USAC Portugal: Lisbon - Undergraduate Courses

If I could go back and do this program over and over again I totally would. My advisors were so helpful and welcoming and we really bonded. They took us out to dinners and on group trips and answered any questions I had. I never felt like I was alone there and when you arrive, you’re introduced to all the students in the program with you, creating a friend group right off the bat. The dorms are single rooms with bathrooms in them which is amazing. The only downside is the shared kitchen as some students have different cleanliness standards. The dorm is extremely secure with a security guard outside of it and someone constantly at the front desk buzzing people in. The dorm is directly next to a metro stop, a mall, and the Benfica stadium and is only two metro stops away from the University. I loved this program and would recommend it to anyone.

It was a fun experience and both teachers and classmates were fantastic. I got the chance to meet inspiring people and hava a good time. I really got the chance and time to make the most out of the experience and I saw the best of Lissbon.

I didn't love my schooling due to some credits not transferring and the classes being a little weirdly structured, other than that I loved it. I loved all the people I met and I loved Lisbon and it's locals.

My semester studying abroad in Lisbon was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. Lisbon is such a beautiful city, with its historic architecture, colorful tiles, and stunning views from its many hilltops. One of the best parts was how affordable everything was compared to other European capitals, from meals out to transportation. While my accommodation was about 30 minutes by train from downtown and 20 minutes from campus, which wasn't ideal, the apartment itself was very nice and comfortable. Despite the commute, I was able to make the most of my time exploring the city and getting to know the local area. One of the highlights of my experience was taking classes alongside European students. It gave me a unique perspective and helped me form friendships with people from different countries and backgrounds. The cultural exchange in the classroom added so much depth to my learning experience. Overall, I highly recommend studying abroad in Lisbon. Between the city's charm, affordability, and the opportunity to study with international students, it was an enriching experience that helped me grow both academically and personally.

I absolutely loved my time in Lisbon! The advisors were extremely supportive, open, and welcoming and I met so many amazing people. I will say most of my friends from study abroad are other Europeans who I met, not many Portuguese (I am an American) but I still loved every minute of Lisbon. The beaches are wonderful, the professors were kind (in my experience), and the architecture was beautiful. The living accommodations were really great, I loved having my own room and the location is really central and walkable. I genuinely met people who I hope to stay connected with for life and actually plan to return to Europe next summer to visit some of the friends I made. I am also working on a giant Portugal Vlog which I will upload on my personal youtube soon but for now I have included a vlog I made of my trip to Madeira (an island in Portugal) during my time abroad.

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Studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal, was an absolutely incredible experience! From day one, the city’s vibrant mix of history and modernity captivated me. Being so close to the coast was a game-changer; I got to enjoy fresh seafood, stunning ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets right at my doorstep. Lisbon offered the perfect blend of cultural immersion and adventure. I dove into the local traditions, picked up Portuguese phrases, and connected with the warm and friendly locals. The city’s lively atmosphere, with its colorful streets and historic landmarks, made every day exciting and new. The best part? Lisbon’s location allowed me to explore Portugal’s stunning coastline effortlessly. I traveled to charming coastal towns and picturesque cities, each with its unique vibe. From the historic charm of Porto to the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve, every place I visited enriched my understanding of Portuguese culture and lifestyle. The entire experience was more than just academics; it was about living a dream, discovering new horizons, and making lifelong memories. Lisbon was the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey, combining cultural richness, coastal beauty, and endless opportunities for exploration.

USAC’s Lisbon program is hosted at a small but excellent university. I was so lucky to be able to connect with a myriad of Erasmus students during my semester abroad thru the university, and I cherish the international friendships I was able to make! Lisbon is an amazing and diverse city with great food, nature and activities. Make sure to visit Sintra and Caiscais through the public transportation system that we got a monthly reloadable Navegante card for. Eu amo Lisboa!

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Lisbon is a beautiful, vibrant city filled with culture and some of the most outgoing people you can find. Great food, conversations, and things to do at every turn. And it’s close to the beach. Academically, the program pushes you but leaves time to explore.

I personally tried to go abroad all 4 years of college, but was always getting turned down due to COVID. Finally during my senior year, I made the choice to go to Portugal rather than Australia, which was my dream before. I felt that Italy and Spain were flooded with Americans studying abroad, which wasn’t what I wanted. I picked Portugal on a slight whim, and I could not be more happy with the culture emersion and experience I left with.

I had a great time abroad, and I felt like my experience was an overall success. There were a few things I would change. First, the communication was severely lacking pre-departure. I felt very confused and received little information about how things would go or what to do pre-departure. Another thing was the housing; the housing myself and my group received was completely different from the housing advertised to us by the program. The housing I ended up getting was not poor, that's not the issue. It was just the misrepresentation of what I would be getting which caused some frustration. The pictures used to advertise the program were not representative of the reality. That being said, there were things I really enjoyed. The professors at the University were kind, the field trips were really fun, and I really enjoyed being in the middle of the city. I thought that Bruno (the person who was helping my group) was awesome and super helpful. It was a fun experience that I would do again given the chance.

I had an amazing time in Lisbon, Portugal! Two months out I still feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study abroad in such a beautiful and unique country! My program advisors were incredible and showed us so many hidden gems, allowing me to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and lively events that I don't believe I would have discovered if I had traveled to Portugal on my own or in any other context.

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Lisboa is a beautifully historic city, and there is much to see and learn about. The European cityscape was new to me, but it quaint, charming and nice. It is a city though, so expect a busy, dirty experience in some places. I really enjoyed the city, though it was somewhat overwhelming for someone who isn't used to large cities. I think it's really important to make sure you are mentally prepared to immerse yourself in a new culture, especially one that speaks a language you don't. I didn't prepare any social groups or activities for myself and so I was really isolated a lot of the time. I think I would have had a better time abroad if I had made some solid friends. Get ready to learn a lot about yourself, a new culture, and a beautiful place that is close to many other adventure countries!

Attending USAC's Summer in Lisbon study abroad program was my favorite part of my undergraduate experience. I was able to learn Portuguese with a super fun professor, surf some of the best waves in the world, and explore the vibrant culture that Lisbon offers. The staff was very helpful at every step throughout the process, it could not have been easier to do! I made some of my best memories on this trip and I think everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. You will learn so much about yourself and have a ton of fun while doing so!