High School in Portugal

Study Abroad in Portugal

Live with a host family in sunny Portugal for a year or semester while attending a local high school and learning all about this fascinating culture. The Portuguese are very friendly and welcoming of foreigners, and it shouldn’t be long before you feel like you’re a part of the community. By going to a local school you’ll have the opportunity to learn the language and make lots of new friends. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Things to Know About Portugal

Food is a big part of Portuguese life and most food is purchased fresh daily at local markets. Meals in Portugal involve lots of animated conversations and can last a long time. Be on the look-out for people pinching their earlobes during dinner…it means they’re enjoying their meal! You also may find that the Portuguese sense of punctuality is a bit more casual than you’re used to. If you speak some Spanish, you’ll probably be able to pick up Portuguese. Although they sound totally different, written they’re actually quite similar.

70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	2.5
Age Range	15yrs, 0 months to 18yrs, 0 months at start of program
Language Skills	No language requirement
COVID-19 Vaccine	Not Required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Portugal

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Portugal will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Portuguese culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Your Accommodations

Meeting Your Host Family

AFS students have lived in communities throughout Portugal, but you’re most likely to be in an urban or suburban area. Most Portuguese families are relatively small, with one or two children. It’s rare for people to live with their grandparents but many live close to their extended family. Kids in Portuguese families are generally asked to clean up after themselves and help out with the household chores, and you can expect to be treated just the same. Portuguese families enjoy traveling together when they can and some have a country house where they go on the weekends. When it’s warm out, most Portuguese people go to the beach as much as possible so if you like the beach, you’re in luck!

Your High School in Portugal

Attending high school in Portugal will give you a unique opportunity to learn the language and share your culture with your friends. You’ll attend a public high school with other students your age, and will be on one of the following tracks based on your interest and previous classes: science and technology, social-economic sciences, social and human sciences, languages and literature, or visual arts.

Daily Life

Teenage Life in Portugal

You can expect to spend most of your down-time hanging out at cafes, going to the movies, going out to dance clubs, or just relaxing at home and watching a soccer game on TV. While soccer is by far the most popular sport in Portugal, lots of people also like to go surfing, and play field hockey or basketball. You might also get a chance to experience some of Portugal’s numerous celebrations, fairs, and festivals. Every region, even the smallest village, keeps its particular traditions alive through colorful decorations, food, dancing, and music.

Foods You’ll Encounter

Seafood is very popular in Portugal and you’ll find that the Portuguese have hundreds of ways to prepare fish, from charcoal-grilled sardines to salt cod. Other staples include meat, bread, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Pork, lamb, beef, chicken, and rabbit are all common sources of meat. Sweets are also very popular and you’ll find lots of pastry shops.

What's included

75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers
Accommodations with a vetted host family
Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
School enrollment fees
Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
Free Language Proficiency Testing: after your immersive study abroad experience, take an AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) language proficiency test to be able to add your language skills to your resume or possibly your high school transcript!
Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
International secondary medical travel coverage
Visa support and guidance
Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

What's not included

Domestic travel to your international departure city
Visa and passport fees
Spending money
Covid-19 Tests
Fees imposed by the airlines outside of your international ticket, such as luggage fees.
Additional fees may apply depending on the specific host country. Please email [email protected] for additional details.

We invite you to learn more about where your dollars go, our payment and refund policy, and answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Portugal?	YES. Visa
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country)	In-person + In host country
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex)	Complex
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses ($ – $$$)	$$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions	Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Portugal, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Portugal.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.