Academics and Selection

What are the selection criteria?

Students will be selected based on general academic performance, performance in Portuguese courses at Princeton, engagement in the program (participation in language tables, conferences, and events promoted by Portuguese instructors), possible interest in being either a major or a certificate student in Portuguese, maturity and openness to new experiences and international traveling. All candidates will be interviewed by a selection committee composed of Princeton faculty.

Does POR 265S work as pre-requisite for the 300-level POR courses?

Yes. After you take POR 265S, you can either take another 200-level POR course or any 300- or 400- level POR course.

If I take POR 265S in Lisbon, can I take POR 208 once I’m back to Princeton?

Yes. POR 265S is a pre-requisite for the 300- and 400- level courses, but you can also take POR 208 or any other 200- level POR course after having taken POR 265S. If upon your return to Princeton you’re not sure if the best thing to do is to take POR 208 or a more advanced POR course, we recommend that you talk to the Director of the Portuguese Language Program, who will be able to help you find the best choice.

If I have already taken POR 208 at Princeton and I want to polish my language skills, can I take POR 265S in Lisbon?

Yes. POR 265S does not have the same content of POR208, even though the language level is approximately the same.

Can the courses in Lisbon be taken pass/fail?

No.

Travel and Logistics

Do I need a passport and/or a visa to travel to Portugal?

Yes. Make sure your passport is current and valid six months from the date of your return. You must obtain or renew your passport prior to the trip. U.S. citizens do not need a visa, but citizens of some other countries may need a visa. Passport and visa processing can take up to 10 weeks. It is strongly recommended to apply early.

Applying for or Renewing a Passport

For new passports or renewals, processing can take up to 10 weeks. It is strongly recommended that you apply for passport processing asap. 

• U.S. citizens who need to apply for or renew a passport should visit the U.S. State Department website.
• U.S. citizens may also apply for a passport in person in Princeton at:
  • Princeton Municipal Office, 400 Witherspoon Street, 609-924-5704
  • Princeton Post Office, 213 Carnegie Center, 609-452-9044
• Non-U.S. citizens should consult with the embassy of their home country.

For information on how to obtain a visa on your own, check the website of the Consulate General of Portugal in Newark, NJ.

When should I arrive/depart?

Students should arrive in Lisbon on Saturday, May 18. The program will conclude on Saturday, June 22. 

May I arrive to the program late?

No. The program is very intensive and group orientation from the beginning is very important. No exceptions will be made.

Can I make housing arrangements on my own?

No, the program is a package that includes housing in a student residence or apartment in good proximity to CIAL.

What expectations should I have regarding meals?

Restaurants and cafés are plentiful and inexpensive in Lisbon. Meals cost around 10-15 Euros.  There will be opportunities to have dinner as a group a couple of times per week.

What should I expect regarding safety?

Lisbon is considered to be Europe's safest capital city. However, usual precautions apply, especially when going out at night.  

Do I need to purchase health insurance?

No need to purchase health insurance.  All University members on University sponsored trips are automatically enrolled in the International SOS coverage. Please visit the International SOS website for more information. 

Finances

What additional costs will there be?

Please view the Financial Assistance page for detailed information.   

Financial aid

Please view the Financial Assistance page for detailed information.