Architecture Internships in Lisbon

1. Brief description of the host company/ organisation and supervisor(s) ERITAGE Studio Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art space in Lisbon that champions artistic plurality and uses art as a tool for human development and corporate engagement. It is a dynamic hub where international exhibitions foster intercultural dialogue. The gallery is led by its Founder and Creative Director, Joao Marcus Cavalcanti—a former finance professional from Rio de Janeiro who transitioned to gallerist in Portugal. He has built a remarkable cultural bridge between Brazil, Portugal, and Africa through artist residencies and shared productions. Committed to social dialogue and sustainability, Cavalcanti steers ERITAGE as a space where contemporary art intersects with social consciousness, making it an incredibly inspiring environment to learn from. 2. Your job duties, contributions and accomplishments My role as a Public Relations Intern was varied. My main responsibility was social media content creation and curation. I created and scheduled engaging visual content for Instagram including photography, reels and behind-the-scenes stories to promote current exhibitions and artists, greatly increasing the gallery's online engagement. I also carried out extensive research and reporting on galleries, visiting contemporary art spaces across Lisbon, looking at curatorial strategies and producing detailed reports that fed into our strategic programming. I provided direct support during the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including handling artworks, setting lighting and display materials, and the safe packing and storage of works. These contributions have given me a holistic view of gallery operations from the public facing promotion to the physical logistics that take place behind the scenes. 3. Difficulties encountered during the internship (if any) The internship was not without its challenges. Professionally, I was initially daunted by the physicality of the role – in Hong Kong, gallery assistants rarely engage in manual construction, but here I was drilling into gallery walls to hang installations, meaning I had to learn proper techniques from scratch. Culturally, the language barrier was sometimes tough, as many locals do not speak fluent English outside of the tourism sector. I had to use hand gestures and basic Portuguese phrases. The city’s notorious topography, built on seven steep hills, was a real workout when commuting. This was personally my first experience living in an 8 bedroom flat with 7 other flat mates which really tested my patience and communication skills on a daily basis as well as bouts of homesickness over the holidays. 4. Knowledge/ skills/ benefits acquired from the internship I have learned a great deal professionally. I deepened my understanding of the artists' backgrounds, creative processes, and thematic concerns, which greatly enriched my appreciation for Portuguese art history and its cultural context. Translating these insights into words, I had the rewarding opportunity to write articles for the gallery's official Substack account—crafting engaging narratives that bridged the artists' visions with our audience, and sharpening my ability to communicate complex artistic ideas with clarity and warmth. On the practical side, I also gained hands-on technical skills in the safe installation and de-installation of artworks, from precise measuring and levelling to correct wrapping, safe transport, and meticulous inventory documentation—skills I never imagined I would learn but now value immensely. Most notably, I developed invaluable interpersonal and adaptability skills, learning to think quickly on my feet when my supervisor assigned last-minute work, and consistently delivering quality output under pressure without losing my composure. 5. Insights into the culture and people of the destination What impressed me most about Lisbon was not just its postcard beauty but its emotional depth, a kind of poetic melancholy that the Portuguese call saudade. This bittersweet longing is in the air all over the city, most distinctly in the plaintive guitar of Fado music drifting from dimly lit taverns, but it does not weigh down the culture. Instead it coexists with an extraordinary warmth and a deep sense of community. I loved the neighborhood life, like in Alfama, where old ladies gossip across clothes-lined balconies, and in the Santos Populares festivities, whole streets become open-air banquets, with neighbors grilling sardines together. The locals taught me desenrascanço — the uniquely Portuguese ability to improvise with charm and resourcefulness. They’re not on the clock, but on the clock of the golden descent of the sun over the Tagus River, valuing human connection over relentless efficiency. Whether it’s a long coffee in a quiet pastelaria or an informal greeting from shopkeepers, Lisboetas are quietly resilient and welcoming, making me feel less like a foreigner and more like a temporary piece of their lively, unhurried story.

I had the opportunity to participate in a study abroad with Arizona State University and Absolute Internship. We spent our time in Portugal exploring different parts of the country and learning about it's deep history and global impact. It was an experience I would love to live again and has inspired a desire to explore more parts of the world!

My experience abroad was something I will always be grateful for. The internship gave me valuable professional experience and allowed me to learn what it is like to work in a different country and culture. I was able to gain hands-on experience in both warehouse and office environments, which helped me better understand logistics and supply chain operations. One of my favorite parts of the program was the weekend trips around Portugal. Getting to explore different cities and places with the other students made the experience even more memorable. The people I met through the program were one of the biggest highlights, and many of them have become lifelong friends. Overall, this experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me become more independent, and gave me memories and relationships that I will carry with me long after the internship ended. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a mix of professional growth, travel, and an opportunity to meet great people.

This past summer I had the ultimate privilege of going abroad for a Marketing and Business Development Intern in Lisbon, Portugal. To say I had the one of the best summers of my life is an understatement, working in a city as beautiful and vibrant as Portugal was a such a rewarding experience both professionally and personally.

I signed up for an internship in a non-profit industry. Absolute Internship helped me arrange an interview with the company. They also gave us a lot of information and reminders before going to Lisbon. During the internship, Absolute Internship arranged nice accommodation and fun weekend activities for us. For example, we lived in single rooms with AC and the furniture in the room is clean and cozy. The program staff are friendly and supportive. They answered our questions throughout the program and arranged activities well. For example, we had a boat trip during Lagos trip and had meals in nice restaurants.

My experience in Lisbon was deeply meaningful because of the cultural immersion, the diversity of engagement, and the chance to strengthen my Portuguese language skills. Working alongside people from different backgrounds showed me how powerful unity and service can be. We were all part of something bigger, doing meaningful work for a kinder world built on compassion, dignity, and love.

My internship experience in Lisbon was truly meaningful and something I’m deeply grateful for. Being welcomed into a new culture, learning through real community engagement, and growing both personally and professionally made this experience unforgettable. I felt supported, challenged, and inspired every day. The warmth of the people, the cultural connections, and the chance to contribute in a nonprofit setting all had a powerful impact on me. This experience helped me grow in confidence, independence, and purpose, and I’m thankful for every moment.

My internship abroad as a microbiology intern was an amazing experience. Absolute Internship provided incredible support, and my mentors were always encouraging. The cultural activities helped me meet friends for life, and I grew both professionally and personally in ways that will stay with me forever.

Spending a summer interning in Lisbon with AIFS Abroad was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From start to finish, AIFS handled everything—securing my internship, setting up housing, preparing me for the experience with career readiness resources, and providing ongoing support while I was there. Even after the program ended, they continued to offer guidance and connections that made a lasting impact on my career. They made the entire process so seamless that all I had to do was show up, learn, and enjoy every second of it. I interned as a Marketing Coordinator at PowerX Gym, where I got hands-on experience in content creation, event planning, and website development. I collaborated with an international team, adapted marketing strategies for different audiences, and strengthened my leadership and creativity. This experience confirmed my passion for marketing and management, and it also gave me something even more valuable—lifelong friendships. I still text and call my coworkers, and I even got to go back over Thanksgiving to visit! But what made this experience truly unforgettable was Lisbon itself. The city is vibrant, colorful, and full of life, with historic trams, stunning viewpoints, and the best food you’ll ever have (seriously, I’m still dreaming about pastéis de nata). Every day felt like an adventure, and AIFS made sure we experienced it to the fullest. Their on-site staff, who are Lisbon locals, gave us the BEST recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and even local events we wouldn’t have found on our own. One of my absolute favorite parts of the program was the weekly Sunday field trips. AIFS took us on incredible excursions to Sintra’s fairytale castles, the stunning beaches of Cascais, and even a group surf trip! These weren’t just sightseeing trips—they were bonding experiences with the other interns, making every weekend an adventure. Having these built into the program meant I got to experience so much more of Portugal beyond just Lisbon, without the stress of planning everything on my own. For future participants: Say yes to everything! Take advantage of the incredible support from AIFS, be proactive in your internship, and immerse yourself in Lisbon’s culture. Try new foods, explore new neighborhoods, and step outside your comfort zone. This experience will change the way you see the world, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you're looking for an internship abroad that combines career growth, cultural immersion, and a city that will steal your heart, AIFS Abroad in Lisbon is the perfect choice!

My time in Portugal was fun and nerve wrecking. However, I miss it so much and would love to do it again. It made me very independent and helped gain expertise in a working environment. Also I enjoyed the activities I did with the whole team. I wish my university had told me how important these were do I would’ve paid for the extra activities as it was not included in my package.

I did an on-site internship with absolute in Lisbon Portugal and it was amazing. The accommodation and facilities provided were top quality and all the activities outside the internship were extremely organised. The coordinators had also made a great match between me and my employer. I have made an amazing connections with the law firm I worked with and the students I met. I would recommend this experience to anyone !

When I first decided to intern abroad, I was struggling to find the right location and area of study, however with API’s help, it all felt so easy. Spending time in Lisbon, Portugal as an intern was one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks to API and Ares do Pinhal (the company I interned for), I had the opportunity to work alongside many professionals in the addiction field and assist individuals who were battling substance use. I built many connections and learned/experienced a beautiful culture. All the employees and clients of Ares do Pinhal were kind, helpful, and one of the best people I’ve met in my life. I hope to see all of them in the near future! From the beginning of my trip until the end, API provided incredible support. Their pre-departure guidance and on-site assistance helped me have a smooth transition from the U.S. to Portugal. Don’t even get me started on my apartment! It was so luxurious and modern, which I loved. I lived in the same complex with other students and interns around the world, which made it easier for me to connect with people in the same boat as me. There are so many great things I can say, but one of the things I loved about API was how they encouraged cultural exploration. They gave me the opportunity to experience many activities, such as visiting Sintra, taking a Portuguese cooking class, and even going to an escape room – something I had never done before, even in the U.S. It is definitely the best program to study or intern abroad with!

I highly recommend Absolute for anyone considering an international internship experience! My internship in Lisbon, Portugal, was incredibly enriching. I made lifelong friends through work, immersed myself in Portuguese culture, and got to see countless amazing places. Lisbon itself is a fantastic place to live and work, with its unique blend of city life, beaches, nightlife, rich history and culture, and beautiful natural scenery. The people here are warm and friendly, and I felt so welcomed everywhere I went. I wish I’d known more Portuguese before coming, but I picked up so much during my time here! Navigating the city was easy, thanks to its excellent public transportation system, which made it simple to explore Lisbon and beyond. Absolute went above and beyond to organize cultural activities and trips, adding so much value to our stay and helping us feel at home in this amazing city. The Absolute staff was also very accessible, always available to discuss any questions or concerns. They even organized mixers where we could connect with coordinators and fellow interns, which helped us build relationships and made our experience even more enjoyable. If you're considering an international internship, I can’t recommend Absolute and Portugal enough!

The beginning of my journey abroad was filled with adjustments. Entering new environments had its fair share of challenges. Navigating how to allocate time for myself, enjoying the company of new friends and settling into my internship all required a balance to be struck. Although this time abroad was a step out of my conform zone, it has allowed me not only to gain experience in the non profit field but also grow on an individual level. I have had to the chance to disconnect to learn more about myself and how I may begin to picture my future. I have had the ability to grow a more profound appreciation for life and all the little moments it has to offer. This opportunity has granted me to gain insight into the working of the Housing First Project and the remarkable work it yields. I have had the chance to be welcomed into the Crescer organization even if it was just for a short time. A team of passionate and driven individuals who have truly been an inspiration to me. Most importantly, I have had the privilege to have gotten to know the people participating in the project. They have welcomed me not only into their homes but also into their hearts. An unforgettable experience that wouldn’t be possible without the Absolute Internship Company. Their guidance helped immensely with the adjustment as well as facilitating opportunities to explore the beauty that Portugal undoubtedly has to offer.

It was a great experience, however I do think it is geared towards people with little to no work experience and did not meet all my expectations of learning something new in a new work environment. The best part was being able to practice my Spanish with my host family.

CIEE provided me with a great internship site, a clean and nice apartment in a good neighborhood, and gave me roommates who shared similar interests. The staff was extremely kind and helped me whenever I needed, and were good about checking in with me about my experiences

From the application process to our time in Lisbon, the Absolute staff was extremely helpful and supportive. One unique aspect that stood out to me about this program was how focused and personalized the internship placement process is to your career interests. The housing, trips, and program activities are extremely well-planned. Some of the things I did in Lisbon included a pastel de nata baking class, a fado show, and a Portuguese play. Our trips included going to Sintra, Porto, Cascais, and Ericeira. Lastly, my program coordinator (shout out to Marta) was beyond dedicated to showing us Portugal. My 2 months wouldn't have been the same without her!

Without doubt one of the favourite highlights in 2023 Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by our program coordinator , our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The day trips were extremely good, very flexible (appreciate this!) and for that absolute internship deserves a special thanks. We had a great month there, which obviously also added up to the experience. The internship was flawless and added alot to my resume Amazing experience, amazing day trips, and a very positive environment. Absolutely recommend to anyone.

This opportunity is one you should not miss out on! From the beginning, Absolute Internship were so supportive and helpful in finding and securing a placement for you. Once in Lisbon, I did not want to leave! I met so many new friends, built connections in the workplace and gained invaluable experience. Absolute were always there if you needed support or just wanted a chat; they helped create such amazing memories that I will remember forever. I could not be happier that I decided to do this internship!

This is an amazing experience that both boosts your resume, introduces you to a new culture, and makes you meet so many amazing people. I've done other study abroad programs, but I couldn't recommend this specific program more to anyone. I was placed in an awesome internship that I would return to and definitely got my money's worth with the amazing trips and experiences that I had. The people I met, I have already reunited with after the program. I only wish I could do the program again!!