Study Abroad in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal – FALL 2027

Dates: September 27 - November 22, 2027
Zoom info session: Coming soon

Studying abroad in Lisbon through a community college program offers an enriching way to experience international education. Students can take transferable courses while exploring a new culture, gaining independence, and building confidence. Lisbon’s friendly environment, walkable neighborhoods, and lower living costs make it ideal for first-time travelers. Overall, it’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons while staying on track academically.

View of the Alfama district of Lisbon from the Tagus River with a clear blue sky overhead.

Program Cost: $7,995

Important Dates

Application Deadline: July 2, 2027
Program Deposit Due: July 2, 2027
Early Bird Deadline: April 10, 2027 & save $100
Balance of Program Fees Due: July 30, 2027
Tuition: Check your campus calendar
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation: August 28, 2027

Location

Set along the sunny Atlantic coast, Lisbon is a vibrant, affordable European capital that blends historic charm with a modern, student-friendly vibe. Picture yourself walking through colorful neighborhoods, riding the iconic yellow trams, and studying at cafés overlooking the Tagus River.

Lisbon, Portugal is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for international students to feel at home. For community college students, Lisbon offers a unique mix of academic opportunity and adventure, and the city’s mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor life and weekend trips to nearby beaches.

Housing

Students will live in a shared apartment with other WCCCSA students. Typically, 4-6 WCCCSA students will share apartments with equipped kitchen, bathroom(s) and common space, located approximately 40-minutes of travel time to the AIFS Study Center and classrooms. Linens and towels, weekly cleaning service, laundry facilities, and free wireless internet are provided.

Transportation

A Lisboa Navegante travel card is provided, granting unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams and regional trains in the central zone of Lisbon for the duration of the program.

Faculty and Courses

Courses and faculty information are TBD. Students will register for three 5-credit courses at their home campus.

Portuguese Life and Culture

Make the most of your time in Lisbon and really get emersed in your new home with this required course which will explore a different theme of Portuguese Life and Culture each week, from Lisbon history and politics to Portuguese language, sports, music, dance, food and drink, and much more! This course is taught by local qualified professor focusing on historical, political, economic and cultural aspects of Lisbon and Portugal. Local faculty will assign work and grades for the course.

Reminder: This is an academic program, and students are required to enroll in a full-time course load (15 credits). Failure to participate in the academic coursework may result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to make the most of their classroom learning as it will enhance understanding of all the local area has to offer.

Excursions and Activities

To be determined

Independent Travel

You may use your free time on weekends & holidays to explore Lisbon, travel throughout Portugal, or beyond to some of Europe’s great cities including London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Paris. Typically, students will have Fridays free from classes and required activities.

Pre-Departure Orientation (Mandatory)

A team of WCCCSA Study Abroad Coordinators will provide details on logistics, health, and safety information to help you prepare for your study experience in Lisbon. You are more than welcome to invite parents, guardians, or whomever you would like to attend the mandatory orientation with you. Lunch will be included.

Date: Saturday, August 28, 2027
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Cascadia College – Bothell, WA

What to bring to Orientation:

Signed copy of the Student Guidelines
Copy of your passport
Flight itineraries
Notepad and pen to take notes
And questions!

Costs: $7,995

After a deposit or final payment is collected, this money will not be refunded. If a student or faculty member should decide not to participate in an activity or excursion, no money will be refunded.

Included

Airport pick-up and transfer between LIS airport and program accommodation
Accommodation in a shared, self-catered apartment (Includes: Free Wi-Fi, linens & towels, laundry facilities, weekly cleaning service)
24-hour on-call service in Lisbon for duration of program
Pre-departure orientation and Onsite Orientation in Lisbon
Travel Pass (Lisboa Navegante) for unlimited travel on buses, trains and metro in central Lisbon
Welcome and Farewell meals
Half-day sightseeing walking tour of Lisbon with English-speaking guide
Comprehensive Health Insurance and 24/7 emergency service
A dedicated AIFS Program Coordinator to ensure smooth program experience
Free internet access and printing facilities in AIFS Student Center
Two full-day cultural excursions to Coimbra and Sintra, including transportation, professional English-speaking guide and AIFS escort

Not Included

Round-trip Airfare and in-country transfers
College tuition & fees for 15-credits
Course books/materials
Passport & visa fees, if applicable
Meals not mentioned above
Personal expenses
Additional excursions and fieldtrips not otherwise listed above
Anything not specified as included in the program
Optional personal effects coverage and medical insurance upgrade

Scholarships

WCCCSA Lisbon participants are all eligible to apply for the $1,000 WCCCSA scholarship.

The Benjamin Gilman Study Abroad Scholarship Application are either due:

Fall 2026 - October 1, 2026, at 11.59 p.m.
Winter 2027 – To be determined (March 2027)