CIEE Language and Culture Program in Lisbon, Portugal

  Portugal

• Other Cities in Portugal: 
Lisbon

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: late Aug-Dec; Spring 15 weeks: Feb-May; 36 weeks: late Aug-May

Description: The goals of the Language and Culture program are to develop skills and competency in Portuguese language through an intensive language course and a semester-long language course; to enhance students' understanding of contemporary Portuguese society and culture through the CIEE core curriculum; and, where language skills permit; to meet a wide variety of students' academic interests through direct enrollment at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

Academic Program
All CIEE students enroll in an intensive language program prior to the start of the semester. Students continue their language study during the semester and choose three to four additional courses from a CIEE core-curriculum taught in English and shared with other international and Portuguese students. Students with advanced Portuguese language skills may also choose from a large offering of courses in the humanities and social sciences taught in Portuguese. Undergraduate programs at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) are academically rigorous and students should expect challenging coursework. The CIEE program is based at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (FCSH).

Academic Culture
The academic culture at UNL is one of active intellectual inquiry and exploration that especially values interdisciplinary study and creativity of thought. Students are encouraged to think critically and work independently and to contribute to class discussions and participate fully in University life. Those who are interested are able to participate in projects developed at the many FCSH research units.

All classes are taught by professors at UNL. Professors encourage participation and active student engagement in the course material. Both the Portuguese language and English language content courses are small in size, while direct enrollment courses are medium in size.

The academic calendar has recently changed to a schedule similar to the North American calendar. Fall classes begin in September and end in December. Spring classes begin in February and end in May.

Highlights:

• Courses offered in English at a prestigious Portuguese university; wide range of direct enrollment courses for students with strong Portuguese language skills
  
• City-based cultural and social activities and weekend excursions that give students a strong familiarity with Portuguese history, culture, and current affairs
  
• Live in a city with a rich multi-cultural history that is also a privileged gateway to other European and North African countries

In addition, there are two weekend trips each semester to locations of cultural and/ or ecological interest. Orientation includes a cultural visit within Lisbon and an overnight field trip. In the past the group has traveled up the river Douro from Porto, and enjoyed the stunning vistas of the Port region before reaching the fabulous archeological site of Foz Coa, rich in prehistoric paintings and engravings. On the way students visited some of the beautiful medieval towns in the region. The group has also traveled to the environs of Evora where Portuguese culture's old Roman, Muslim, and Mozarabic legacy can be fully appreciated.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes