a yellow tram car going downhill in lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal

Semester in Lisbon

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

14 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

13 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Lisbon program lasts 13 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic degree-granting partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Portuguese culture. Live and learn in Lisbon!

Unique Experiences

Hike Lisbon like a pro

by climbing the hills that surround the city center

Savor Street Food Delights

and indulge in traditional Portuguese food like bifana sandwiches and roasted chestnuts

Adventure Through History and Nature

with excursions to historical sites and picturesque beaches

Experience
  • lisbon central plaza

Your Destination

Lisbon is Portugal’s cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Portuguese cultures, iconic architectural landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Lisbon is the perfect place to study abroad.

lisbon-students-factory-tour

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
group of students at dolphin sculpture

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:

  • Take a day trip to Sintra and visit its enchanted palaces and taste amazing typical pastries
  • Get into Portuguese academic life by joining a student association or sports team
  • Head to Setúbal, a town south of Lisbon, known for its beautiful coast (and rich dolphin population!)

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

From CIEE

Top 10 Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Heading to Portugal and looking to blend in like a local? Learn these slang words in Portuguese to help you during your Lisbon study abroad experience. Whether you're dining at... keep reading

From CIEE

3 Lessons Learned from Studying Abroad

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Reconnecting with My Portuguese Roots

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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
Academics

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.

NOVA School of Social Sciences - 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, pursuing teaching, research, and community service activities with scientific and pedagogical expertise. 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.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.  

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes
 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All CIEE Semester in Lisbon students take four to five courses per semester, for a total of 12-18 credits, which can be a mix of CIEE and host institution courses. Students can combine courses at NOVA-FCSH and either NOVA-SBE or ISCTE-IUL but not from both. Students can take up to two host institution courses at either ISCTE-IUL or NOVA-SBE. 

Online Course Options: substitute up to two ASU online courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 semester/18-27 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-IUL Courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 
  • NOVA-FCSH and NOVA-SBE 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation.  To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Lisbon when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends. 

Host Institution classes tend to be more lecture-based and students are expected to work much more independently than in the U.S., thus more time may be required for studying than students are accustomed to at their home campuses. Both NOVA and ISCTE-IUL value active, intellectual inquiry, and exploration, particularly through interdisciplinary study and creative thought.  

The academic calendar is close to the North American calendar. 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. 

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Courses taught at the CIEE Center are typically for CIEE students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. A typical class schedule includes a combination of CIEE and Host Institution-administered classes and will span from Monday to Friday. CIEE classes meet twice a week for 90 minutes, or once a week for three hours, with class sizes ranging from 10 to 25 students. Classes at Host Institution meet two to four times per week, for anywhere from one to three hours per class session, depending on the course. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. Attendance in CIEE classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. Host Institution courses are graded using a 20-point grading scale, and primary assessments may be held as either oral or written examinations, and final exams are typically worth 50-70% of the final grade for the course. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

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

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

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

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.  
  • Sample courses in English at ISCTE Business School (subject to change):

 FALL SEMESTER

  • Anthropology, Citizenship and Human Rights
  • Comparative International Management
  • Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Europe as A Global Actor
  • Europe-Africa Relations
  • Fundamentals of Management
  • Integrated Project Management
  • Macroeconomics
  • Management in International Organizations
  • Mergers and Acquisitions and Company Valuation
  • Operational Marketing
  • Organizational Models
  • World Economy XIX and XX The Centuries

SPRING SEMESTER

  • Entrepreneurship in Africa and in Emerging Markets
  • Globalization, Social Justice and Human Rights
  • Health Economics
  • International Human Resource Management
  • Management in International Organizations
  • Personal Marketing
  • Political Dynamics of the MENA Region
  • Services Marketing
  • Societies and Political Systems in Europe
  • State and Politics in Africa
  • Tools of Marketing Communication
  • Tourism & Urban Worlds
  • Students can take up to two courses at ISCTE-IUL.

NOVA-SBE business courses are mostly taught in English

NOVA-SBE courses may end one or two weeks after the CIEE program end date

Sample courses at NOVA Business School (subject to change):

  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Seminar in European Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Industrial Organization
  • Global Economics I
  • Global Economics II
  • Public Economics
  • Principles of Management
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting      
  • Finance
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Strategy          
  • Information Systems
  • Business History          
  • Entrepreneurship        
  • International Management
  • Global Business Environment
  • Business Seminar        
  • Statistics for Economics and Management    
  • Econometrics  
  • Introduction to Programming
  • European Law
  • Law in Economics and Business
  • Intro. to Modern and Contemporary History

Students can take up to two courses at NOVA Business School.

NOVA-FCSH courses are typically taught in Portuguese in the Social Sciences and Humanities School. Permission to enroll in NOVA-FCSH courses is based on academic background. The final decision rests with the CIEE Center Director and the university.

Sample course list:

  • Art in the Global Eighteenth Century
  • Communication Ethics and Law
  • History of Translation
  • International Economics
  • Introduction to Ethics through Film
  • Introduction to Western Music: History, Arts and Society
  • Mind, Self and 21st Century Technology

Housing will be guaranteed for you until the date of your exam (December for fall and May, early June for spring) 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Lisbon is a burgeoning tech hub, home to numerous startups and coworking spaces that foster creativity and collaboration. This city is ideal for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Beyond work, the city’s beautiful weather, rich culture, and affordable living make it an attractive place to reside. 

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

A student intern sitting at a microscope in a lab

Health Science

Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

Marketing, Sales and Service

Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer 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 2025 14 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2026 13 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*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 $14,206 **
Housing $4,250 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $18,950

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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee $1,950

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

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 $910
International Airfare $1,100 ††
Local Transportation $120 †††
Books & Supplies $50
Visa Fees $150
Personal expenses $190 ††††
Total Costs $2,520

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $300 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

†††Student transportation card

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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.

See Scholarships

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

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.

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 internship 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 CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info