The Forum on Education Abroad
The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), the organization behind the Study in Portugal Network Program, is proudly hosting The Forum on Education Abroad’s CIGL and EMEA conferences this October at the Rectory of Universidade de Lisboa.
CIGL
Careers, Internships, and Global Learning Conference
OCT 11 - 13
Key registration dates
July 11, 2026: Early Bird Registration Ends
September 19, 2026: Regular Registration Ends
October 9, 2026: Late Registration Ends
EMEA
Europe, Middle East, and Africa Conference
OCT 14 - 16
Key registration dates
July 10, 2026: Early Bird Registration Ends
September 11, 2026: Regular Registration Ends
October 8, 2026: Late Registration Ends
2
Days
60+
Speakers
50+
HR Tech Expo
900+
Participants
Why Portugal
Conference Highlights
A Fast-Rising Study Destination
Portugal continues to gain prominence in global higher education, standing out as one of the fastest-growing destinations for U.S. students, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE).
A Safe and Welcoming Environment
Portugal ranks among the world’s safest countries, placing 7th globally in the Global Peace Index, reflecting low crime levels, strong social stability, and a high quality of life.
An Open and International Society
With over 1.5 million foreign residents—around 15% of the population—, according to AIMA, Portugal is an increasingly diverse and globally connected country.
A Strategic Global Hub and the World’s 6th most spoken language
Positioned at the crossroads of continents, Portugal is both a gateway to Europe and a bridge to Africa and the Americas. As a central node in the Lusophone world, it offers access to a global network of Portuguese-speaking countries, reinforcing its role in transatlantic academic cooperation.
A Living Lab for Program Design and Delivery
Portugal hosts a growing number of U.S. and international programs across semester, summer, and short-term formats, with established models in areas such as experiential learning, internships, and community engagement. This diversity allows institutions to test and adapt program structures in a real-world setting.
A Platform for Institutional Exchange
Theses conferences will be bringing together universities, providers, and policymakers to share concrete approaches to topics such as student mobility, partnership development, and program quality. It will also offer opportunities for institutions to build partnerships and explore collaboration with representatives from all over the world, including with their Portuguese counterparts.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for FLAD, please feel free to reach out at: ricardo.pereira@flad.pt
Please note that The Forum on Education Abroad is the organizer and host of the conference. For inquiries specifically related to the conference, you should contact their team directly.
About FLAD & SIPN
The Luso-American Development Foundation operates as a grant-making organization that supports research, academic exchange, cultural initiatives, and broader transatlantic collaboration between Portugal and the United States.
It was established in 1985 with an endowment originating from the 1983 U.S.-Portugal Cooperation and Defense Agreement. Over the years, it has developed partnerships with major universities in both countries, and we are in a privileged.
Hosting the CIGL and EMEA Conference of The Forum on Education Abroad reflects a long-standing commitment of FLAD to advancing the internationalization of Portuguese higher education, an important pillar of our activity ever since the Foundation’s inception.
Over more than four decades, FLAD has fostered academic exchange and institutional collaboration between Portugal and the United States. This includes supporting visiting faculty positions at institutions such as Brown University, Georgetown University, and University of Massachusetts Lowell, contributing to the creation of Portuguese studies departments like the one at University of California, Berkeley, supporting the Fulbright Commission Portugal, and partnering with initiatives such as Gilman Program. Over the years FLAD has awared thousands of grants and awards to individuals and organizations in the area of Science and Technology, Transatlantic Relations, Arts & Culture, Education, among others.
Since 2014 FLAD took on the opportunity to help place Portugal on the radar of study abroad by creating the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) -, based in Lisbon, which is a consortium of Portuguese universities that offers a range of study abroad programs for U.S. students and faculty, including semester, full-year, summer, and short-term faculty-led options. SiPN’s strong partnerships with Portuguese institutions enable it to tailor academic experiences across a variety of subjects, while its all-inclusive fees cover tuition, lodging, cultural activities, transportation, and more.
After 11 years, SiPN has welcomed more than 2,000 students from nearly 100 US universities and colleges.
This cooperation with the Forum and the conference attendees that will be making it to Lisbon, some of whom are FLAD/SiPN partners, is another moment of affirmation to FLAD, SiPN, and other program providers operating in Portugal.
These conferences mark another significant step in FLAD’s 40-year commitment to connecting institutions and individuals across borders. Through these events, FLAD seeks to encourage dialogue on major higher education challenges, position Portugal as a premier destination for academic partnership, and deepen global and transatlantic relationships built on shared expertise and understanding.
Plan Your Visit
Bridging Borders: Portuguese-International Partnership Events
Within the framework of these conferences, FLAD, in partnership with Instituto para o Ensino Superior e Study & Research in Portugal will promote two events, non-conflicting events with the conferences, to provide the opportunity for attendees to develop further acquaintances and networking moments with Portuguese-based Higher Education institutions.
Oct 14
Morning
Portuguese University Site Visits
On the morning of October 14, Higher Education Institutions located in Lisbon will have the opportunity to host groups of conference participants for visits to their campuses, providing a moment of direct engagement with the host institutions and their internationalization initiatives.
Oct 14
Afternoon
Speed Dating / Networking Session
This dynamic partnership event brings together representatives from Portuguese higher education institutions and Forum members for a structured and engaging exchange designed to spark new international collaborations.
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most accessible capitals, with excellent air connections and a growing network of rail links. Whether traveling from within Europe or from the United States, visitors will find a wide range of convenient options.
Traveling to Lisbon by Plane (USA)
Lisbon offers strong transatlantic connectivity, with both direct and connecting flights from major U.S. cities.
Direct Flights
Non-stop flights are available from cities such as:
- New York (JFK and Newark)
- Boston
- Miami
- Philadelphia
These routes are operated by airlines including TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
Traveling to Lisbon by Plane (Europe)
Most major European capitals are within approximately 2 to 3 hours of Lisbon, with frequent daily flights available from cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome.
Both full-service and low-cost carriers operate these routes, including TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet, ensuring a wide range of schedules and pricing options.
Traveling to Lisbon by Train (Europe)
Traveling to Lisbon by train is a scenic and sustainable alternative, though generally slower than flying. Lisbon is connected to the European rail network, but most international journeys require one or more transfers.
- From Spain: There is a daily overnight train from Madrid to Lisbon, taking approximately 10 hours.
- From France and beyond: Routes from cities such as Paris or London typically involve connections in Spain and can take significantly longer.
- From other European cities: Travel often requires 1–2 transfers, commonly via Madrid, Barcelona, or Porto.
Lisbon’s main railway stations—Oriente and Santa Apolónia—serve both domestic and international routes and are well connected to the city center.
The Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa is centrally located within the Cidade Universitária campus, at:
Alameda da Universidade1649-004 Lisboa, Portugal
By Metro
The easiest way to reach the Reitoria is by metro. Take the Yellow Line (Linha Amarela) and get off at Cidade Universitária station. From there, it is approximately a 5–10 minute walk to the Reitoria building.
By Bus
Several bus routes serve the Cidade Universitária area. Nearby stops include “Cidade Universitária” and “Campo Grande.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon. Simply enter “Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa” as your destination.
From Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport)
The Reitoria is located approximately 10 minutes by car from the airport. You may also take the metro directly from the airport on the Red Line (Linha Vermelha), transfer to the Yellow Line at Saldanha, and exit at Cidade Universitária.
Hotel options (10–15 minutes from the conference venue):
Hotel Açores Lisboa
★★★★
Hotel Açores Lisboa is a comfortable four-star hotel located near Praça de Espanha, offering convenient access to the subway and a short distance from the conference venue.
SANA Metropolitan Hotel
★★★★
SANA Metropolitan Hotel is a contemporary four-star hotel situated close to Cidade Universitária, ideal for quick access to the conference.
NH Lisboa Campo Grande
★★★★
NH Lisboa Campo Grande is a well-appointed four-star hotel overlooking Campo Grande park, offering comfort and proximity to the venue.
EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel
★★★★
EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel featuring elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and premium amenities, just a short drive from the venue.
Lisbon’s downtown area:
Pestana Lisboa Vintage
★★★★
Pestana Lisboa Vintage is a charming four-star boutique hotel offering a cozy atmosphere in a central location.
Pestana Rua Augusta
★★★★
Pestana Rua Augusta is a stylish four-star hotel set in the heart of Baixa, perfect for enjoying Lisbon’s historic downtown.
Turim Avenida da Liberdade Hotel
★★★★
Turim Avenida da Liberdade Hotel (4★) is a classic four-star hotel located just off Avenida da Liberdade, providing both comfort and convenience.
Plan Your Visit
The Luso-American Development Foundation operates as a grant-making organization that supports research, academic exchange, cultural initiatives, and broader transatlantic collaboration between Portugal and the United States.
It was established in 1985 with an endowment originating from the 1983 U.S.-Portugal Cooperation and Defense Agreement. Over the years, it has developed partnerships with major universities in both countries, and we are in a privileged.
Hosting the CIGL and EMEA Conference of The Forum on Education Abroad reflects a long-standing commitment of FLAD to advancing the internationalization of Portuguese higher education, an important pillar of our activity ever since the Foundation’s inception.
Over more than four decades, FLAD has fostered academic exchange and institutional collaboration between Portugal and the United States. This includes supporting visiting faculty positions at institutions such as Brown University, Georgetown University, and University of Massachusetts Lowell, contributing to the creation of Portuguese studies departments like the one at University of California, Berkeley, supporting the Fulbright Commission Portugal, and partnering with initiatives such as Gilman Program. Over the years FLAD has awared thousands of grants and awards to individuals and organizations in the area of Science and Technology, Transatlantic Relations, Arts & Culture, Education, among others.
Since 2014 FLAD took on the opportunity to help place Portugal on the radar of study abroad by creating the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) -, based in Lisbon, which is a consortium of Portuguese universities that offers a range of study abroad programs for U.S. students and faculty, including semester, full-year, summer, and short-term faculty-led options. SiPN’s strong partnerships with Portuguese institutions enable it to tailor academic experiences across a variety of subjects, while its all-inclusive fees cover tuition, lodging, cultural activities, transportation, and more.
After 11 years, SiPN has welcomed more than 2,000 students from nearly 100 US universities and colleges.
This cooperation with the Forum and the conference attendees that will be making it to Lisbon, some of whom are FLAD/SiPN partners, is another moment of affirmation to FLAD, SiPN, and other program providers operating in Portugal.
These conferences mark another significant step in FLAD’s 40-year commitment to connecting institutions and individuals across borders. Through these events, FLAD seeks to encourage dialogue on major higher education challenges, position Portugal as a premier destination for academic partnership, and deepen global and transatlantic relationships built on shared expertise and understanding.
Bridging Borders: Portuguese-International Partnership Events
Within the framework of these conferences, FLAD, in partnership with Instituto para o Ensino Superior e Study & Research in Portugal will promote two events, non-conflicting events with the conferences, to provide the opportunity for attendees to develop further acquaintances and networking moments with Portuguese-based Higher Education institutions.
Oct 14
Morning
Portuguese University Site Visits
On the morning of October 14, Higher Education Institutions located in Lisbon will have the opportunity to host groups of conference participants for visits to their campuses, providing a moment of direct engagement with the host institutions and their internationalization initiatives.
Oct 14
Afternoon
Speed Dating / Networking Session
This dynamic partnership event brings together representatives from Portuguese higher education institutions and Forum members for a structured and engaging exchange designed to spark new international collaborations.
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most accessible capitals, with excellent air connections and a growing network of rail links. Whether traveling from within Europe or from the United States, visitors will find a wide range of convenient options.
Traveling to Lisbon by Plane (USA)
Lisbon offers strong transatlantic connectivity, with both direct and connecting flights from major U.S. cities.
Direct Flights
Non-stop flights are available from cities such as:
- New York (JFK and Newark)
- Boston
- Miami
- Philadelphia
These routes are operated by airlines including TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
Traveling to Lisbon by Plane (Europe)
Most major European capitals are within approximately 2 to 3 hours of Lisbon, with frequent daily flights available from cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome.
Both full-service and low-cost carriers operate these routes, including TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Ryanair, and easyJet, ensuring a wide range of schedules and pricing options.
Traveling to Lisbon by Train (Europe)
Traveling to Lisbon by train is a scenic and sustainable alternative, though generally slower than flying. Lisbon is connected to the European rail network, but most international journeys require one or more transfers.
- From Spain: There is a daily overnight train from Madrid to Lisbon, taking approximately 10 hours.
- From France and beyond: Routes from cities such as Paris or London typically involve connections in Spain and can take significantly longer.
- From other European cities: Travel often requires 1–2 transfers, commonly via Madrid, Barcelona, or Porto.
Lisbon’s main railway stations—Oriente and Santa Apolónia—serve both domestic and international routes and are well connected to the city center.
The Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa is centrally located within the Cidade Universitária campus, at:
Alameda da Universidade1649-004 Lisboa, Portugal
By Metro
The easiest way to reach the Reitoria is by metro. Take the Yellow Line (Linha Amarela) and get off at Cidade Universitária station. From there, it is approximately a 5–10 minute walk to the Reitoria building.
By Bus
Several bus routes serve the Cidade Universitária area. Nearby stops include “Cidade Universitária” and “Campo Grande.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon. Simply enter “Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa” as your destination.
From Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport)
The Reitoria is located approximately 10 minutes by car from the airport. You may also take the metro directly from the airport on the Red Line (Linha Vermelha), transfer to the Yellow Line at Saldanha, and exit at Cidade Universitária.
Hotel options (10–15 minutes from the conference venue):
Hotel Açores Lisboa
★★★★
Hotel Açores Lisboa is a comfortable four-star hotel located near Praça de Espanha, offering convenient access to the subway and a short distance from the conference venue.
SANA Metropolitan Hotel
★★★★
SANA Metropolitan Hotel is a contemporary four-star hotel situated close to Cidade Universitária, ideal for quick access to the conference.
NH Lisboa Campo Grande
★★★★
NH Lisboa Campo Grande is a well-appointed four-star hotel overlooking Campo Grande park, offering comfort and proximity to the venue.
EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel
★★★★
EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel featuring elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and premium amenities, just a short drive from the venue.
Lisbon’s downtown area:
Pestana Lisboa Vintage
★★★★
Pestana Lisboa Vintage is a charming four-star boutique hotel offering a cozy atmosphere in a central location.
Pestana Rua Augusta
★★★★
Pestana Rua Augusta is a stylish four-star hotel set in the heart of Baixa, perfect for enjoying Lisbon’s historic downtown.
Turim Avenida da Liberdade Hotel
★★★★
Turim Avenida da Liberdade Hotel (4★) is a classic four-star hotel located just off Avenida da Liberdade, providing both comfort and convenience.