Information for term Language + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenKnown 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.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Take classes in English
and/or Portuguese with students from all over the world.
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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.
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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.
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Countries where PORTUGUESE IS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
9 -
miles of Bike lanes
150 -
students
157K
Location & Culture
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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
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 OpenProgram Blogs
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 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
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A
CIEE STUDY CENTER
Lisbon
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B
UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA (UNL)
Lisbon
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C
Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation – funicular trains, trams, buses, and the metro.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 OpenCourse 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 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 OpenFSCH-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 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
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
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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 Other = $15 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,665Financial 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; 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
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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 = $30,023 ** Housing = $6,430 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $36,950Estimated 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 = $450 Books & Supplies = $130 Visa Fees = $150 Personal expenses = $1,000 Other = $15 ††† Expenses during break = $1,500 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,545Financial 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; 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
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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 = $2,325 † International Airfare = $1,100 †† Local Transportation = $150 Books & Supplies = $50 Visa Fees = $150 Personal expenses = $250 Total Estimated Costs = $4,025Financial 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 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 OpenWhat's Included
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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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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