Program Opportunities

MISTI Portugal matches MIT students with internships at leading companies, research labs, and universities in Portugal. These opportunities are usually 8-12 weeks for the summer depending on the host and are available year-round for up to 12 months. Per MISTI’s mission, they are set up to be cost-neutral in order to allow as many students as possible to gain this unique professional and personal development.

We encourage you to attend an info session prior to setting up an individual advisory meeting. If you are a first year student, you are required to attend an info session (sessions welcome all students).

This fall, we will hold several virtual and in-person info sessions, where you can learn more about requirements, the application process, and more.

Register here for an upcoming session: bit.ly/sp-pt-fall25.

  • General Requirements:
    • GPA 4.0 or better
    • One recommendation letter
    • Relevant experience (UROPs, internships, etc.)
  • Undergraduates:
    • Portuguese II or equivalent proficiency
    • One class on Portuguese culture, history or society is recommended
  • Graduate students:
    • No language requirement; knowledge of Portuguese preferred  
    • Culture class recommended
  • Check out the MIT Global Languages website for course availability and offerings
  • Eligibility: Open to MIT undergrads, graduating seniors and graduate students in all disciplines that meet program requirements.

Accepted students will receive a basic living stipend for airfare, food, and accommodation.

  • Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – December 1
  • Interview with Country Program Manager – October to February (as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
  • Commit to MISTI Portugal Program – By February 1
  • Once approved, complete the County-Specific Application – Deadline set by MISTI Portugal Manager. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
  • Internship matching process – January to March
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Late March to early May

How to Apply

Once matched with a host, students must attend MISTI prep & training sessions and a checkout meeting with the program manager. The mandatory training sessions will address topics in Portuguese culture and society, as well as practical information about living in Portugal, and will be held during the spring semester. There will also be some materials and resources to review on Canvas.

Fall 2025

21G.881/887 Portuguese I (Hybrid)

21G.883/889 Portuguese III (Hybrid)

21G.822 Portuguese Language through Brazilian Film

21G.056 The Making of Modern Europe: 1789 to the Present

21G.059 Paradigms of European Thought

17.561 European Politics

21H.141 Renaissance to Revolution: Europe, 1300-1800

21H.165 A Survey of Modern African History

 

IAP 2026

21G.801/851 Portuguese I

 

Spring 2026

21G.882/888 Portuguese II (Hybrid)

21G.884/890 Portuguese IV (Hybrid)

21G.058/418 / 21A.132 Race and Migration in Europe

21H.134 Medieval Economic History in Comparative Perspective

21H.185 Environment and History

 

Please consult the course catalog for more details.

Meet Your Program Manager

Contact Us
Alicia Goldstein Raun Photo

Get in touch with Alicia Goldstein-Raun, Managing Director for MIT-Portugal, to get your questions answered.

Meet Your Program Assistant

Contact Us
Gabriela Diaz headshot in beige blazer

Get in touch with Gabriela Díaz Quiñones to get your questions answered.

Portugal Events