Study in Europe to improve your Portuguese in Portugal by participating in this high school exchange.
This country has charming places with a lot of cultural richness and quality of life. A lifestyle quite similar to that of Latin America. You will live with a Portuguese host family during the school year. Choose a High School Study Abroad in Portugal.
Interested in this program?
We're happy to help you plan your stay.
Newt possible start date: September 2027; inquire now!
Be an exchange student in Portugal
Exchange students interested in discovering Portugal and the Portuguese culture will no doubt enjoy their High School year in this country. Portuguese ranks currently as the 6th most widely spoken language in the world! Exchange students will attend classes in a local public secondary school and be hosted by a nice and caring Portuguese host family. Apply for a High School in Portugal!
What should I expect from my exchange year in Portugal?
The Portuguese educational system consists of 12 years of schooling before higher education. Secondary schools consist of years 10, 11 and 12. After the 9th grade, students have to choose a certain area of studies (general courses and technical/vocational courses). Each area of studies includes different subjects, some of which are compulsory for each area of studies (Philosophy, Physical Education, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Personal and Social Development).
Study Abroad in Portugal
Most exchange students enrolled in this exchange program in Portugal interested in other extracurricular activities, such as sports, take them outside of school. Exchange students will be invited to attend two weekends with local Portuguese students. They may also be invited for other informal events such as dinners or evenings out organized by the local coordinator.
Graduation is not possible during your experience in a High School in Portugal. Attending classes is practically the only activity that takes place in Portuguese public schools. Most students interested in other activities, such as Sports, have to take them outside of school. Students will be invited to attend two weekends with local Portuguese students. They may also be invited for other informal events such as dinners or evenings out organized by the local coordinator.
Live with a Portuguese host family, providing full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
High School exchange in Portugal 2027/2028
Prices available for September 2027 and January 2028.
* Price in Euros per participant.
Not included : Application Fees (65 EUR)
On offer:
- Term Abroad Portugal
- Semester Abroad Portugal
- School Year Abroad Portugal
💰 What's Included in the Price?
- Administration fees
- Host school placement and school books
- Orientation on arrival
- Host family accommodation with half board on weekdays and full board on weekends
- Airport pick up and transfer on arrival and departure (except domestic transfer from Lisbon)
- Support, assistance and 24/7 Hotline during the whole program
🚫 What's Not Included?
- Round-trip international airfare
- Non-compulsory insurance (luggage lost, flight delay etc.)
- Visa, passport, and medical exam fees
- Extra activities organized by the school and others
- Field trips, extra school fees if any, school lunches, transportation to school (30 EUR/month), school uniforms in private schools, art material
- Extra language courses (except for courses provided by the school)
- Personal expenses and spending money
- Medical, Liability and Emergency Repatriation Insurance
Exchange students must be interviewed in their home country before being accepted for a High School exchange in Portugal.
A minimum of one year of Portuguese study and good academic results are required.
Please note that this program is available for English native speakers from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In both programs, students are assigned to a host family and attend a local high school. The main difference is the duration of the program and whether the student returns with class certifications. The Nacel Homestay programs are usually shorter (up to 12 weeks) and do not provide class certifications. It is a pure cultural immersion program.
Nacel takes student safety very seriously. Every family presents criminal and police records, IDs, and recommendation letters. Most of our families are recommended by local schools or other host families. In addition, we visit each household to make sure that the conditions and area are adequate to receive international students.
For Nacel, the match with the host family is key. We use a matching system where we pair students and host families based on goals, interests, and hobbies. We understand that cultural differences can affect the relationship, so first we try to mediate and reach a consensus. However, when needed, students are placed with another host family.
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