a yellow tram car going downhill in lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal

Semester in Lisbon

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

13 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

14 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Overview

Known for its hospitality and the homely way it welcomes visitors, the western tip of Europe is the perfect place to launch your study abroad experience! If you are looking for a city full of authenticity where ancient history and old customs intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation, Lisbon is the right place to go. The temperate weather, excellent cuisine, and safe atmosphere make it the perfect icing on the cake.

At ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon, students from all areas of study will have the chance to experience the city’s many cultural wonders while earning college credits. If you enjoy being in a cosmopolitan city that combines the ocean vibe with stunning architecture and encourages you to explore local restaurants and narrow streets full of stories to tell, Lisbon is the right fit for you.

While spending the semester immersed in Portuguese culture at ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon, you will learn from highly-esteemed professors while taking courses in English or Portuguese at ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon and CIEE’s partner schools: NOVA FCSH (NOVA School of Social Sciences-Universidade Nova de Lisboa), NOVA SBE (NOVA School of Business-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 ºÚÁÏÍø911beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding. 

Unique Experiences

Hike Lisbon like a pro

by climbing the hills that surround the city center and discovering the various miradouros for amazing views of the city

Go beyond pastel de nata

and try delicious street food like bifana or roasted chestnuts

Explore historical sites and beaches

and you'll quickly discover Portugal is a small country in size, but a huge country in beauty

394

BLUE FLAG BEACHES; PORTUGAL IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S TOP CLEAN BEACH DESTINATIONS

2,220+

ACRES OF MONSANTO FOREST PARK, ONE OF THE LARGEST URBAN PARKS IN EUROPE

2ND

OLDEST EUROPEAN CAPITAL CITY; LISBON IS ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN THE WORLD

Experience
  • lisbon students taking a selfie on a sail boat
  • lisbon-pano-skyline-sunset 530x360.jpg
  • lisbon central plaza

Your Destination

Located at the very tip of Western Europe, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. With one of the most eclectic collections of museums and picturesque postcard views from the city’s seven hills, it will most certainly captivate your eye! Although it is known for its history and blend of Roman and Moorish architecture, Lisbon has also developed to become a modern and vibrant city, home to innumerous startups, Michelin Star restaurants, and a trendy design and street art scene.  

ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon is conveniently located inside the host university, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), allowing students to easily reach out to center staff.  

ºÚÁÏÍø911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local ºÚÁÏÍø911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Lisbon. 

The Culture

group of students at dolphin sculpture

Excursions & Activities

  • Day trip to Évora to visit the stunning walled town of Évora, its Ancient Roman temple, and a 17th-century chapel entirely decorated with bones 
  • Day trip to Sintra and visit its enchanted palaces and taste amazing typical pastries 
  • Day trip to Setúbal, a town south of Lisbon, known for its beautiful coast (with its rich dolphin population!) and wonderful cuisine 
  • Take advantage of Lisbon’s vibrant theatre scene and visit the historic opera house, concert venues, galleries, a dynamic cinematheque, and great restaurants from all over the world 
  • Get into Portuguese academic life by joining a student association or sports team 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

German vs. Portuguese: Key Differences & Similarities

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

German and Portuguese are worlds apart in some ways, yet closer than you might think in others. From German's precise grammar to Portuguese's melodic flow, both languages open doors to... keep reading

From CIEE

Exploring the Portuguese Tile Tradition in Lisbon

By ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon at CIEE

When you visit Lisbon, one of the most captivating aspects is its tradition of Portuguese tiles – called azulejos. These stunning ceramic tiles adorn buildings, streets, and interiors throughout the... keep reading

From CIEE

8 Affordable Must-Do Activities in Lisbon

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Lisbon is a fast-modernizing metropolis, where everything is accessible by bus, metro, or tram. From a vibrant theater scene to a historic opera house, art galleries to museums, beaches to... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Semester In program invites students to immerse themselves in university life through coursework at ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon, the NOVA School of Social Sciences - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-FCSH), the NOVA School of Business - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-SBE), and the Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL) (both AACSB-accredited institutions).  

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, designed for students pursuing teaching, research, and community service with scientific and pedagogical expertise. The strategic objectives of ISCTE-IUL include 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, recognized nationally and internationally for several programs. The campus is located in the business center of Lisbon. 

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the ºÚÁÏÍø911academic calendar, so you can study abroad with ºÚÁÏÍø911while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

 Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All ºÚÁÏÍø911Semester in Lisbon students take four to five courses per semester, for a total of 12-18 credits, which can be a mix of ºÚÁÏÍø911and 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

  • ºÚÁÏÍø911Courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted  
  • ºÚÁÏÍø911Internship: 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

ºÚÁÏÍø911courses 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. 

Class Format

Courses taught at the ºÚÁÏÍø911Center are typically for ºÚÁÏÍø911students only. Host Institution classes include both local and international students. A typical class schedule includes a combination of ºÚÁÏÍø911and Host Institution-administered classes and will span from Monday to Friday. ºÚÁÏÍø911classes 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911classes. Attendance in ºÚÁÏÍø911classes is strictly enforced, both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by CIEE’s learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

ºÚÁÏÍø911reports 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. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff 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
English
3

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3
English
3
English
3

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
Portuguese
3
Portuguese
3
Portuguese
3
Portuguese
3
Portuguese
3
Portuguese
3

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3

s 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.

are mostly taught in English

NOVA-SBE courses may end one or two weeks after the ºÚÁÏÍø911program 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.

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 ºÚÁÏÍø911Center 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) 

ºÚÁÏÍø911proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

ºÚÁÏÍø911and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the ºÚÁÏÍø911Program 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911and 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911sites.

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 ºÚÁÏÍø911Study 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between ºÚÁÏÍø911and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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
  • ºÚÁÏÍø911Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the ºÚÁÏÍø911Scholarships & Grants application within your ºÚÁÏÍø911program 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 Spring 2025 13 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2025 14 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $18,950

*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

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,206**

Housing = $4,250***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $120†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $190†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $2,520

Optional Housing

ºÚÁÏÍø911accommodation 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 = $1,500

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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

*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.

†â¶Ä round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Student transportation card for 3 months

†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä $100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $14,206**

Housing = $4,250***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $18,950

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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $120†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $50

Visa Fees = $150

Personal expenses = $190†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $2,520

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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

*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.

†â¶Ä round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Student transportation card

†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä $100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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

ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Joana Almeida

Center Director

Joana has been working with ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911Lisbon 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.

Francisco Henriques

Academic Manager

Francisco holds a PhD in History at University of Lisbon. He previously worked as a teacher and researcher in Economics and Social History. He is passionate about the sea, history and literature.

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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. ºÚÁÏÍø911will 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