Study Abroad in Lisbon
College Study Abroad
Explore Lisbon with CIEE
Visit a city built on hills, history, and ocean breezes when you study abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. Ride the iconic yellow tram through the winding streets of Alfama, grab a pastel de nata from a neighborhood bakery, or take in sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Explore colorful neighborhoods lined with azulejo-covered buildings, spend afternoons along the Tagus River, and enjoy live fado music in intimate taverns tucked throughout the city. From fresh seafood and vibrant markets to weekend surf trips along the coast, Lisbon study abroad offers a relaxed yet exciting way to experience one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.
While abroad, choose from a variety of study abroad programs in Lisbon designed to support your academic goals across subjects like business, communications, engineering, ecology, education, marketing, and Portuguese language and culture. Beyond the classroom, you can also complete a full- or part-time internship in industries such as business administration, information technology, the arts, communications, marketing, retail, and education, gaining valuable international work experience in one of Europe’s fastest-growing innovation and entrepreneurial hubs. By combining academics with hands-on learning, Lisbon study abroad gives you the opportunity to build career-ready skills while experiencing Portugal’s rich culture, coastal beauty, and welcoming way of life.
Top Activities in Lisbon with CIEE
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and study tours uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Lisbon, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Daytrips to towns like Sintra, Mafra, and Óbidos, where you'll see storybook castles, medieval streets, and grand palaces
- Creating your own masterpiece by painting a tile at the National Tile Museum
- Setting sail in the waters of Setúbal for an up-close encounter with curious dolphins
About CIEE Lisbon
Conveniently located on the campus of CIEE's esteemed partner institution, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), CIEE Lisbon features one classroom, an office for academic advising and student life support, and complimentary Wi-Fi. At NOVA FCSH, students may utilize the campus library, study spaces, cafeteria, coffee shop, and copy center.
Beyond campus, the study center is located near trendy cafés, shops, banks, a modest shopping mall, and two metro lines to access the rest of the city easily. CIEE Lisbon is also within walking distance of the Gulbenkian Foundation and nearly three miles from St. George Castle and the city's vibrant Chiado neighborhood.
Academics in Lisbon
CIEE Lisbon
CIEE Lisbon is conveniently located at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (NOVA FCSH)
Founded in 1977, NOVA FCSH is located in the heart of Lisbon and is one of the highest-ranking social sciences and humanities schools in Portugal. Dedicated to education, scientific research, and cultural creation, NOVA FCSH offers courses in Portuguese and hosts more than 2,800 undergraduate students with 16 research centers.
Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas (ISCTE-IUL)
Located in the business center of Lisbon and established in 1972, ISCTE-IUL is a public university that pursues 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.
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.
Internships in Lisbon
Depending on your program of study and availability, you may be able to participate in an international internship while studying abroad in Lisbon. A growing tech hub, Lisbon is home to a wide range of startups, coworking spaces, and established businesses, creating a collaborative and entrepreneurial professional environment. This dynamic setting encourages creativity, innovation, and hands-on experience across both emerging and traditional industries. You may find opportunities in industries such as:
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology + Communications
- Business Management + Administration
- Consumer Goods + Retail
- Education + Training
- Information Technology
- Marketing, Sales + Service
Community Impact Initiative in Lisbon
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Lisbon by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Lisbon, your service work may include:
- Supporting creative and technology-based learning programs for youth through TUMO Lisboa
- Assisting with community outreach and support initiatives for vulnerable populations through Red Cross Lisboa
- Engaging in long-term youth development and mentorship programs with Mundu Nôbu
Study Abroad Programs in Lisbon
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Study Program
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Full-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Study Program
Pocket Guide to Lisbon
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Portuguese
Available Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, feet
Famous Local
Saint Anthony of Lisbon – Franciscan preacher and teacher, known as the patron saint of lost and stolen articles
Climate
Warm, dry summers; mild, wet, windy winters; mild spring and fall
Did You Know?
Founded in 1200 BCE, Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe
Airport
Aeroporto Humberto Delgado (LIS)
Social Norms
Codfish is the main ingredient in many typical gastronomic delicacies of Portugal; the Portuguese claim to have more than 365 recipes of cod
What to Pack
Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, light sweater, water bottle, sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
One of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon has a unique culture, history, and arts scene with top-tier universities. Lisbon is a great study abroad destination for students looking to enjoy pleasant year-round weather, explore Lisbon’s history and culture, and learn Portuguese abroad.
Read more: Study Abroad in Portugal: FAQs
As with learning any language, students must be committed to practicing speaking, writing, and listening to Portuguese in order to improve their language skills. A romance language, Portuguese is widely spoken and considered easy for English-speaking students to learn and master.
Considered one of the safest capital cities in Europe, Lisbon has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. As with any study abroad destination, CIEE recommends that students learn the city’s geography and take normal precautions with their personal belongings in busy tourist areas.
Available transportation in Lisbon, Portugal, includes the Metro, bus, tram, and walking. A relatively easy city to navigate, the best way to get around the city is by tram or on foot, just remember the city is quite hilly so expect to get a workout in!
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Lisbon.
For more detailed information on diversity in Lisbon, visit our Diversity in Lisbon page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Lisbon with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Lisbon. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Lisbon to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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Safety at CIEE Lisbon
At CIEE, your health, safety, and well-being are always a top priority, so you can focus on making the most of your study abroad experience. From trained on-site staff who are local community experts to 24/7 support for students and families at 1-800-40-STUDY (1-800-407-8839), we’re here whenever you need us. Every program location is carefully reviewed for health, safety, and academic quality. Our global teams continuously monitor local conditions and stay connected with trusted partners, government officials, and U.S. embassies around the world. With guidance, resources, and real people ready to help every step of the way, you can feel confident living, learning, and exploring abroad with CIEE.
Student Housing in Lisbon
CIEE Lisbon offers a variety of housing options for you to choose from. Our Lisbon housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Available housing options vary by program.
CIEE Lisbon Staff
Joana Almeida
Center Director