Description
Study abroad in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal. University Institute of Lisbon was founded in 1972 as one of Portugal’s first modern universities, with the central aim of studying labor and social dynamics in a rapidly changing world. On campus, students find not only a robust intellectual tradition, with mentorship from teaching staff involved in cutting-edge research, but also a vibrant, multicultural environment.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Academic Programs International (API)
This program is facilitated by UCSC in collaboration with API. Therefore, program information indicated on the API website may differ from the program details indicated here.
API is an organization that UCSC has partnered with to provide students with this opportunity. API stands for Academic Programs International which is an organization that was founded in 1997 to connect U.S. college students to the world. API has staff in the United States and abroad to support students through every step of their journey.
Minimum GPA – 2.85
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester: early September – mid-December
- The fall examination period continues past December break into January. Many professors will allow students to take their exams early and depart in December; however, some will require students to take their exam with a proctor in January after returning to the U.S.
Spring Semester: late January – mid-June
- Students must miss both winter and spring quarters at UCSC to participate in this session
Cost
Location
City & University
With a spectacular Atlantic coastline, Portugal sits on the sunny southwest corner of Europe, but this tiny nation – a pioneer in maritime exploration — occupies a central place in world history. Lisbon has exceptional nightlife, award-winning beaches, great cuisine, and is ranked as one of the most affordable and safest of European destinations. Whether you’re into music, futbol (soccer), surfing, art museums, or history, you’ll find a warm welcome from the Portuguese, who are eager to share their unique culture with you!
Accommodations
Students in Lisbon live in furnished student apartments or in a student residence hall with other API participants and/or international students. All accommodations are within a 20-25 minute commute from the university via public transportation. Most apartments have single rooms, and a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living areas. Student residence halls have single rooms with ensuite bathrooms and shared kitchen and living areas.
Included Excursions
Included excursions for this program are:
- Belém
- Lagos
- Mafra and Ericeira
- Porto
- Sintra
- Évora
Note: excursions vary by term.
If you would like more detailed information about the excursions, please reach out to globallearning@ucsc.edu or studentoutreach@apiabroad.com
Student Support
API teams will support your study abroad journey from application through re-entry. API staff will help guide you through the final phases of the application process after you have been nominated by UCSC, then upon arrival in-country, you will meet the API onsite team who will provide assistance during your time in-country. API staff is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social, cultural, health, and safety questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator.
Please contact API directly if you have any concerns about disability accommodations abroad at studentoutreach@apiabroad.com.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As an Instituto Universitario de Lisboa exchange student, enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students.
- Language of Instruction: English (Portuguese for Portuguese language course only)
- Students have the option of taking one Portuguese language course, conducted from beginner to advanced levels.
Course Search
- View commonly available courses available at the host university.
- For syllabi/course description, click on the “View” button at the bottom of each course title.
- If “VIEW SYLLABUS” is not available, please email studentoutreach@apiabroad.com and request the course syllabus.
- Term availability is noted under “Sessions.”
- NOTE: Do not change search parameters, as it will offer locations/terms/programs not approved by UCSC.
- If you have any questions or need to request syllabi please contact API advising team at studentoutreach@apiabroad.com.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- Students will earn the equivalent of 18-24 quarter credits.
- Most courses are 6 ECTS credits, and students usually take around 5 courses
- Students must take 5 courses (each at least 6 ECTS credits) in spring semester
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At Lisboa, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 12 UCSC quarter credits in fall semester and at least 24 UCSC quarter credits in spring semester after conversion (see below).
If you are not enrolled in the minimum number of quarter credits required, then you will fall out of Satisfactory Academic Progress. This could lead to financial aid and academic repercussions.
If you are unable to enroll in the minimum number of quarter credits through courses at your host university, you may be able to fill in the gap by enrolling in one remote course through UCSC or UC online.
Credit Conversion
Lisboa uses ECTS credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 5 ECTS credits = 4 quarter credits at UCSC
- 10 ECTS credits = 8 quarter credits at UCSC
- 15 ECTS credits = 12 quarter credits at UCSC
- 20 ECTS credits = 15 quarter credits at UCSC
Academic Restrictions
Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by API, and work with assigned API program manager, to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.