Portuguese Language & Culture
Why Choose This Program?
Live the Language
Experience authentic immersion in the Portuguese language and culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Get Inspired
Jump up a level in Portuguese. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Lisbon, where the streets are alive with music, history, and cultural diversity.
Along the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean, you’re always just a few steps away from the water in Lisbon. With its more than 300 days of sunshine a year, this coastal destination has long been popular with international students and immigrants—creating a diverse, cosmopolitan, and continually-evolving city. Home to about half a million people, Lisbon boasts a blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm, making it easy to form meaningful connections and explore freely.
As Western Europe’s second oldest capital, founded more than 3000 years ago, it’s surrounded by history you can’t experience elsewhere. The soul of Lisbon lies in its historic neighborhoods like Belém and Alfama, lined with colorful buildings and architectural styles that span the ages. Vintage trams travel up and down the city’s cobblestoned hills, offering exceptional views of the old town and ocean and access to top landmarks, like Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and St. George’s Castle. After sunset, keep your ears open for the bluesy tunes of Fado music streaming out of clubs, telling heartfelt stories of human life.
Cultural Awareness
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.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Shred some waves in Europe’s surf capital while taking surf lessons with a seasoned coach.
- Grab a brush and use vibrant colors to paint your own tiles. Discover why azulejos are an integral part of Lisbon’s architectural landscape.
- Put your culinary skills to the test as you cook caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) alongside a skilled Portuguese chef. Recreate the delicious dish back home!
- Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), the public broadcasting station of Portugal. Immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese journalism!
- Stomp your feet and catch the rhythm of regional Portuguese dances during a traditional dança (dancing) workshop.
- Immerse yourself in ocean life at the Lisbon Oceanarium, recognized as one of the best aquariums in the world, with its more than 8,000 animals and 500 plant species!
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.
An Excursion to Tomar and the Knights Templar
On our excursion weekend, we visited the ancient city of Tomar. We toured the city and the Convento de Cristo, imagining were were part of the Knights Templar. The Convent... keep reading
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Portuguese language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
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.
Program Balance = $6,650
Total Fees = $6,650Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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.
Program Balance = $6,650
Total Fees = $6,650Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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