Overview
Click to OpenThe western tip of Europe is steeped in ancient history, creating a rich base to launch a great summer. Come explore Portuguese culture and history while learning to speak Portuguese. Courses are taught in English at CIEE Lisbon and are complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.
Unique Experiences
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GET TO KNOW PORTUGUESE HISTORY
Immerse yourself in Lisbon’s vibrant culture and local traditions.
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STEP OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
and learn on the go at museums, monuments, festivals, and more.
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EXPLORE BEYOND LISBON
with excursions to noted towns rooted in medieval and coastal history.
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high speed trains
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statues of Boris the Great
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students
157K
Location & Culture
Click to OpenThe Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Take advantage of Lisbon’s vibrant theater and historic opera house, plus concert venues, galleries, a dynamic cinemathèque, and summer festivals.
- Experience authentic Portuguese family life with a homestay.
- See more of the country with excursions to Sintra, Mafra, or Óbidos.
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestay: Students can pair up or live alone with English-speaking Portuguese families – a great way to absorb maximum language and culture, and create lasting friendships. Students have private bedrooms, most meals, weekly cleaning, laundry, and use of the kitchen and common areas for relaxing in a pleasant home environment. Walk or take public transportation to campus (max 30-minute commute).
Alternate Housing: Limited availability in a dorm-like facility within a 30-minute commute to campus. Single rooms, shared communal bathrooms, coin laundry, and students provide their own meals. -
MEALS
Homestay: Breakfast and dinner (seven days a week) provided. Dietary needs may be accommodated.
Alternate Housing: Meals not included; communal kitchens available. All students have access to the subsidized cafeteria on campus. All housing provides internet access; utilities provided.
Lisbon, Portugal Where You'll Study
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CIEE LISBON
Lisbon
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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
In Session I, students learn and reflect on the world’s migration and mobility issues while in a historical European capital. In session II, students explore the international financial environment with visits to economic and political institutions. In both sessions, students can enroll in an optional Communicative Portuguese Language course (1 credit). In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offerings.
CIEE Lisbon is located at Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) School of Social Sciences and Humanities (FCSH). Courses are taught by faculty or postdoctoral fellows at UNL or ISCTE.
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 choose one content course per session
- Optional: Communicative Portuguese course
Program Credit
Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 1-3 U.S. semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 15-45 contact hours
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
Attendance is mandatory for all classes and required events. Courses meet Monday through Friday, for three hours. The academic calendar includes dates for mandatory trips scheduled out of Lisbon.
Class Format
Courses are open to CIEE students only. Instruction is interactive and dynamic. Many lectures take place in situ, so that students can connect with culture they are studying. Class participation is essential, and students may be asked to make individual presentations.
Grading
Students are graded on class participation, papers, quizzes, and a final exam. Unexcused absences are reflected in final grades.
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
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
Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Portuguese once.
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 Global Institutes and CIEE Centers.
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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Luisa Caldas
Center Director
LuĂsa holds a B.A. in History and Art History and an M.A. in Art History and Preservation.
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! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.