Thinking about passing up Portugal for its bigger and oftentimes more popular next-door-neighbor? (We’re looking at you, Spain.) Don’t! Portugal is in a league of its own when it comes to studying abroad in Europe, and it’s criminally underrated amongst undergrads. This small, coastal country has a ton in store for students who want to spend a year or semester abroad.
Summer study abroad in Lisbon has all the makings of a fairytale!
But what if you don’t have an entire year or semester to commit to studying abroad in Portugal? That’s a bummer — BUT there’s a huge silver lining: If you head to Portugal’s beautiful, show-stopping capital, you’ll find that summer study abroad programs in Lisbon are some of the best in all of Europe, if not the world.
Time might not be on your side, but Lisbon definitely is. If you’re not yet sold on the idea of spending just a few weeks of your summer studying abroad in Lisbon, take a seat and listen up. We’ll convince you why it’s one of the best decisions you’ll make during your college career!
11 benefits of summer study abroad in Lisbon
1. You’ll have your pick of high quality programs
There tends to be a belief amongst students (and parents) that summer study abroad just isn’t as valuable as studying abroad for an entire year or semester, or that the program selection for summer term lacks in variety. This isn’t the case! In Lisbon you’ll find tons of great programs covering a range of fields of study.
For instance, Católica Lisbon (who ranks as the #1 business school in Portugal!) packs a punch with their two-week summer programs in Lisbon in Entrepreneurship and Strategy & Leadership. Not studying business? No problem! The skills and knowledge acquired can easily translate to plenty of other fields of study, like marketing, communications, social sciences, and so much more.
Of course, there are plenty of other amazing summer study abroad programs in Lisbon, too. And we bet that no matter what kind of degree you’re pursuing, you’ll find a program that will fall into place with the credits you need for graduation.
2. It can only benefit your future
It’s no secret that there are tons of unique benefits to studying abroad, but are there any merits to going on shorter term stints, like summer programs in Lisbon? You bet! Intensive study abroad during the summer shows future employers that you work well under pressure and can adapt swiftly and efficiently to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. How’s that for a resume-builder?
You’ll also get a small taste of Europe that will have you planning return trips in the future (a gap year maybe?), or searching for jobs in Lisbon before you even leave — which, naturally, could alter the course of your future career. Summer study abroad in Lisbon will absolutely set you up for success, no matter what comes after.
3. The weather is beautiful
You’ll love the color and liveliness in Lisbon during the summer.
And so is the city! Lisbon comes to life during the summer months, when the weather is hot and agreeable, and when tourists begin flocking to the coastal town. When you study abroad during the summer in Lisbon, you won’t have to worry about snow boots or parkas. In fact, it’s basically all sunshine all the time...so pack that sunscreen and swimsuit.
While the beautiful weather might prove to be a distraction sometimes (who wants to be stuck in a classroom when it’s THAT gorgeous outside?), keep in mind you’ll be able to take full advantage of the weather on the weekends, and that Lisbon is just a stone’s throw from some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and the world!
4. It’ll save you time (and possibly money)
Short on time before graduation? Seize the day and study abroad for the summer in Lisbon! With programs ranging from two months to just two weeks, you’ll find a program that fits your tight schedule. Maybe it seems like too much of a whirlwind, but that just means you’ll be forced to make the most of every. single. moment. Sounds like the making of an epic summer to us!
We know a lot of students like to use summer to work and save up money to pay off student loans or to cover the costs of the upcoming school year, but keep in mind that using your summer to get a jump on credits can actually reduce the time you’ll spend in school — and, therefore, how much you’ll spend on school in the long run.
5. One location can turn into many
When you study abroad in Lisbon for the summer, make the most of every day and explore as far and wide as you can.
If you have trouble sitting still or just really want to make the most of your few weeks in Lisbon, you’ll be glad to know that Portugal is in a great location to access many world-renowned summer destinations. You’ll be close to Mallorca, Ibiza, the Canary Islands, not to mention the plethora of oceanfront locales that Portugal offers itself, like Lagos and Tavira. Of course, that isn’t a MAIN benefit of studying abroad in Lisbon (the high quality education is!), but hey, it’s not a bad perk, right?
6. You might pick up a new language
Whether you fancy yourself a language aficionado or not, when you study abroad in Lisbon for the summer you’ll have the chance to pick up (or refine?) language skills — they do speak Portuguese in Portugal, after all.
And don’t forget that your new language skills may open many doors to you in the future; for example, you could land a job in Brazil, one of the world’s major developing economies and a downright incredible destination itself.
Consider staying with a host family during Lisbon summer study abroad; it’ll help you develop skills and absorb the language more quickly since you’ll always have someone to practice with. Make sure to ask your program provider about this option (it’s a great way to support the local economy, too!).
7. It’s fairly affordable (for Europe)
Comparatively speaking, summer study abroad programs in Portugal are on the more affordable end of the spectrum. From food, to accommodation, to transportation, you’ll find costs in Portugal to be reasonable, especially when thinking about other common study abroad destinations in Western Europe like London and Paris. Plus, there are a lot of cool scholarships to apply for!
Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, and Lisbon is one of the most affordable major cities, so your budget shouldn’t be too much cause for concern. However, keep in mind that summer is naturally the height of tourist season in Lisbon, so you’ll need to play it smart and plan accordingly (i.e., in advance) to avoid spending a fortune.
8. The city is walkable
If summer study abroad in Lisbon will be your first foray into traveling abroad or spending time in a big city, you may be intimidated by the thought of navigating public transportation. Well, while we’re all for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things, we also don’t mind informing you that Lisbon is fairly walkable (if you’re somewhat in shape).
If your legs get tired, the city’s trams were crafted to expertly navigate the narrow, winding streets, so hop on!
Lisbon is notorious for its hilliness, so if you plan on walking everywhere and reducing your carbon footprint, bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes, carry water with you, and don’t push yourself too far — walking uphill in the hot summer sun isn’t fun for anyone.
No matter what, be sure to check out the Number 28 Yellow Tram, even if you don’t plan on riding it. It’s one of those iconic sights that most visitors to Lisbon make it a priority to see.
9. Bigger isn’t always better
With a limited amount of time allotted for your study abroad experience, it makes sense to choose a smaller location, right? A huge benefit of summer study abroad in Lisbon (and for Portugal in general), is that it’s one of the smallest destinations in Europe (by area) — which means it’ll be easier to get to know the country on an intimate level in the amount of time you have.
That’s not to say there isn’t a ton to do and see, but it does mean you won’t have to spend hours on airplanes and on buses in order to see as much as possible. You’ll finish Lisbon study abroad during the summer with the sense that you got to properly know the country in your short time there.
10. It’s a blast (duh)
You’ll see a different side of Lisbon during the evening after classes. Make sure to explore it!
Your summer study abroad program in Lisbon will be served with a side of fun. You can expect that no matter which provider you choose, there will be excursions and day trips included with your program fee.
Apart from that, the nightlife in Lisbon is borderline legendary if you’re into that (check out Cais do Sodré for a trendy, up and coming area, or Bairro Alto for a must-experience staple), or explore the dozens of natural parks nearby if you prefer a more quiet pace of life.
However, be sure to set aside a few nights to check out Fado houses, where you can try delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine and listen to traditional fado music (which originated in Portugal).
11. Tasty food will be all around you (even if you’re vegan!)
There’s a major benefit of studying abroad in a bigger place, and that’s the fact that there are food options that cater to everyone! It’s true that traditional Portuguese cuisine relies heavily on meat, eggs, and dairy, but there will still be plenty of Portuguese flavors for you to sample if you’re vegan or vegetarian. (But if you do eat meat and eggs, don’t skip the codfish cakes or pasteis de nata!)
Some of the best restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options in Lisbon that you can peruse during your summer study abroad are Las Vegans, O Botanista, and daTerra Bairro Alto. P.S. Ordering in restaurants is a fantastic way to test out your new Portuguese skills!
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Ready for one of the funnest summers of your life? Choose from the best summer study abroad programs in Lisbon and go!
Summer study abroad in Lisbon will be one of the most valuable ways to spend your time off your home campus. Leave your part time summer job behind, hop an airplane, and explore one of the oldest cities in Europe! You’ll gain skills, make friends, and return home with a resume that’ll wow future employers. What are you waiting for? Explore your options now!
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This article was written with help from Católica Lisbon. Their SUMMER ACADEMY programs provide a fully immersive, enriching, and fun experience. Program fees include tuition, accommodation in a high standard apartment, lunch vouchers, and several authentic and meaningful activities. Students will experience a Lisbon city tour, a Beach & Surf Experience, a Company visit, and a Farewell dinner at a typical Portuguese restaurant. Spots are limited; candidates should apply ASAP before March 31st, 2020 in order to take advantage of the Early Bird discount.
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