Skyline of Lisbon
Skyline of Lisbon, an Atlantis program site.

Join Atlantis and Harvard University in Portugal

Coimbra + Lisbon

 

Program Details

Atlantis programs are study abroad opportunities designed specifically for pre-health students! Students will spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in the hospital environment shadowing doctors. They will shadow four days per week, generally between 9am – 2pm. One weekday per week is reserved for an Atlantis-organized group excursion of cultural, regional, or historical interest. Students will shadow in a variety of medical fields inside the hospital – surgical and non-surgical. Atlantis programs are observational only, in accordance with the Association of American Medical Colleges (“AAMC”) and Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (“GAPS”) guidelines (clinical skills are not practiced).

Students walking out of the entrance of the hospital.
Atlantis students walking out of the entrance of the hospital (Genoa, Italy, 2019).

Program Eligibility

For pre-med & pre-health students currently enrolled at Harvard. This program is done in partnership with the Premedical and Health Career Advisors at Harvard College.

Students speaking to a medical professional in the hospital.
Atlantis students speaking to a medical professional in the hospital (Athens, Greece, 2016).

Program Dates

June 3 – July 28, 2023
(4 weeks in Coimbra + 4 weeks in Lisbon)

Program Deadlines

Deadline to apply to Atlantis – February 1, 2023
Deadline to apply to Harvard’s Summer Opportunities Funding – March 9, 2023
Notification of Acceptance to program – March 27, 2023

The Cities

Coimbra

Coimbra is a medieval city within central Portugal that is built on the grounds of a former palace. It is home to the University of Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and is the oldest academic institution in any Portuguese-speaking country. Its history and architecture date back to the Roman era, and it became a major cultural center throughout its development in the Middle Ages and beyond. It has influence from a variety of cultures, and the city displays both baroque and modern elements.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. Located on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River, it is considered one of the most global cities due to its rich cultural, economic, and trade history. Lisbon has traditionally been a hub for international trade across the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most important ports in Europe. As the city predates even Rome, it is the oldest city in Western Europe and continues to grow both in size and influence. Lisbon sports many styles of architecture and is sure to inspire with its rich historical significance and beautiful cityscapes.

A view of the ocean with mountains in the background.

What’s Included

  • ~20 hours per week of shadowing (~160 hours total)
  • Clean and safe housing
  • Partial meal plan (breakfast + 3 group meals a week)
  • Weekly cultural excursion
  • In-country transportation
  • Health insurance through iNext
  • Pre-departure orientations and on-site support from Atlantis staff

 

Excursions

Our excursions are designed to offer a deeper look at your host culture, for both the educational benefit and the pure enjoyment of exploring a new place with others who share your interests in travel and medicine.Excursions range from historical tours to culinary and cultural excursions.

Your Site Manager will inform you of the different excursions they have planned during your program orientation.

A view of the exterior of a hospital building.
A view of the exterior of a hospital building in Genoa, Italy (an Atlantis site).