January in Lisbon
Unique Experiences
Discover Lisbon's History and Modernity
through historical neighborhoods, local cuisine at trendy restaurants, and cutting-edge tech hubs
Unwind at Portugal's Breathtaking Beaches
and explore the picturesque hills and landscapes
Engage with Lisbon's Rich History
by treating the city as an outdoor museum
Your Destination
Lisbon is Portugal’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its mild winter climate and rich cultural heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the city's charm with fewer crowds while exploring iconic landmarks like the Alfama and Belém Tower and enjoying traditional winter festivities. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Lisbon is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Lisbon will open doors for you to explore Portugal's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Watch a soccer game and enjoy the passion of Portuguese soccer fans
- Get acquainted with the best trails of Street Art in Lisbon and learn to understand the social impact of this art form
- Explore the enchanted Sintra, a romantic town in a mountainous area in the North of Lisbon
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
January in Lisbon!
Inviting, busy, historic, quiet, diverse. When asked about our initial impression of Lisbon, these were some words written on the board. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but ponder... keep reading
3 Lessons Learned from Studying Abroad
By: Josephine White #1: Do the Homestay, Seriously. When I say do a homestay, I mean it with every fiber of my being. Study abroad isn’t just about traveling and... keep reading
Reconnecting with My Portuguese Roots
By: Madison Dias The most meaningful experience I’ve had during this trip has been the redefining of my relationship with Portugal and my Portuguese heritage. I grew up two blocks... keep reading
HOUSING & MEALS
HOUSING
CIEE Lisbon offers various housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. Whether you live with a host family in a homestay or with fellow students in a residence hall, all housing options are located under 30 minutes from CIEE Lisbon and are conveniently near shops, cafés, public transportation, and eateries.
Standard: Includes a room in a homestay or residence hall with Internet access and utilities provided.
- Homestays: Live with a local host, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city's language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
- Residence Halls: Live with a mix of CIEE students, local students, and international students. If local health and safety regulations permit, you'll be in a single, double, or triple room. The kitchen and common areas are shared with other students.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
- Homestay: Breakfast and dinner (seven days a week) provided. Dietary needs may be accommodated.
- Residence Halls: Meals not included; communal kitchens are available.
Academics
CIEE Lisbon: Study on the campus of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), CIEE’s partner institution, located near trendy cafés, shops, banks, a modest shopping mall, and two metro lines that access the rest of the city. CIEE Lisbon features several offices on campus, namely with academic advising and student life support services, and access to NOVA FCSH’s campus library, study spaces, cafeteria, and coffee shop.
Course Information
Languages and Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
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 & 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:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
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.
Get Started
1
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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