Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Academic Year

Program Overview

Program Description:

AFS (formerly the American Field Service) is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in more than 40 countries around the world. We've been exchanging students throughout the world for 60 years. That is six decades of history and experience in international education with an exemplary record of safety, security, and service to students, parents, and educators.

AFS Mission: AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership.

AFS offers year and semester programs to destinations throughout Portugal. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.

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... When it comes to schools in Portugal, many of the extra curricular activities are found outside of school. The Portuguese students are graded differently than American students. The grading system in Portugal isn't the typical letter grading system we use here in the U.S. take a look at the way these Portuguese students are graded. Outstanding: 17-20 Good: 13-16 Average: 10-12 Poor:8-9 Failing:0-7

Colleges recommend high school study abroad experiences - as these programs provide the opportunity to develop confidence and self-reliance before pursuing higher education. In addition, after exploring the world you may have a clearer vision of what you'd like to study in college. As a result, you may spend less time switching majors, which means you'll save time and money. An exchange program also boosts college applications and gives you an immediate advantage when applying for scholarships.

Plus, the language skills you develop on an AFS program might exempt you from required language courses, thus enabling you to finish college sooner. Some students have received as much as 18 hours language credit-almost enough to provide a minor in language and a huge financial savings when you figure the cost of credits.

Setting Description:

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.