work independently, contribute to discussions, and participate in university life. The academic calendar is close to the North American calendar. Both CIEE and FCSH-UNL and ISCTE-IUL fall classes begin in September and end in December, and spring classes begin in February and end in May. ISCTE-IUL exam dates go into January for fall and into June for spring. Special accommodations can be arranged for students doing ISCTE-IUL courses.

Class Format

CIEE Portuguese language courses are offered to CIEE students only. CIEE elective courses are open to CIEE students, as well as to other international and Portuguese students. Portuguese and English language content courses are kept small; direct enrollment courses are medium-sized.

Grading

In university courses, students are evaluated based on weekly homework, participation, group projects, presentations, quizzes, midterm and final exams, and/or papers. Professors assign letter grades of A-F with pluses and minuses in English-taught courses. The Portuguese grading scale ranges from one to 20; 10 is passing.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

Portuguese and English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

NOVA FCSH courses are typically taught in Portuguese 

  • Permission to enroll in NOVA FCSH courses is based on academic background and the results of the language placement exam. The final decision rests with the CIEE Center Director and the University. 
  • ISCTE-IUL business courses are typically taught in English. Other area studies are typically taught in Portuguese with a range of courses being offered in English. CIEE students may enroll in up to two courses taught in English at ISCTE. 
    • ISCTE courses end later than other classes and exams are held in the month following the end of classes. The exam schedule is not available until after arrival. Center staff will determine if students can take a proctored exam. Home school approval is required.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

NOVA FCSH COURSES 

CIEE students have the option to take up to four courses from any of the 14 social science departments at the Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH). NOVA FCSH courses are typically taught in Portuguese for 3 semester credits each. 

The courses listed below are representative of courses historically available at FCSH-UNL but CIEE cannot guarantee specific courses are offered each semester. Visit the website for information on departments and classes available. Course registration occurs on-site. 

Anthropology
Anthropology and Colonialism 
Anthropology of the Family and Relatives 
Anthropology and Human Rights 
Anthropology of Religion 
Anthropology of Space 
Contemporary Portuguese Anthropology 
Economic Anthropology 
Ethnicity and Nationalism 
History of Anthropology 
Political Anthropology 
Urban Anthropology

Archaeology
Industrial Archaeology 
Medieval Muslim Archaeology 
Modern Archaeology 
Roman Imperial Archaeology

Art History
Culture and Contemporary Art 
History of Colonial Art 
History of Gothic Art 
History of Non-Western Art 
Introduction to Museology

Communications
Communications and Social Science 
History of Media 
Sociology of Communications 
Theory of News

Geography
Climatology 
Geography of Rural Space 
Geomorphology 
Human Geography 
Physical Geography of Portugal 
Urban Geography

History
Contemporary History 
History of Contemporary Portugal 
History of Medieval Portugal 
History of Modern Portugal 
History of Portuguese Expansion

International Relations/Political Science
Contemporary International Politics 
History of the Idea of Europe 
History of Political Ideas 
History of Portuguese International Relations 
History and Theory of State in Portugal 
Political Systems 
Portuguese Political Thought 
Security Studies, International Institutions

Language, Literature, and Culture
Brazilian Literature 
English 
French 
German 
Portuguese Culture 
Portuguese Language and Culture 
Portuguese Linguistics 
Spanish

Music History/Ethnomusicology
Ethnomusicology 
History of Music in Portugal 
Music and Information 
Musical Cultures of the World 
Philosophy and Music

Philosophy
Philosophy and Culture in Portugal

Sociology
Class and Social Structure 
Contemporary Social Themes

Translation
History of Translation 
Introduction to Terminology in the Social Sciences and Humanities 
Linguistic Diversity in the Iberian Peninsula

ISCTE-IUL COURSES 

Students have the option to take up to two courses taught in English at ISCTE-IUL, which are typically 3 semester credits each. Visit the website and click on the appropriate semester. CIEE cannot guarantee that all classes will be offered every semester. Course registration occurs on-site.   

Below you will find a sample course list of ISCTE-IUL courses recommended for study abroad students. 

Business School 
Marketing Management 
Fundamentals Finance 
Taxation for Non-Residents 
Business Law 
Human Resources Management 
International Human Resources Management 
Management in International Organizations 
Comparative International Management 
Marketing Services 
Applied Corporate Finance 
Health Economics 
Game Theory and Economic Applications 

School of Social Sciences 
Crisis and Catastrophe - Anthropological Readings  
Colonization and Decolonization: XIX-XX Centuries  
Crisis and Catastrophe - Anthropological Readings  
Minorities of Southeast Asia  
Understanding Culture: Readings in Art and Fairytales  
Europe and the World in the Nineteenth Century  
History of Portuguese Expansion  
Israel/Palestine: History, Anthropology, Politics  
Portuguese History and Culture  
Psychopathology 

School of Sociology and Public Policy 
Public Policies of Culture  
Social Movements in the Digital Era  
Sociology of Law  
Using Graphic Methods in the Social Sciences  
World Economy XIX and XXth Centuries

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,450
Program Fall 2024 15 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,450
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 15 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,456**

Housing = $3,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,050

International Airfare = $1,100††

Local Transportation = $120

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $220†††

Total Costs = $2,690

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,456**

Housing = $3,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,050

International Airfare = $1,100††

Local Transportation = $120†††

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $220††††

Total Costs = $2,690

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Students receive a significant reduction for a monthly pass

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Joana Almeida

Center Director

Joana has been working with CIEE Lisbon since 2011. She holds a B.A. in Art History, an M.A. in Social Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Historical Sociology.

Sara Cunha

Operations Manager

Sara has been working for CIEE Lisbon since 2014. She holds a Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. She has studied and lived abroad in Spain, Hungary, Sweden and Brazil.

Francisco Henriques

Academic Manager

Francisco holds a PhD in History at University of Lisbon. He previously worked as a teacher and researcher in Economics and Social History. He is passionate about the sea, history and literature.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info