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GO Lisbon
Classic study abroad experience with independent travel
July 4 - August 2, 2025
European Study Center
Cultural Activities
Weekend Travel
Best For
Vibrant and affordable city
3-day weekends for independent travel
Beach and water enthusiasts
Highlights
Four weeks
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Three or six hours of academic course credit taught by engaging faculty
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Professional (PRO) track experience option in lieu of one academic course
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3-day weekends to explore Europe
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Weekly activities such as a cooking class, TukTuk ride and vineyard tour
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Cultural experiences like city tours and castle visits
“My experience visiting Lisbon, Portugal included adventures like surfing, delicious food and amazing people. I stood at the highest point of Lisbon overlooking the city and could see views stretching from the bridge to the coastline. It took my breath away! I am still speechless and would 100% recommend Lisbon to anyone.”
— Charlotte Lance, University of Missouri
"When visiting Lisbon during my GO Barcelona program, I immediately fell in love with the city. The cobblestone streets and the TukTuk ride up to Peña Palace in Sintra was the highlight of my trip! If you’re considering Lisbon this is your sign, GO Lisbon!"
— Jasmine Morris, University of Alabama
Overview
With its stunning coastline and nearby beaches, GO Lisbon will give you the chance to live in one of the oldest cities in Europe while enjoying time on the water. Lisbon is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and is regarded as one of the safest cities in Europe. Within the city's charming cobblestone streets and historic districts, you will immerse yourself in a rich blend of old-world architecture, vibrant street life, and a lively arts scene. The city's animated neighborhoods, bustling markets and amazing street art scene create an energetic and inspiring ambiance that fuels creativity and exploration. Compared to many other European cities, Lisbon offers a more affordable cost of living, helping your dollar go further during your time abroad. Our staff will be your guide for the picturesque town of Sintra, a fairy-tale-like destination with enchanting yellow palaces and lush forests. If you’re looking for a home base city that has it all, Lisbon is it.
Next Steps
Request a Sample Itinerary and Join the Priority List!
LeadAbroad makes it easy to study abroad. To learn more about our programs, fill out your information and our team will be in touch soon!
What's Included
Let us do the planning so you can stress less and travel more. Your program fee covers many of the expenses of your time abroad.
Weekend Travel & Adventures
During the middle three weeks of the program, you will have 3-day weekends for independent travel. As a gateway to Europe, Lisbon allows you to easily explore nearby cities or travel to other European destinations during your long weekends. The GO Lisbon staff will hold office hours throughout the program to support students and plan safe, exciting weekend excursions. The beaches near Lisbon are hidden gems, revealing a coastal paradise just a short distance from the bustling city center. Whether you’re looking for a paradise for surfers and wind sports enthusiasts or colorful laid-back beach huts, azure waters, and stunning cliffs, these beach towns offer a picture-perfect escape.
Academic Courses
Classes meet Monday-Thursday most weeks which will provide you the opportunity to travel and explore your surroundings on your 3-day weekends. GO Lisbon courses are available in culture, business and communications. Students will enroll in two classes for six hours of credit or one class for three hours of credit if combined with the PRO track micro-internship experience. Our experienced faculty work year-round to develop engaging and relevant courses. They incorporate local culture into the classroom whether it is through cultural sites and museum visits, readings by Portuguese authors or providing local context to the topics discussed. Due to our smaller class sizes, it’s easy to engage with the class material and your fellow students as you learn about your area of study. And, the slightly shorter calendar and less class days during the program, GO Lisbon students will have pre-program assignments to complete. Below are draft syllabi to leverage for course review and approval. Final syllabi and faculty information will be available in the spring.
Community Building & Engagement
Our engagement model is the reason the GO programs are different from other study abroad programs. Our team consists of a program director, faculty members and peer leaders who will support you and create fun and unique opportunities to connect with your program group. In past summers, we have hosted a variety of optional activities from cooking classes, castle tours to epic charcuterie picnics. Students have told us they’ve connected with new best friends and future bridesmaids and groomsmen during these optional activities designed to bring the program together.
Professional Experience Option
In addition to an enriching academic experience, GO Lisbon students have the opportunity to enhance their professional development skills and gain valuable, real-world experience through our innovative partnership with Nexgen Careers. Instead of taking two courses on the program, you take one class and in place of your second course, you will participate in the professional development program focusing on career design and real-world consulting projects for international organizations. Combine the best of both worlds with challenging academics and resume-building professional experience on GO Lisbon.
Accommodations
While in Lisbon, you will stay in a safe, comfortable and centrally located dorm-style housing with 24/7 front desk support. You will be located within walking distance to some of the best restaurants and historical sites the city has to offer.
The housing facility has private rooms and kitchens for each student. If you know others on the program, we will try to place you on the same floor. There are laundry facilities, a gym, game area and great common spaces to hangout. The GO Lisbon accommodation also has free wireless internet to make it easy to stay in touch with family and friends at home.
Free WiFi
Nearby Dining & Markets
Front Desk Support
Laundry
Rooftop Views
Gym
Nearby Grocery
Air Conditioning
Behind the Scenes:
An inside look into life as a Lisbon student!
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