colorful houses along lisbons coast sunset
Lisbon, Portugal

Business + 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

TBD

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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

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

Overview

When you study abroad in Lisbon, you'll live and learn in one of the safest and most vibrant cities in all of Europe! Your time in Portugal's capital city will quickly become filled with strolling narrow, cobble-stoned streets, appreciating century-old buildings, immersing yourself in the local culture, and enhancing your understanding of start-up ecosystems at local and international entrepreneurship hubs and events.

When class is in session, you'll take courses at CIEE Lisbon and CIEE's partner schools, Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL). All your courses will be delivered by highly qualified faculty, who will give you insight into global business concepts and critical economic issues. Outside the classroom, your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE to enhance learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

with an internship at a local business. From a vibrant start-up industry to supporting academic research groups, you will become well-acquainted with Lisbon’s local professional community.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS STUDENT COMMUNITY

by taking classes at some of the most prestigious business schools in Portugal (AACSB accredited).

TRAVEL NORTH, UP THE COAST

to Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, a historic center dating back to Roman times known for its rich wine trade.

520

MILES OF COASTLINE

12

ISLANDS TO EXPLORE

1,000+

PASTRY SHOPS

Experience
  • lisbon city overlook flagler college students
  • houses on hill lisbon portugal

Your Destination

Older than London, Paris, and Rome, the hilly seaport of Lisbon has always been a major political, economic, and cultural European center. Portugal's capital city is full of intriguing contrasts, from its tiny shops with fading facades to its mega malls and narrow, cobble-stoned streets to its wide-open vistas. With a generous attitude toward foreigners, Lisbon boasts a holiday vibe and mild climate, making it a welcoming place with plenty to explore. 

During your time abroad, you'll discover Lisbon's vibrant entrepreneurship culture. The city is home to several startup hubs and international co-working spaces that promote learning to help you thrive in today's globally diverse business world. Lisbon also houses many familiar worldwide companies – including Google, Mastercard, CISCO, and KPMG – that you may come across during your program. 

Set in the business center of the city, CIEE Lisbon is conveniently located near Lisbon's major universities, public transportation, and plenty of small pastry shops where you'll be tempted to taste a different sweet treat each day of your time abroad! When at CIEE Lisbon, you'll have every opportunity to meet the local staff and spend time with other CIEE students. 

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

castle evora visit ciee portugal study abroad

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • A visit to Évora, a beautiful, historic city located in Portugal's Alentejo region, which is known for its cork and wine  
  • Getting to know Setúbal, a town south of Lisbon, known for its beautiful coast and wonderful cuisine  
  • Participating in a workshop at a local sustainability start-up 
  • Discovering Cascais and its stunning beaches  
  • Painting your own tile at the National Tile Museum
student newspaper journalism internship abroad portugal

INTERNSHIP

Gain valuable real-world work experience by putting your skills and talents to good use during an internship. Past students have worked in areas from communication to fashion to politics.

Program Blogs

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. Let’s... keep reading

From CIEE

Why Study Abroad in Portugal: 4 Key Reasons

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

We could list a hundred reasons why a Portugal study abroad program may be the best choice for you, but we’ll try to convince you in just four. F our... keep reading

From CIEE

Study Abroad in Portugal: FAQs

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Portugal has it all: mountains and sea, modern metropolises and old history, culture and booming business; this country’s unique parallels make it an ideal study abroad location. Is Portugal good... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Business and Culture program invites students to immerse themselves in university life through coursework at the Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas (ISCTE-IUL), the Nova School of Business-Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVASBE) (both AACSB-accredited institutions), and CIEE Lisbon.  Students take one intensive Portuguese  language course tailored to their skill level. Students with some Portuguese language experience can also take semester Portuguese classes or  content courses in Portuguese at the Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas- Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH).  

 

Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA FCSH) was founded in 1977 and is now among the highest-ranking social sciences and humanities schools in Portugal, with a strong focus on education, scientific research, and cultural creation. Courses are delivered in Portuguese. The school hosts more than 2,800 undergraduate students and 16 research centers and is located in the heart of Lisbon.

 

NOVA School of Business- Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA SBE) was founded in 1978 and is now one of the top business schools in Portugal. Courses are taught in English. The school hosts bachelor’s, master’s, and executive education programs in business, economics, and management. Its brand new campus is located by Carcavelos beach, 20 minutes from downtown Lisbon.

   

Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL) is a public university established in 1972, designed for students pursuing teaching, research, and community service with scientific and pedagogical expertise. The strategic objectives of ISCTE-IUL include 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 is recognized nationally and internationally for several programs. The campus 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 must take five to six courses, for a total of 15-18 semester credits, including:

  • One two-week intensive Portuguese language course, determined by a placement exam upon arrival. 
  • Two business courses, choosing from: 
    • CIEE courses and/or host university courses  
    • The CIEE internship, which counts towards the business course requirement  
  • Two to three additional elective courses, selected from CIEE and/or one of the host universities  

Students can take up to two host institution business courses at ISCTE or NOVASBE, and they cannot combine courses from both host institutions.

Program Credit

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

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • ISCTE courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 
  • NOVA SBE and NOVA FCSH courses: 3 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

CIEE partner schools’ courses are academically rigorous and students should expect challenging work. Students must take exams as scheduled and turn in all work on time. Both NOVA 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, NOVA FCSH, NOVA SBE, 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 may be possible for students enrolling in 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. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. At the universities, Portuguese and English language content courses are kept small; other local university courses are medium-sized, ranging from about 25-40 students.

Grading

In university courses, students are evaluated based on weekly homework, participation, group projects, presentations, quizzes, mid-term and final exams, and/or papers.  The Portuguese grading scale ranges from one to 20, which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents.

In language classes, students are normally graded on weekly quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments, oral presentations, and class participation. Grades in the content courses are generally based on class participation, a mid-term exam, research papers, oral presentations, and a final exam. Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades.  Some courses include compulsory field trips with special assignments as part of class work. 

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used for CIEE courses. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, individual project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

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

English and Portuguese

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 

  • ISCTE-IUL business courses are mostly taught in English.  
    • 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. 
  • NOVA SBE- Nova Business School business courses are mostly taught in English.  
    • NOVA SBE courses may end one or two weeks after the CIEE program end date. Housing will be guaranteed for you until the date of your exam (December for Fall and May, early June for Spring). 
  • NOVA FCSH courses are typically taught in Portuguese (Social Sciences courses) 
    • 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.

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

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

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

ISCTE-IUL COURSES 

Students have the option to take up to two courses taught in English at ISCTE-IUL, which are typically 3 U.S. semester credits each. Visit the website (https://www.iscte-iul.pt/mobility/ucs) and click on the appropriate semester (Semester 1 is fall and Semester 2 is spring). 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

NOVASBE- Nova Business School 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 (Courses for Exchange Students (unl.pt) 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 NOVASBE courses recommended for study abroad students.

Principles of Microeconomics 
Principles of Macroeconomics 
Microeconomics 
Macroeconomics 
Seminar in European Economics 
Development Economics 
Industrial Organization 
Global Economics   
Public Economics 
Economic History 
Financial Accounting 
Management Accounting 
Finance 
Operations Management 
Organizational Behavior 
Strategy 
Entrepreneurship 
International Management 
Global Business Environment 
European Law 
Law in Economics and Business 
Finance  
Marketing

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 taught in Portuguese for 3 semester credits each. 

The courses listed below are representative of courses historically available at NOVA FCSH but CIEE cannot guarantee specific courses are offered each semester. Visit the website (Cursos - NOVA FCSH (unl.pt)) 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

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

*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

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

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

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

^based on availability

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

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

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

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