Learn how Portugal's approach to sustainability and social equity challenges the core principles of mainstream economic theory.
16
Relevant previous coursework
Portuguese
English
Sep 1 – Dec 14
Portugal
Spain
Lisbon
Required
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
Live in the European Green Capital for 2020: Lisbon, a city addressing carbon emissions and the impact of mass tourism through renewable energy technologies and social projects. Here, you’ll discover how Portugal’s approach to sustainability and social equity challenges the core principles of economic orthodoxy. You will gain firsthand experience learning about food waste and environmental education by volunteering with NGO´s such as Refood, Movimento ALP, and Banco de Bens Doados. On excursions to the Azores Islands, the coastal city Porto, and Spain’s stunning Extremadura region, you’ll compare conservation projects, sustainable agriculture production, resource management, and environmental good practice.
Previous college-level coursework or background in sustainability, environmental studies, economics, natural resources, health, environmental policy, sociology or other related fields, as assessed by SIT.
Students studying on this SIT semester-length program can choose to simultaneously complete a minor, with no additional coursework or cost. At SIT, a minor is a minimum of 16 credits taken within a content area. This standout credential can help boost your future job or graduate school applications.
SIT's program in Portugal offers the choice to do a minor in global environmental studies or global sustainability studies. Through hands-on training in environmental assessment, bioeconomy research, and renewable energy technologies within the context of a just energy transition, you’ll explore different approaches to sustainability and environmental justice across mainland Portugal, the Azores Islands, and Spain’s Extremadura region.
Explore this autonomous nine-island archipelago in the mid-Atlantic with its intense natural beauty. The Azores and have become a popular tourist destination and a hub for eco-conscious design.
In São Miguel, the largest island, you will see smart approaches to sustainable tourism and climate change. Your excursion will reflect the values and principles of the program including low-emission transportation, sustainable catering, a circular economy for food, paperless management and other responsible practices. Enjoy a deep connection with nature while visiting thermal springs or hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Study alternative energy technologies and sustainability systems in the Extremadura autonomous region of the western Iberian Peninsula. Learn how Spain uses renewable energy to drive economic growth and create jobs in this high unemployment area through ecotourism initiatives.
Walk on a 1st-century Roman bridge and visit the Alcazaba Arab fortress. In Cáceres, you will attend university lectures (accompanied/guided by university professors) and visit the oldest part of the city, used as a set location for the TV series “Game of Thrones.” You will also visit one of Spain’s best-preserved Jewish quarters.
The area with the highest olive oil production in Portugal is Alentejo, producing three-quarters of Portuguese olive oil. You will see how local producers are changing from traditional to sustainable production. Also, in Alentejo you can walk in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Guadiana River region where Alqueva Dam is located.
Travel to the north and explore some of the most historic cities of Portugal known for their traditions. Learn how innovation is helping businesses to be more sustainable. In Porto, a city rich in history and stunning views, you’ll take in the blend of old and innovative. See the Serralves Park hall and visit the picturesque Cais da Ribeira and its iconic Luís I Bridge stretching across the Douro River. Departing from Porto, you will visit the Douro Valley, the largest area of mountain vineyards in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. Discover how farmers operate to decrease vulnerability and enhance their adaptive capacity.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Comparative Sustainable Bioeconomy and Energy Resources – syllabus
(ENVI/EURO3000 / 3 credits)
This seminar uses Portugal and southern Spain as case studies for a critical reflection on the impact of bioeconomy and energy resources on economic growth and sustainability within a Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus framework of analysis. The course builds on understanding sustainability, growth, the circular economy, and Nexus concepts while allowing students to explore applications of these frameworks in practice. Portugal’s sustainability approach maps directions for alternative options in renewable energy sources, circular economy, sustainable tourism, and access to a sustainable urban environment. Portugal generates almost 60 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable energy. Its approach to sustainable tourism has been hailed as a model for economic development, and Lisbon was awarded the title of European Green Capital for 2020. Spain is the second most-visited country in the world, the world’s largest producer of olive oil, and is expected to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030. Through field excursions, students compare different sustainability and resource use issues including conservation projects, sustainable agriculture and tourism, resource management and environmental good practice, use of renewable energy sources and impact on sustainable economic growth.
Environmental Justice, Advocacy, and Urban Regeneration – syllabus
(ENVI/EURO3005 / 3 credits)
In this seminar, environmental justice is used in a broad sense to refer to the distribution of and access to green spaces and green infrastructure, and the social relationships of production and power that shape fair and equitable access and distribution. Variables such as race, class, and location impact environmental in/justice and access to green spaces, forests, clean air, water, health, and other resources. The 1976 Portuguese Constitution recognized the “right to a healthy and ecologically balanced living environment” and the “duty to defend it,” But, only after the Framework Act on the Environment was passed in 1987 did environmental public policy become important to policymakers. Students will analyze the policies and politics underlying inequitable environmental policies and the resistance movements built to fight injustices in the areas of waste management, industry, energy, biodiversity, urban regeneration and territorial management. The focus is on the socioeconomic and health impacts of environmental injustice. During educational excursions, students will learn about major cases of environmental conflicts in Portugal and southern Spain. The seminar draws on theoretical and empirical frameworks from a plurality of disciplines including environmental studies, environmental science, urban planning, public health, cultural geography, social and environmental psychology and sociology to interrogate environmental policies and practices and examine their impacts on environmental degradation and the well-being of communities.
Environmental Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ENVI3500 / 3 credits)
This seminar introduces students to the conceptual and practical tools for gathering primary data, and the knowledge and skills that are essential to forming constructive relationships with organizations and/or individuals, which are necessary for completing an academic project in the cultural context of Portugal. The main emphasis is on the development of empirical tools and ethics of interactive research skills involving the collection of primary data. The seminar includes modules on sustainable research methods and qualitative and quantitative research methods for ethical decision-making in environmental studies. The seminar uses lectures and field assignments to prepare students to undertake field study in strict observance of research procedures. The overall aim is to help students hone their experience-based learning processes and prepare them for the development of an Independent Study Project (ISP), which is largely based on the data gathered from primary sources.
Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)
The Independent Study Project (ISP) is a self-designed research project offering students the opportunity to undertake a personally significant and independent investigation that highlights the regional and cultural reality that can only be encountered during a study abroad experience. The ISP is the academic component in which the student most directly applies the concepts, skills, tools, and techniques of experience-based learning articulated through the Environmental Research Methods and Ethics course and the thematic courses, while enabling students to further integrate their language skills and the contacts they have developed in the homestay and in the broader community. Each student will plan, develop, and independently undertake a research project, with the advice and guidance of the academic director and an ISP advisor — a local academic and/or sustainability or environmental professional. The topic of study may be anything of interest to the student, within the scope of the program and the immediate region, and is usually developed out of lectures, discussions, field visits, and educational excursions. The final project should provide material evidence of student capability in utilizing appropriate methodologies and in synthesizing experiences in the host culture. Students are expected to complete 120 hours of field-based (non-archival, non-library) research on their topic, submit a substantial written paper, and deliver an accompanying oral presentation. It is not uncommon for ISPs to strongly contribute to the student’s choice of subject for graduate studies or professional career.
Sample topics:
Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.
Portuguese Introductory I – syllabus
(PORT1003 / 3 credits)
Portuguese Introductory II – syllabus
(PORT1503 / 3 credits)
Portuguese Intermediate I – syllabus
(PORT2003 / 3 credits)
Portuguese Intermediate II – syllabus
(PORT2503 / 3 credits)
Portuguese Advanced I – syllabus
(PORT3003 / 3 credits)
Portuguese Advanced II – syllabus
(PORT3503 / 3 credits)
Emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing skills in Portuguese through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, students are placed in intensive beginning or intermediate classes, with further language practice in lectures and field visits.
You will be staying in an apartment or student residence. Most placements are in shared rooms with two to three students per room. There will be a kitchen or kitchenette for you to prepare your meals, a washing machine in the building, and wi-fi. Apartments are about a 30–40-minute commute to classes via subway to campus. Students will have opportunities to engage with the Portuguese community through voluntary work, field visits, and a cooking workshop.
Other accommodations during the program include apartments, hostels, and modest hotels.
Students on this program may consider career paths in various sectors including with:
Public policy
Advocacy
Public relations
Sustainable energy
Sustainable agriculture
Environment agencies
International development
Government and administrative institutions
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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Students are required to obtain a visa for this program. Your admissions officer will provide you further guidance on the process and support documents. Please do not apply without instructions from your admissions officer.
By participating in fieldwork, contributing fresh ideas and perspectives, and collaborating with research teams, study abroad students have the opportunity to apply theory to practice in a variety of research projects.
