Summer Study Abroad Programs in Lisbon, Portugal

SIT Portugal was a great study-abroad opportunity, where I was able to further my academics, gain cultural experiences, and explore new places. The support provided by SIT was wonderful! They were accessible and always answered questions, whether it was about needing help with school assignments or trying to find a doctor. Some of my favorite experiences abroad were the excursions within Portugal, to Porto (and the Douro Valley), São Miguel, and Alentejo. These trips included trying new foods, going for hikes, and exploring scenic areas. The trips were always well organized and action-packed. SIT Portugal also gave me so many wonderful friends; the cohort system allows you to live and go to classes with all of the people in your program. Making it easy to commute, grocery shop, and cook together. I truly felt that SIT Portugal provided us with all the tools to feel comfortable living in another country, making it enjoyable to try new things and explore. For example, in the first week we did a Portuguese cooking class, which helped us work on our cooking skills and learn to make traditional Portuguese food. The academics abroad were serious, but the amount of structured class time forced you to stay organized and plan activities, which I found incredibly beneficial. Additionally, the ISP period (Independent Study Project) is about the last month of the program, during which you have no classes. This period was great for so many reasons; first, it taught you how to manage your time on your own. It was also a great time to take a longer trip or travel to a couple of places since there was less structure (though you have to make sure you plan time to work as well!). Also, the project is completely your own, and you are able to research something that interests you. Overall, I found that SIT Portugal provided me with a wonderful abroad experience where I learned a ton, travelled, and had enough balance to do social things and explore.

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.

Studying Abroad In Lisbon Portugal through API, I was able to immerse myself in the rich culture of Lisbon. Through API my housing located a ten minute away from ISCTE, the institute I studied at truly made me feel at home and made the transition to study abroad feel swift and comfortable. The experiences offered through the program to Lagos was an unforgettable experience and my advisor Carlos could not have been more amazing and helpful in the process with any question I could have had, I could not recommend Lisbon for a unique study abroad experience and through API who will alway have your back.

I have already done the refer a friend program and referred my friend to study in Lisbon this summer. She was inspired by the amazing experience that I have had and I have shared with her how interactive and caring the staff is. I am so grateful for my experience and thankful for the CIEE staff making me a part of their family!

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.

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!

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 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.

Tremendous staff. Environment is like none other and they accommodate well. For Seville, the city has been tremendous and CIEE gives you a proper introduction to this magnificent city. Whether an intern or a student during one of the sessions, you can get along with everyone and overcome the anxieties of a new city

I would be very likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend because this program gives you many opportunities to explore the city you are in as well as the surrounding areas. All of the employees are very kind people who will be their to uplift and support the students who are abroad.

I would recommend the CIEE study abroad to a friend because it’s structured to bring people together which I enjoy a lot. I wanted to study abroad to meet new people and explore the city and the activities we go on allow both of those things.

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!

I have had a great experience, it is organized and comes at a good cost. The staff on-site is very supportive and helpful (as well as Brooke in Portland), but we had an emergency situation and the Portland higher-ups didn't handle it well, nor did anyone answer the emergency number provided to us.

I feel that CIEE tries to have activities for us and I really do feel that I am learning a lot here. Also everyone here seems really nice and I feel that though we are different a lot of the students seem to have the same mindset and its a good chance to network.

iXperience is a program that I recommend to everybody as I truly believe that it is an opportunity that can not be passed up. I learned more in the 6 weeks of classes than I have in my years of college combined. Although it was rigorous, the teachers all wanted you to succeed, and were all willing to stay late and meet with you early to ensure that you understand everything. All the kids that attended the program end up being like family at the end of the trip, and you make many life long friends.

iXperience responded to this reviewAugust 29, 2019

Hey Alex, thank you so much for the epic review. We're so glad that you felt supported throughout the intense learning, and that you made some really good friends :)

The staff at Lisbon CIEE was extremely friendly and nice. They made me feel right at home and over fed me all the time. I love the planned activities they made for the group and the class was extremely fun.