Lisbon, Portugal

Language + Culture

Click to scroll down and read more

Information for term Language + Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Sep 3 – Dec 16, 2023 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

October 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: October 1, 2023
  • Dates: Jan 21 – May 4, 2024 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Sep 3, 2023 – May 4, 2024 (35 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Overview

Click to Open

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: FCSH-UNL (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.

Unique Experiences

  • Take classes in English

    and/or Portuguese with students from all over the world.

  • LIVE WITH A PORTUGUESE FAMILY OR IN A DORM

    for full immersion - and soak up the language and culture as you experience student life in the capital city.

  • Travel north up to the coast

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

  • Countries where PORTUGUESE IS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

    9
  • miles of Bike lanes

    150
  • students

    157K

Location & Culture

Click to Open

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

FEATURED EXCURSION

Your time in Portugal would not be complete without a visit to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and home to Port Wine, francesinhas, and magnificent river views! As a group, we explore the Douro River, get lost in the city’s historical streets, and visit a cutting-edge contemporary museum and park- Fundação Serralves.  

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.

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.  

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

Click to Open

Program Blogs

Daily Life

Click to Open
  • 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 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: Breakfast and dinner (seven days a week) provided. Dietary needs may be accommodated.
     
    Residence Hall:
     Meals not included; communal kitchen available.
     
    All students have access to the subsidized cafeteria on campus.

Lisbon, Portugal

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE STUDY CENTER

    Lisbon

  • B

    UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA (UNL)

    Lisbon

  • C

    Getting Around

    Students walk or use public transportation – funicular trains, trams, buses, and the metro.

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

Academics

Click to Open

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, FCSH - UNL 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 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 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

Click to Open

Course Information

Course Notes

  • FCSH-UNL courses are typically taught in Portuguese 
    • Permission to enroll in FCSH-UNL 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. 

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

Click to Open

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

Host Institution Courses

Click to Open

FSCH-UNL 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 (FCSH-UNL). FCSH-UNL 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

Click to Open

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

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 info

Dates & Fees

Click to Open

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

Fall 2023 15 weeks Deadline Passed Sep 3, 2023 Dec 16, 2023
$18,950
Click to Close

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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $15,523 **

Housing = $2,930 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $18,950

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 = $1,200

International Airfare = $1,100 ††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $1,000

Other = $15 †††

Total Estimated Costs = $3,665

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

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; homestay students should budget $600 per semester for meals not included in fees

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

††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required

Academic year 2023-2024 35 weeks Deadline Passed Sep 3, 2023 May 4, 2024
$36,950
Click to Close

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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $30,023 **

Housing = $6,430 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $36,950

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 = $1,200

International Airfare = $1,100 ††

Local Transportation = $450

Books & Supplies = $130

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $1,000

Other = $15 †††

Expenses during break = $1,500 ††††

Total Estimated Costs = $5,545

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

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; homestay students should budget $600 per semester for meals not included in fees

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

††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required

†††† 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
Click to Close

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 insurance 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 = $2,325

International Airfare = $1,100 ††

Local Transportation = $150

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $250

Total Estimated Costs = $4,025

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

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 Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $1050

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

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.

Looking for funding?

What's Included

Click to Open

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 and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Click to Open

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! 

    Apply Now
  • 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.