Study Abroad Semester

Port Spotlight: Lisbon, Portugal, Cape Town, South Africa - The Scholar Ship calls on the port of Lisbon on both its September and January voyages. On the January voyage, Lisbon is a break port, offering students a brief stay to explore this fantastic city. The September voyage, in contrast, calls on Lisbon for an entire week of academic field study, community service, shore excursions and independent travel in and beyond the port region.

Lisbon is the city for fado, funiculars, feasting and frolicking. At Lisbon's heart are wide, tree-lined avenues graced by Art Nouveau buildings, mosaic pavements and street cafes. Seen from the river - one of the city's many great viewpoints - Lisbon is an impressionist picture of low-rise ochre and pastel, punctuated by church towers and domes. Its position on seven low hills beside a river once lured traders and settlers, and it's still a stunning site. Add to that its cultural diversity, laid-back feel and architectural time warp, and you have one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe.

The antediluvian trams in the city are more than just a way to get from A to B - they're an essential Lisbon experience. Similarly, the city's three funiculars are an indispensable part of its charm. Catholic Portugal enthusiastically celebrates festas (festivals), feiras (fairs) and romarias (religious pilgrimages). When you add in an almost-religious love of soccer and a vibrant arts calendar, Lisbon is abuzz almost all year round.

Fun fact: Lisbon is one of the few capital cities that can boast bottle-nose dolphins in its nearby waters.

Shore Excursion Profile - Lisbon 101: Street Games

Explore Lisbon through an interactive challenge with your fellow students. Alfama derives from the Arabic word for "hot springs," and it is where you will start your journey in a picturesque maze of narrow streets, cul-de-sacs, twirling steps, patios, and colorful gardens. Students will be divided into teams, and given a list of instructions and a camera. Your mission will take you to the historic center of Lisbon and it's most interesting and important sites.

Learn more about our experiential-based port program