Information for term Business + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenWhen 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
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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.
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BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS STUDENT COMMUNITY
by taking classes at some of the most prestigious business schools in Portugal (AACSB accredited).
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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.
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MILES OF COASTLINE
520 -
ISLANDS TO EXPLORE
12 -
PASTRY SHOPS
1,000+
Location & Culture
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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.
Featured overnight excursion
This program includes an overnight excursion to the second-largest city in Portugal: Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is known for its architecture, amazing landscapes, and magnificent bridges. It is also the birthplace of the world-famous Port wine. Our featured program excursion includes a scenic walking tour around the best hidden gems of the city, a dinner and concert at Casa da Música, and a tour (including lunch) of the Serralves Foundation.
Other 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
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.
Daily Life
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Housing
All housing is within a 30-minute commute to CIEE.
Homestays: Live with a Portuguese family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Residence Halls: Students usually live with a mix of CIEE students, local students, and international students. If local health and safety regulations permit, students live in single, double, or triple rooms. Students usually share kitchens and common areas.
Housing is tight in Lisbon. If we can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive. -
Meals
Homestay: Breakfasts and dinners are provided seven days a week. Dietary needs may be accommodated.
Residence Hall: Meals are not included, but a communal kitchen will be available.
All students have access to the subsidized cafeteria on campus. All housing options provide internet access.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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.
Program 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
Click to OpenCourse 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.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenISCTE-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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$18,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,523 ** Housing = $2,930 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,200 † International Airfare = $1,100 †† Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $50 Visa Fees = $150 Personal expenses = $1,000 Total Estimated Costs = $3,650Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the dorm † For students in alternative housing. Students at Homestays should budget $600 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Academic year 2023-2024 35 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 3, 2023 | May 4, 2024 |
$37,425
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $30,498 ** Housing = $6,430 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $37,425Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,200 † International Airfare = $1,100 †† Local Transportation = $450 Books & Supplies = $150 Visa Fees = $150 Personal expenses = $1,000 Expenses during break = $1,200 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,250Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the dorm † For students in alternative housing. Students at Homestays should budget $600 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
| Spring 2024 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 21, 2024 | May 4, 2024 |
$19,450
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Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $15,456 Housing = $3,500 Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,200 † International Airfare = $1,100 †† Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $50 Visa Fees = $150 Personal expenses = $250 Total Estimated Costs = $2,900Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. † For Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $600 †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Luisa Caldas
Center Director
uísa has been CIEE Lisbon’s director since 2015. She joined CIEE in 2009. She holds a B.A. in History and Art History and an M.A. in Art History and Preservation.
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Joana Almeida
Academic Director
oana completed a BA in Art History, a MA in Social Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Historical Sociology in 2009 at the University of Lisbon. Her research interests cover different fields of study with an emphasis on power and state construction from a cultural studies perspective.
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Sara Cunha
Center Coordinator
Sara has been the center coordinator since 2014. She completed her BA in Business Communication in Lisbon, having spent a year in Madrid as an exchange student. She also holds a Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Strategy and Entrepreneurship.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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