Welcome to ISCE

There is an expectation that all students will experience a significant international experience during their time with us. We believe that, in order to fully benefit from the opportunities available in the globalised world of the 21st century, students must develop global competences, knowledge and empathetic appreciation of other cultures, together with the ability to work as part of a team across cultural boundaries. The best way to develop such global competences is through the direct experience of living abroad.

Following their international experience with us, students report increased independence, greater self-confidence and a network of new international friends and contacts. They also develop a deeper understanding of their own society, as they gain the opportunity to observe their culture from a new perspective. Many discover relevant research topics based on their knowledge of different cultural, political and economic systems.

Within our outstanding facilities, ideal conditions are created for teaching, research, laboratory practice, educational, sports, cultural and academic activities. In addition, our Campuses include open-air amphitheatres and multiple green spaces, ideal for student social interaction and enjoying nature.

There are different paths to achieving this type of experience, and ISCE supports all students wishing to find opportunities for study, research and volunteering.

ISCE has international agreements (Erasmus and Exchange) with numerous universities worldwide. To spend one or two semesters at ISCE, students from partner universities must first be nominated by the coordinator at their home institution. Following nomination, students will receive instructions on how to complete the application process.

The main language of instruction at ISCE is Portuguese. Before the beginning of each semester, a Portuguese Language and Culture course for foreign students is organised for interested students. ISCE also offers several interdisciplinary curricular units supported in English; a minimum B1 level of language proficiency is recommended.

Partner universities must submit nominations within the indicated deadlines and students nominated by their home university must complete the application following the instructions received by email after nomination, during the established periods. To complete the application, students must send us the following documents:

• Student Application Form (see the “Useful Documents” section)
• Learning Agreement for Studies (see the “Useful Documents” section)
• Copy of passport (non-European students) or citizen card/identity card (European Union students)
• Copy of the European Health Insurance Card
• Private health insurance (not mandatory for European citizens, but recommended. Non-European students must obtain private health insurance before arriving in Portugal; it is not necessary to attach the policy to the application, but students must carry it with them during their mobility period).

The Transcript of Records will be issued by ISCE within 3 weeks after the end of the assessment period.

For further information, please contact: gri@isce.pt

Language of instruction 1 (students and staff) - Portuguese B2*

Language of instruction 2 (students and staff) - English B1*

* For easier and more consistent understanding of language requirements, the use of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is recommended (http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/resources/european-language-levels-cefr).

ISCE is responsible for supporting nominated candidates so that they possess the recommended language skills at the beginning of the study or teaching period. ISCE organises a Portuguese Language and Culture Course for international students. To be admitted to the course, foreign students must be enrolled at ISCE through international or Erasmus programmes.

The course is online (synchronous classes), takes place before the beginning of each semester and is organised into 30 lessons (60 minutes each). The course has been designed to develop linguistic skills such as listening comprehension, reading, written comprehension, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. Attendance is compulsory in order to pass the final examination. Only students attending at least 80% of the lessons will obtain a certificate

Total cost of the course (30 lessons): €200. Payment must be made by bank transfer [0035-0545-0003-7244-4313-9], up to one week before the course begins, and proof of payment must be sent by email

• Course dates (1st semester [autumn]): last 3 weeks of September
• Course dates (2nd semester [spring]): first 3 weeks of February

Course delivery: as the training is online, students may attend the course before travelling to Portugal. After registration, they will receive all instructions regarding the operation of the online course. Registration: students wishing to attend the Portuguese Language Course should tick that option on the Application Form and send it to us.

To study in the 1st semester (autumn)

• Students’ NOMINATIONS must reach ISCE by 30 May
• Students’ APPLICATIONS must reach ISCE by 30 June

To study in the 2nd semester (spring)

• Students’ NOMINATIONS must reach ISCE by 30 November
• Students’ APPLICATIONS must reach ISCE by 30 December

Nomination and application procedures must be submitted by email to the two contacts indicated below.

General - gri@isce.pt | Coordination - nuno.abranja@isce.pt

Erasmus Charter code: P LISBOA 97 | OID: E10111576