Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal

Semester Intern + Study Abroad

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 14 semester hours

18 - 21 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad program in Lisbon lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: a part-time internship with an international organization (approximately 20 hours per week), an internship seminar, and two elective courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cultural and extracurricular activities while building career skills, expanding your professional network, and immersing yourself in Portuguese culture. Live, learn, and work in Lisbon!

Unique Experiences

Plan events, screenings, and workshops

for a young adult film festival

Conduct research an analyze data

at a non-profit solving health challenges

Apply computer science principles to design

at a physics and engineering research unit

Experience
  • Lisbon
  • lisbon study abroad students flag street

Your Intern and Study Abroad Destination in Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city, known for its lively nightlife, unique blend of traditional and modern Portuguese culture, world-class museums like the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, charming cafés and pastelarias, stylish shopping districts, and scenic parks and viewpoints overlooking the city and the Tagus River. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Lisbon is the perfect place to study or intern abroad.

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

lisbon-students-tour-pharmaceutical

Program Highlights

Internship Placements: CIEE offers the largest inventory of internship placements that align with your career aspirations.

Elective Courses: Choose from online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.

Workshops: Enhance your resume and interview skills while immersing yourself in Portuguese business culture through an internship and workshops that build practical skills, foster cultural competence, and expand your network.

Company Visits: Visit a digitally native company, a consulting firm, or a local non-profit foundation to gain an in-depth understanding of the work environment in Lisbon.

lisbon-students-classroom

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 past excursions and activities:

  • Visit local organizations and learn from industry experts to gain insights into the local work culture and gain a better understanding of your industry on a global scale
  • Grow your professional network by attending networking events and free lectures, as well as connecting with professionals in your field
  • Experience a breathtaking sunset from the historic São Jorge Castle, providing panoramic views of the city and the Tagus River

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and 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

From CIEE

Top 10 Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Heading to Portugal and looking to blend in like a local? Learn these slang words in Portuguese to help you during your Lisbon study abroad experience. Whether you're dining at... keep reading

January in Lisbon!

By Margaret H.

Inviting, busy, historic, quiet, diverse. When asked about our initial impression of Lisbon, these were some words written on the board. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but ponder... keep reading

From CIEE

Experiencing Culture Shock in Portugal

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Bridget Adu-Dapaah My time in Portugal has been such an incredible experience, and it’s easily one of the highlights of my college years. That said, there were definitely a... keep reading

Housing
Academics

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 a classroom, an academic advising and student life support office, and access to NOVA FCSH’s campus library, study spaces, cafeteria, and coffee shop.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with optional 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. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Lisbon Intern + Study Abroad students take the 6-credit part-time internship with the required embedded internship seminar plus two additional ASU online courses (ASU session A in spring, and ASU session B in fall) for a total of 12-14 semester credits.

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE internship: 6 U.S. semester credits/9 quarter credits; 45 hours of in-person and asynchronous online learning activities, 225 - 300 internship placement hours.
  • ASU online courses: 3 - 4 U.S. semester/4.5 - 6 quarter credits; 45 - 60 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The integrated academic course, which correlates with the internship, is taught in-person and asychronously. Students are expected to dress and behave professionally throughout their internship and are subject to the agreed-upon internship protocols arranged by CIEE and the host organization.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Students participate in a full-time in-person internship and required academic course featuring both in-person class sessions and online asynchronous work designed to help students develop professional and intercultural competencies to complement their internship experience.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5 weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of in-class and online engagement and preparation, and specific assessments such as project work, presentations, and examinations.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff 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

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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

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 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. 

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

An intern works on a design in a workshop

Architecture and Construction

Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

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.

Female finance intern presenting to coworkers at a whiteboard in a conference room

Finance

Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.

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.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

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

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
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program 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 Fall 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $10,950

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.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $6,006 **
Housing $4,450 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $10,950

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation 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 $1,800

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.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

*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.

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

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Utilize the Internship Search Tool

Search our catalog of internship opportunities to view the placements that align best with your academic and professional goals.

2

Start a Program Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

3

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

4

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Email us if you have questions or need help applying to this program. Upon your acceptance, you'll speak with on-site CIEE staff about your internship goals. CIEE will reach out to companies that align with your goals, interests, and qualifications.

Request Info