Quick Facts

• Check-out these 10 Reasons to Study at a Portuguese University
• Take courses in English at a Portuguese university; choose from a wide range of direct enrollment courses if your Portuguese language skills are up to it
• Become familiar with Portuguese history, culture and current affairs through city-based cultural and social activities and weekend excursions
• Live in a city with a rich multi-cultural history that is also a privileged gateway to other European and North African countries
• Designed for students at all levels of Portuguese

Location Details

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, older than London, Paris, and Rome by hundreds of years, and has always been a major political, economic, and cultural center in Portugal. This capital city’s antique neighborhoods got a huge facelift when rundown areas were revitalized for the 1998 World Expo. The seaport has a holiday atmosphere and is blessed with a mild climate, mostly sunny days, a wealth of gorgeous architecture and monuments, and nearby beaches.

The center of Lisbon is built on various hills, navigated by funicular trains, an elevator, trams, buses, and the metro. The city presents interesting contrasts, from tiny one-of-a-kind shops with fading facades to mega malls; from narrow, steep, cobble-stoned streets to wide-open vistas. Lisbon’s fascinating past can be glimpsed in the faces of its multicultural citizens, food, architecture, and welcoming attitude towards foreigners.

Lisbon is a culturally rich city with a vibrant theater life, a historic opera house, museums, concert venues, galleries, and a dynamic cinemathèque, which you are expected to take advantage of. The program includes cultural events as well as visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in Lisbon and its environs, including the medieval walled town of Óbidos and Sintra. Activities vary each semester to take advantage of seasonal and current attractions.

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* if your program is more than 90 days in length. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas.  If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Program Housing

Housing is included in the program fee and study abroad students are housed primarily in homestays located a short commute from the FCSH where CIEE courses are held. There is a very limited number of rooms available in a dorm-like facility. Please note that while CIEE strives to meet students’ preferences in housing, these cannot always be guaranteed. In homestays, students have their own bedrooms and are given full access to bathroom and kitchen facilities. The dormitory is a modern facility housing students in single rooms with shared bathrooms. There are equipped kitchens for common use and laundry facilities.

Students who live in a homestay will have all breakfasts and 7 meals per week included in the program fee. Students who choose to live in the dorm, meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Both options allow students to prepare meals at their homestay or dorm, or eat in the subsidized cafeterias on campus.

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. 

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Partnership program participants will NOT pay ASU tuition for the courses completed abroad. Instead, participants will pay a Program Fee as a condition of participation. Partnership program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the published Program Fee. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student.

Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet for information on any additional estimated expenses.

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
• CIEE Scholarships & Grants

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• Universidade Nova de Lisboa*
• Embassy of Portugal*
• CIEE Lisbon Language and Culture Blog*
• CIEE Study Abroad on Facebook*
• 10 Reasons to Study at a Portuguese University (from Fulbright Portugal)*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.