Global Internship Program in Coimbra

Students in Portugal

Summary

Gain first-hand knowledge, connections, and international work experience through an academic internship in Coimbra, Portugal. On this program, you will:

  • Undertake a professional internship focusing on innovation and technology at Instituto Pedro Nunes, one of the world's best incubators that supported companies such as FEEDZAI, Critical Software, and Take the Wind
  • Earn academic credit for the internship via a ten-week online course
  • Learn about Portuguese culture and history through an on-site course at the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Live with other program participants in a tranquil and historical seminary

About Coimbra

Included in NYT's 2025 list of places to visit, Coimbra is a charming riverfront city in western Portugal, just 130 miles north of Lisbon. The country's former capital is like a mini-Lisbon, containing all the highlights of urban life in a smaller population. Those interested in history, culture, and local markets will delight its medieval old town. Coimbra is known as a "city of students" thanks to its university- the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. It's also the most English-proficient city in the country.

Berkeley students in this program are eligible for a $5,500 Scholarship provided by the Institute of European Studies - Center for Portuguese Studies.You will be automatically considered, no application is necessary.

    • Program Details

      Dates:

      • Lisbon: June 3 - June 6, 2026
      • Coimbra: June 6 - July 25, 2026
        • As a part of the program, students will travel as a group from Lisbon to Coimbra by train.
      • Online Course: June 8 – August 14, 2026

      Dates are subject to change.

      Units: 6 units

      Language of Instruction: English

      Two Required Courses:

      On-site course:

      • HISTORY N100G: Portugal Summer Internship & Cultural Heritage Journeyings (3 units)

      And an online course of your choice:

      • UGIS W157: Experiential Learning (3 units) or
      • UGIS W158: Global Citizenship (3 units)

      Housing

      • Students will live in basic, double room accommodations with a private bathroom at the Major Seminary of Coimbra. Please note: Due to the historical nature of the monastery, the structure and location may present some accessibility challenges. This active seminary serves as a place to study, to pray, and provides opportunities for spiritual tourism to other non-program participants. Although participants do not need to be religious to participate in this program, please note that religion and religious symbols (Ex. crucifixes) will be present.
      • Daily simple breakfast will be provided at the refectory. Additional meals can be requested at an extra cost.
      • There is no kitchen access at the seminary. Students will need to budget for meals at the IPN cafeteria, University of Coimbra student canteens, seminary, and/or at local restaurants.
      • Students will be randomly assigned to shared rooms. Gender-inclusive housing options are available on this program. If you have clarifying questions, please feel free to reach out to the program staff.

      Eligibility

      • UC Berkeley student with Junior, Senior, or Graduate class standing
      • Currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months
      • At least one year of college coursework completed by the start of the program
      • 2.0 GPA or higher
      • At least 18 years old at the time of application
      • Not on academic/term probation or under censure for student misconduct at any point from application review to the end of your program
      • Recommended for students with interest in Entrepreneurship or STEM-related fields.
         

      Application

      • Please note: Prior to applying to this program, you will be required to complete a mandatory pre-application advising call with Berkeley Study Abroad. Although the application opens December 2, you can start this process any time.
        • First, complete the brief Pre-Application Advising Appointment Request Form.
        • Immediately after you submit the form, you will receive a link to schedule your pre-application advising appointment. This process will help you determine if the program experience is a match to your goals and expectations. Advising appointment spots will fill up fast, so we recommend booking as early as possible. It is important to note that this pre-application advising call is a mandatory step in the application process and required to remain eligible for the program. 
           
      • Application opens December 2, 2025 at 9 am PST
      • Space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
      • Deadline to apply is January 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST

Apply

Student Marta Vieira's Global Internship Experience in Coimbra

Fieldwork at Batalha, Portugal.

Spending six weeks in Coimbra, Portugal as part of a global internship and academic
program was a deeply enriching experience. I had the opportunity to take classes at the
University of Coimbra while interning at Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), alongside a small group of
fellow Berkley students. What stood out most was how seamlessly the coursework and internship
complemented each other. Our classes explored themes of globalization, which we then saw play
out in real-time through our work at IPN.
The in-person classes were truly the highlight of each week. The combination of lectures
and fieldwork encouraged critical thinking and allowed us to engage directly with our
environment.

One particularly memorable assignment involved keeping a structured notebook
which pushed us to reflect on our observations in thoughtful and creative ways.
At IPN, the atmosphere was calm, focused, and supportive. We were able to contribute
meaningfully without feeling overwhelmed, which made the experience both productive and
enjoyable. The seminary where we stayed was incredible. It provided the perfect environment for
learning, reflection, and connecting with each other.
The program broadened my academic perspective but also gave me valuable real-world
insight into international collaboration and innovation.