Lisbon Life

Lisbon is Europe's west coast capital and Europe's gateway to Africa and the Americas. Bathed in an almost year-round shimmering light, it is also known as the "white city." The city's cheerful brightness, its warm and friendly atmosphere and mild, Atlantic climate, combined with its old-world Mediterranean charm, and warm sunny winters and cool summers, make it a unique and inviting place to live and study. With its huge expanse of Atlantic coastline, Lisbon offers effortless access to some of the best beaches in Europe and is a stone's throw away from landmark tourist destinations and well-known historical sites such as Estoril and Sintra.

It is also one of the safest cities in Europe and highly affordable, which makes it even more attractive to students looking to spend a year in a pleasant atmosphere that doesn't put a strain on their budgets.

Packed with historical landmarks, Lisbon was the birthplace, in the 15th century, of one of mankind's most exciting sagas of discovery - the era of maritime exploration that led to the discovery of the New World, the charting of new routes for trade and travel, and the enduring connection between cultures, climes and civilizations. Portugal's past as a nation of explorers and pioneers, forerunners in trade and in international contacts is known the world over, and the history of the city of Lisbon is the history of all the continents combined.

With its unique legacy, Lisbon has embraced the new world of the 21st century. The city is a dynamic result of its proud past and its vibrant, cosmopolitan present, alive with non-stop cultural events, a vibrant nightlife and renewed architectural verve.

Lisbon is also a dynamic business centre with a distinctive international bent. Hundreds of well known multinational companies, and large Portuguese companies with relevant European positions have chosen Lisbon as place to set down stakes for the financial, retailing, real estate and computer software industries. It is a gateway to Europe, on one hand, and to the African and South American markets, on the other.

Living in Lisbon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a unique combination of history and modernity. It is a city with an international flavour with a population made up of different races, backgrounds and cultures where everyone feels welcome.