Soccer & Mental Performance
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Lisbon's vibrant soccer culture, alive with passionate fans and historic rivalries.
Network
Meet new friends and industry professionals. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Get hands-on experience through intramural sports, community engagement, and conducting a performance assessment.
The Destination
Welcome to Lisbon, home to legendary soccer clubs, colorful neighborhoods, and Atlantic adventure.
Home to renowned clubs like Sporting CP and Benfica, Lisbon’s soccer scene has helped shape generations of elite athletes. Sporting CP launched the careers of stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, while Benfica is one of the world’s largest sports clubs by membership, with nearly half a million members!
Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest capitals, older than Rome, Paris, and London. Built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, the city is famous for its grand plazas, the iconic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and the soulful sounds of Fado music drifting through historic neighborhoods. Fuel your adventures with warm pastéis de nata (Portugal’s famous custard tarts), fresh seafood, and hearty bifana pork sandwiches.
Head to nearby Atlantic beaches like Carcavelos and Costa da Caparica for surfing and sunshine. Explore dramatic seaside cliffs at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and end the day watching the sunset from one of Lisbon’s hilltop viewpoints.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Overnight Excursion to Porto
Travel north to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city and home to FC Porto, one of the country’s most successful soccer clubs with dozens of national league titles and multiple UEFA Champions League victories. Fiercely proud of its sporting heritage, Porto lives and breathes soccer, making it the perfect place to experience the passion and rivalry that define the Portuguese game. As you explore the city, you’ll see how discipline, teamwork, and community have helped shape generations of athletes and supporters alike.
Beyond soccer, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful riverside neighborhood of Ribeira, where narrow medieval streets tumble down to the Douro River. Stroll across the striking Dom Luís I Bridge, admire the city’s blue-and-white azulejo tilework, and sample local favorites like the famous francesinha sandwich or freshly baked pastries. As the sun sets over the river and traditional rabelo boats drift along the waterfront, you’ll discover why Porto is considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful and spirited cities.
Cascais Coastal Escape
Escape to Cascais, a charming seaside town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast that was once the summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family. Today, its elegant villas, palm-lined promenades, fishing harbor, and golden beaches make it one of the country’s most beloved coastal destinations. Wander through the historic center’s cobblestone streets, browse colorful boutiques, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere that has attracted visitors for more than a century.
Stop at Santini, Portugal’s oldest ice cream shop, founded in 1949 and famous for making fresh ice cream from seasonal fruit using traditional recipes. Choose from dozens of flavors before taking a stroll along the waterfront. It’s the perfect way to experience Portugal’s laid-back coastal lifestyle while making unforgettable summer memories.
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Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,150 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Joana Almeida
Center Director
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
Get Started
1
2
Connect with your Teachers or Parents
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 enrolling.
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