Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Lisbon lasts a full semester and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Lisbon. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Lisbon!
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE THE MARINE PROTECTED AREA AT AVENCAS BEACH
TO CONDUCT A BIODIVERSITY SURVEY OF THIS ROCKY SHORE ECOSYSTEM AND DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTED AREAS IN NATURE CONSERVATION
VISIT THE IBERIAN WOLF CONSERVATION CENTER
TO WITNESS THE WORK BEING DEVELOPED TO REHABILITATE WOLVES THAT WERE VICTIMS OF TRAPS, MISTREATMENT, OR ILLEGAL CAPTIVITY
VOLUNTEER WITH A LOCAL CONSERVATION NGO
TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARD THE PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF A LOCAL SAND DUNE ECOSYSTEM AND ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Your Destination
Lisbon is Portugal’s picturesque, sustainability-focused capital, renowned for its commitment to green energy, urban renewal, and coastal conservation. The city seamlessly blends historic charm with modern eco-friendly initiatives, featuring iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower, the scenic Alfama district, and the innovative MAAT museum. With a mild Mediterranean climate, expansive waterfronts, and a growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable urban development, Lisbon provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, marine studies, business, liberal arts, or urban planning, Lisbon is the ideal destination to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Lisbon will open doors for you to explore Portugal’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Dolphin watching with marine biologists in the Sado estuary, learning about the protected dolphin population that lives in the bay of Setubal
- Embark on a kayaking adventure on the Tagus River during an excursion to Tomar and Constância, renowned for their medieval history, monuments, and diverse ecosystems.
Participate in a cooking class to learn how to bake the famous pastel de nata, Portugal's beloved custard tart and discover how traditional baking methods can be sustainable, supporting local ingredients and reducing waste
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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
3 Lessons Learned from Studying Abroad
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
Reconnecting with My Portuguese Roots
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
Medieval Cities in Portugal: A Journey Through Time
When we think of Portugal, the first things that come to mind are usually the beautiful beaches, the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley, or the colorful streets of Lisbon... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Lisbon offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to residence halls, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
- Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a single room at a student residence hall located under 45 minutes from CIEE Lisbon. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Dorm rooms have private bathrooms, and boast common kitchens, and other common areas, including laundry facilities shared with other students.
- Select Housing: Includes a private room with A.C. and an ensuite bathroom at a residence hall located under 20 minutes from CIEE Lisbon. Select housing boasts kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Dorms: Meals on own.
Homestays: Dinner and breakfast included.
All students will have access to subsidized cafeteria on campus.
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): NOVA FCSH is one of the best social sciences schools in Portugal with courses raging from Anthropology, Art History, History, Media Studies, Political Sciences and Sociology (mostly taught in Portuguese). NOVA FCSH courses take place on the same campus as CIEE courses.
NOVA School of Business – Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-SBE): NOVA SBE is a high-ranking Business School located in Carcavelos, with a commute time from the center of Lisbon of about 1 hour. NOVA SBE is AACSB and EQUIS credited.
Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL): ISCTE-IUL offers courses in a wide range of disciplines in social sciences, and business. Its campus is located within a 15-minute commute of CIEE Lisbon. ISCTE-IUL Business School is AACSB and EQUIS credited and ranks very high among business schools in Portugal.
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.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | NOVA School of Business - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-SBE) | Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL) | ASU Courses (online) |
|---|---|---|---|
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Development Economics Public Economics | Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Management Policies for Sustainability Social Sciences in Humanitarian Action Tourism & Urban Worlds | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
Academic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
ISCTE-IUL business courses are mostly taught in English. Students can take up to two courses at ISCTE-IUL.
ISCTE-IUL 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-IUL Business School (subject to change):
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: This course explores the economic principles and policies related to the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment.
- Management Policies for Sustainability: Students learn about strategies and policies that promote sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility.
- Social Sciences in Humanitarian Action: This course examines the role of social sciences in addressing humanitarian crises and developing effective interventions.
- Tourism & Urban Worlds: The course focuses on the relationship between tourism and urban development, including the impacts on cities and communities.
NOVA SBE business courses are mostly taught in English. Students can take up to two courses at NOVA Business School.
NOVA SBE courses may end one or two weeks after the CIEE program end date.
Sample courses at NOVA Business School (subject to change):
- Development Economics: This course covers economic theories and policies aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty in developing countries.
- Public Economics: Students study the role of government in the economy, including taxation, public expenditure, and the provision of public goods.
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.
Housing will be guaranteed for you until the date of your exam (December for fall and May, early June for spring)
Sample courses at NOVA FCSH (taught in Portuguese, and subject to change):
- Ethnoecology: This course investigates the interactions between human cultures and their natural environments, emphasizing traditional ecological knowledge.
- Human Ecology: Students explore the relationships between humans and their environments, focusing on ecological and social dimensions.
- Philosophy of Nature: This course delves into philosophical perspectives on nature, including ethical and metaphysical questions.
- Sustainable Development: The course examines the principles and practices of sustainable development, aiming to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.
- Environment and Biophysical Planning: Students learn about planning and management strategies for sustainable environmental and biophysical systems.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% 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
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.
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.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
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 & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 2026 12 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.
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.
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
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.
Rodrigo Dias
Academic Manager
Rodrigo has been working for CIEE Lisbon since 2021. He holds a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and a master's degree in Teaching Portuguese as a Foreign/Second Language. He has...
Get Started
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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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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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!
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