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).
Last fall, we held several virtual and in-person info sessions, where we shared information about requirements, the application process, and more. We invite you to watch this recording of one of the sessions.
- Open to all MIT undergraduate and MEng students, including graduating students who may participate in the summer after their senior year.
- Graduate students may be considered for internships in limited cases.
- 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
- Check out the MIT Global Languages website for course availability and offerings
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
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.
Global Teaching Labs
Learn through teaching.
GTL challenges MIT students to synthesize and present what they know, work in a team, and communicate with peers of different cultural backgrounds, all while sharing MIT's unique approach to science and engineering education with high school students around the world.
GTL offers a unique opportunity this year for MIT students to teach STEM subjects in Portuguese high schools over IAP.
IAP 2027 Dates:
- Application opens: Wed. Sept. 2
- Info Session: Tues. Sept. 15 @ 12pm (location TBD)
- Priority deadline: Mon. Sept. 21
- Final deadline: Wed. Sept. 23 @ 11:59pm
- Teaching dates: January 11-29, 2027
- Open to any MIT student (sophomore and above) willing to fully commit to a challenging teaching project
- Portuguese language skills preferred but not required.
- GPA 4.0 or better
- Must be able to demonstrate practical teaching/coaching/mentoring experience and/or interest in education
- We are looking for adaptable, open-minded, and enthusiastic students who are eager to immerse themselves in the host community, share their culture and experiences, and contribute actively to the program.
- Students will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge of subject matter
- Adaptability
- Leadership ability
- Communication skills
- Interest in/experience with teaching
- Interest in host country
- Fit with program
- Knowledge of subject matter
- Submit MIST GTL online application
- The program manager will review applications and hold interviews in the following weeks with a final selection made by the end of October
- For general deadlines, please refer to the MISTI GTL page.
Sept: Submit MISTI GTL online application
Oct: Pre-selected students are invited by email to interview shortly after application deadline.
Nov - Dec: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
Jan: GTL program takes place during the last three weeks of January.
Feb: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
Students will teach subjects such as biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, math, and robotics. All students live with host families associated with the school they are teaching at.
Students are expected to attend November/December pre-departure sessions on logistics, teaching skills, health and safety, and Portuguese culture and education.
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
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
Get in touch with Alicia Goldstein-Raun, Managing Director for MIT-Portugal, to get your questions answered.
Meet Your Program Assistant
Get in touch with Gabriela Díaz Quiñones to get your questions answered.