Internships in Lisbon, Portugal

Prepare for an Internship

Set goals

Lisbon is packed with charm, but you’ll get more out of your internship if you know what you want from the start.

• Find your focus. Are you building a resume, testing a new field, or looking to break into the EU job market? Set your intention early.
• Learn by doing. Prioritize roles that let you contribute. Coffee runs won’t cut it.
• Live local. Grab a pastel de nata in Alfama, ride the tram up the hills, or catch sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This is more than a 9-to-5.

Understand the benefits

You may have heard whispers about Portugal’s capital turning into a creative and tech hotspot, but interning here lets you see exactly what the hype is about.

• Work with edge. Lisbon is a startup magnet and a growing force in tech, sustainability, and creative industries. You’ll find hands-on roles that matter.
• International exposure. English is widely spoken in professional settings, and you’ll meet people from across Europe and beyond.
• Off-hours magic. After work, unwind by the Tagus River, hop on a train to Cascais, or join a local Fado night.

Things to know

A little Lisbon 101 before you land goes a long way, especially when it comes to navigating daily life.

• Work culture - Lisbon is pretty laid-back, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off. Be on time, stay sharp, and expect a mix of structure and flexibility.
• Transportation - You won’t need a car. The metro, buses, and trams are easy to use, and walking is often the fastest way to get around the city center.
• Cost of living - Rent can be high in central neighborhoods, but day-to-day life is manageable. Local cafés, public transit, and groceries won’t break the bank if you keep it simple.

Choose a Field

Lisbon has plenty going on, so whatever you're into, chances are there’s a way to get experience and have a good time doing it.

Business

There are tons of startups and small companies here, which means you won’t be buried under layers of management. You could help out with marketing, logistics, or just learn how a business actually runs day to day.

Media

If you’re into content, this is a fun place to be. Interns often jump into social media, video editing, or blog writing. It’s creative, fast-paced, and way more hands-on than you might expect.

Tourism

Since Lisbon is a top travel destination, there’s always something happening. You might help plan events, welcome guests, or work with a tour company. It’s a good fit if you like being around people and want to practice communication on the fly.

Tips & Advice

Landing an internship in Lisbon takes more than just showing up. With a bit of preparation, you’ll make the process way easier and way less overwhelming.

1. Get matched

Start with the GoAbroad Online Advisor. It’s a quick way to get personalized internship matches in Lisbon based on what you’re actually looking for.

2. Choose a program

Once you’ve found a few good options, log in to MyGoAbroad. It’s an easy way to save and compare programs without getting lost in your tabs.

3. Best time to go

You can intern in Lisbon any time of year, but each season has its perks depending on what you're into:

• Summer: Ideal for tourism, events, and anything fast-paced.
• Fall: A great time for media, education, and creative work when things calm down post-summer.
• Winter: Quieter months mean smaller crowds and more personalized internship experiences, especially in hospitality.
• Spring: Perfect for business, startups, and content roles gearing up for the busy season.

4. Funding & scholarships

Some internships are unpaid or come with extra costs, but don’t let that stop you. You can apply for scholarships to help cover things like flights, housing, or program fees.

5. Apply

Once a program stands out, click “Apply Now” or “Inquire Here” on the listing. That’ll put you in touch with someone from the program who’ll guide you through what happens next.

6. Get your essentials

It’s always best to settle the basics early when you’re heading abroad. These include your passport, visa , housing, travel insurance, and flights. Getting these sorted ahead of time makes everything else way easier.