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This page is the brochure for your selected program.

Locations: Lisbon, Portugal
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Dates / Deadlines:

Dates / Deadlines:
Term	Year	App Deadline	Decision Date	Start Date	End Date
Spring	2027	09/15/2026	09/15/2026	02/04/2027	05/01/2027
Spring	2028	02/15/2027 **	Rolling Admission	TBA	TBA
Fall	2027	04/01/2027	04/01/2027	09/09/2027	12/03/2027
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Indicates that deadline has passed

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction:	English	Minimum GPA:	2.5

Program Description:

Ecology + Sustainability

Lisbon, Portugal

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Lisbon is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, political, and social contexts of environmental sustainability in Lisbon. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Lisbon!

Unique Experiences

Go dolphin watching

to spot the resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Sado estuary

Visit the Iberian wolf conservation center

to witness firsthand the critical work being done to rehabilitate wolves affected by human activities

Connect with a local sustainability

to gain insights into conservation best practices and engage with the local community

Learn More About Lisbon

Your Destination

Lisbon is Portugal's eco-conscious capital, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and commitment to sustainability. From the Tagus River to the scenic hills and historic neighborhoods, nature and urban living blend seamlessly. With a mild climate, rich ecosystems, and innovative sustainability efforts, Lisbon offers an inspiring setting for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, marine biology, business, liberal arts, or international studies, Lisbon is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Lisbon offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in?your home away from home. From homestays to residence halls, we will try our best to meet your?accommodation preferences. Additionally, all housing options?are?located in?neighborhoods with convenient access to public?transportation,?shops,?cafés, and eateries.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Lisbon will open doors for you to explore Portugal’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Join marine biologists in the Sado estuary for a dolphin-watching expedition
Explore diverse ecosystems and historic sites during a kayaking adventure on the Tagus River
Learn to bake Portugal's famous pastel de nata in a cooking class that promotes the use of local ingredients and waste reduction

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Lisbon: Study on the campus of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), CIEE’s partner institution, located near trendy cafés, shops, banks, a modest shopping mall, and two metro lines that access the rest of the city. CIEE Lisbon features several offices on campus, namely with academic advising and student life support services, and access to NOVA FCSH’s campus library, study spaces, cafeteria, and coffee shop.

NOVA School of Social Sciences – Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-FCSH): NOVA FCSH is one of the best social sciences schools in Portugal with courses raging from Anthropology, Art History, History, Media Studies, Political Sciences and Sociology (mostly taught in Portuguese). NOVA FCSH courses take place on the same campus as CIEE courses.?The academic semester at NOVA-FCSH is longer than 90 days and students enrolled in courses at this institution are required to obtain a student visa.

NOVA School of Business – Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA-SBE): NOVA SBE is a high-ranking Business School located in Carcavelos, with a commute time from the center of Lisbon of about 1 hour. NOVA SBE is AACSB and EQUIS credited. The academic semester at NOVA-SBE is longer than 90 days and students enrolled in courses at this institution are required to obtain a student visa.

Instituto Superior de Ciências do Trabalho e de Empresas – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL): ISCTE-IUL offers courses in a wide range of disciplines in social sciences, and business. Its campus is located within a 15-minute commute of CIEE Lisbon. ISCTE-IUL Business School is AACSB and EQUIS credited and ranks very high among business schools in Portugal. The academic semester at ISCTE-IUL is longer than 90 days and students enrolled in courses at this institution are required to obtain a student visa.

ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management offers a dynamic academic environment in Lisbon, focusing on economics, finance, and management. The institution provides English-taught programs, fostering international perspectives and practical skills to prepare students for a competitive global job market, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and, in some cases, sustainable development. ISEG has been awarded the Triple Crown of Accreditations (Equis, AACSB, AMBA). The academic semester at ISEG is longer than 90 days and students enrolled in courses at this institution are required to obtain a student visa.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Lisbon is a burgeoning tech hub, home to numerous startups and coworking spaces that foster creativity and collaboration. This city is ideal for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Beyond work, the city's beautiful weather, rich culture, and affordable living make it an attractive place to reside.

Industry options include:

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Architecture and Construction
Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
Finance
Health Science
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.