Semester in Lisbon
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
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.
CIEE Lisbon 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.
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.
The Culture
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
German vs. Portuguese: Key Differences & Similarities
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
Exploring the Portuguese Tile Tradition in Lisbon
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
8 Affordable Must-Do Activities in Lisbon
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 & 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 try our best to meet your accommodation preferences. Additionally, all housing options 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, do not include A.C., and boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a private room with A.C. and an en-suite bathroom at a residence hall located under 15 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
- Homestay: Breakfast and dinner (seven days a week) provided. Dietary needs may be accommodated.
- Residence Hall: Meals not included; communal kitchen available.
All students have access to a subsidized cafeteria on campus.
Academics
The Semester In program invites students to immerse themselves in university life through coursework at CIEE Lisbon, 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 CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Biological and Physical Sciences
Psychology
ISCTE-IUL business courses 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.
NOVA-SBE business courses are mostly taught in English
NOVA-SBE courses may end one or two weeks after the CIEE program 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.
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.
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)
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.
Business Management and Administration
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Education and Training
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Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
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 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
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer 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.
*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.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $14,206**
Housing = $4,250***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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††
Local Transportation = $120†††
Books & Supplies = $50
Visa Fees = $150
Personal expenses = $190††††
Total Costs = $2,520Optional 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 = $1,500
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.
*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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Student transportation card for 3 months
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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 = $14,206**
Housing = $4,250***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $18,950Estimated 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††
Local Transportation = $120†††
Books & Supplies = $50
Visa Fees = $150
Personal expenses = $190††††
Total Costs = $2,520Financial 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.
*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.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Student transportation card
††††$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
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.
Sara Cunha
Operations Manager
Sara has been working for CIEE Lisbon 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
1
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 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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