Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
The western tip of Europe is steeped in ancient history, creating an incredibly rich base to launch your exploration of Portuguese culture and history. In panoramic Lisbon, you’ll find six levels of Portuguese language instruction and a wealth of other academic options provide intellectual challenge, while excursions to regional highlights and downtime with peers keep you learning off campus, too.
An intensive language program sets students of all language levels up for success, whether they take courses in English, Portuguese, or both. Students pursue their studies in an academically challenging environment at FCSH - Universidade Nova de Lisboa supplemented with cultural activities, excursions, and more. Students can take English taught classes at Instituto Superior de Ciências to Trabalho e Empresas (ISCTE-IUL). ISCTE Business School is AMBA and AACSB accredited.
Dates
Fall: early September - mid December
Spring: late January - mid May
Refer to CIEE's website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Older than London, Paris, and Rome, the hilly seaport of Lisbon has always been a major European political, economic, and cultural center. The capital city is full of intriguing contrasts, witness tiny shops with fading facades versus mega malls, and narrow, cobble-stoned streets versus wide-open vistas. With a generous attitude towards foreigners, a holiday vibe, and a mild climate, it’s a welcoming place with plenty to explore.
FCSH - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) is the School of Social Sciences and Humanities of the New University of Lisbon founded in 1977. This public university has five faculties, including FCSH, where our study-abroad program is based.
ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) is a national university founded in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1972. ISCTE-IUL offers a range of courses taught in English from areas such as Business and Economics to Political Science and Psychology.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Program Costs
Fall Costs
Spring Costs
Effective Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024: All Penn State undergraduate students participating in approved CIEE programs are guaranteed a discount, which will be applied to the billable subtotal listed on the program cost sheet. The guaranteed discounts are as follows:
- Students participating in a semester-long program (e.g., fall or spring) or the three-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $2,500 discount.
- Students participating in the two-block Open Campus program are guaranteed a $1,250 discount.
- Students participating in a summer program are guaranteed a $500 discount.
Discount amounts listed here are valid for spring 2024, summer 2024, and fall 2024 terms only.
The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Globals. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Program-specific Scholarships
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of CIEE's website.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.