Focus on Portugal

  Portugal

Lisbon

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, having established itself as an independent nation in the 12th century. You'll find a country that likes to enjoy life and loves to express it through folk festivals, traditional Fado music, and markets overflowing with fish, fruit, and flowers. In Lisbon you can find modern office buildings next to traditional Manueline architecture, a style that combines twisting Moorish lines with ornamental symbols of the sea. The local cuisine relies heavily on the sea, and the most typical dish you'll find is codfish, which the Portuguese prepare in many different ways. There are also numerous celebrations, fairs, religious pilgrimages, and festivals you'll witness during your stay. Each region, even the smallest village, keeps particular traditions alive year round through colorful decoration, food, drinks, dances, and songs.

Highlights: You will attend public high school and your school placement will be based on your interests and academic achievements in one of the following subject tracks: sciences, technologies, social/economical social/humanistic, languages/literature, or visual arts. Unlike the U.S. school system, students don't get to choose the subjects they wish to study; instead they must choose one of the areas above which include specific mandatory classes. Most schools provide a Portuguese tutor to help AFS Exchange Students. Few schools offer extracurricular activities, so students and communities organize their own activities including sports, arts, and hobby clubs. Intercultura-AFS Portugal also offers orientations and social gatherings throughout your stay.

Cost in US$: $8,900 - $9,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947