June 20 - July 10, 2026

Pre-med Summer 2026

3-weeks Pre-med Clinical Shadowing in Lisbon, Portugal

Pre-med College Student? Get 60+ clinical shadowing hours this summer in one of Lisbon's top hospitals. Explore Europe, build lifelong friendships with other pre-meds from across the US, and build your resume for medical school.

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The Outset Experience

A future medical student with long blond hair is smiling while sitting at a table, holding food. The context is a casual indoor dining area with other people in the background.

Three students in white lab coats observe a medical procedure. One person adjusts a tool on a simulated patient in a clinical setting, under bright surgical lights.

A group of future medical students wearing white lab coats gather around a table, smiling and using smartphones. Nearby are black bags labeled "Class of 2026" in a bright room with large windows.

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A group of future medical students sit attentively in a classroom, facing forward. One student, wearing a blue shirt, is smiling and engaged in conversation. Papers and a blue eraser are on desks.

Ultrasound machine sits beside an examination bed in a well-lit medical room, with shadows cast on the walls, creating a clean and clinical environment.

Outset was an amazing program. There were excellent simulations and speakers that helped us better understand what practicing medicine looks like.

—

Natalie Kayser

11th grade, 2024 alum

A doctor in a maroon scrub with a stethoscope around their neck is pulling medical tape. They stand at a table with medical supplies, surrounded by shelves and paperwork.

Pre-med summer Europe

Program Details for Outset in Lisbon

If you are a pre-med student looking for an exciting opportunity to travel this summer and also prepare for medical school, Outset in Lisbon is a perfect match. Spend 3 weeks in a top hospital in Portugal shadowing physicians in different specialties each week.

How it works:

No language skills required
June 20 - July 10, 2026 (3-weeks)
60+ hours clinical shadowing with physicians
Learn in a top-ranked hospital in Portugal
Housing & 24/7 staff support included
Small group: 8-10 pre-med students
Program fee: $5,995

Apply Now

What Outset provides:

Clean, Safe Housing

We find safe, secure housing in Lisbon for our students. Students live in dorms or other accommodations with an Outset roommate for a real local experience.

24/7 Support in English

Outset has trained staff that are nearby and available 24/7 to support and guide students each step of the way as you explore Lisbon.

60+ hours clinical shadowing

Every student is guaranteed to get over 60 hours of clinical shadowing with physicians in a a top hospital in Lisbon, rotating through various hospital departments.

No language skills required

All Outset global programs are conducted in English, and the physicians you shadow will also be conversational in English. Our local staff are fluent in English.

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how it works

A Typical Day in Lisbon

Interested in learning more about what a typical day looks like for our global program in Lisbon? Here's a quick snapshot of what a day could look like in Portugal.

Example day:

8:00am: wake up and eat Portuguese breakfast
8:45am: head to the Lisbon Metro to train to hospital
9:15am: arrive to hospital, find your Department
9:30am: shadow Cardiology procedures in OR
12:30pm: lunch break with other pre-meds
2:30pm: wrap up shadowing and metro back home
3:00pm: head out with friends to Lisbon art gallery
6:30pm: meet up for group dinner at local restaurant
8:30pm: explore Lisbon with Outset staff
10:00pm: back to housing, shower, journal, lights out

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A student interested in medicine holds a coffee cup and smiles while talking to another student outdoors, with a brick building and greenery in the background.

Future medical students in white coats examine a mock patient under bright surgical lights in a hospital operating room. Medical equipment and supplies are visible in the background.

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Outset is trusted by 1,000+ families each summer for high-quality teen and college programs. Read our reviews and see why we're the leading brand for summer education.

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A future medical student wearing a backpack and a lanyard with a badge smiles while walking outdoors on a sunny street, surrounded by trees and buildings.

A person in gloves prepares an IV bag with medication in a sterile lab environment. Nearby are a yellow medical waste container and bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the $5,995 program fee?

The Outset program fee includes your housing, 24/7 staff support, 60+ hours of clinical shadowing coordination, pre-departure support, local transport, travel insurance, group meals, an in-country weekend excursion, and more! Your roundtrip airfare to Lisbon is not included, and you will also have to pay for most meals.

Is Lisbon safe?

Lisbon is a very safe city, consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world for travelers. Our 24/7 local staff will provide a safety orientation and be available during your program to support if you have any concerns or problems.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No! All programs and shadowing are conducted in English and no language skills are required. Of course, we do recommend trying to pick up a little Portuguese before you travel. It's always polite to learn how to say things like "good morning" and "thank you" in the local language.

Will I have free time to explore?

Absolutely! You will have free time on most afternoons and evenings, as well as the weekends, to explore Lisbon and the surrounding area. Some students may even do day trips to nearby cities like Porto.

How much does airfare cost to Lisbon?

The cost of a roundtrip flight to Lisbon varies. From a major east coast hub like New York or Atlanta, the cost may be as low as $500 if you're lucky. If you are not on the east coast, you will likely pay closer to $1,000-$1,300 for a roundtrip flight. Our team can help you with flight selection.

Is this a college-only program?

Yes, Outset in Lisbon is only for American college students who are pre-med or pre-health. Many of our other programs are for high school ages, but the Lisbon program is exclusively for 18+.

What is Outset? I've never heard of this!

Outset is an education company based in New York, NY. Our primary programs are for high school students explorign medicine, but we also have college shadowing programs like Outset in Lisbon.

Who are the other people on my program?

The other students on your program will be pre-med and pre-health college students from across the United States. One of the really exciting things about Outset in Lisbon is that you'll have the chance to meet and build friendships with other likeminded students from across the US.

I've never traveled abroad - is that ok?

Absolutely! Our team will provide you with all the support you need even if it's your first time going abroad. You will need a passport though, so if you don't have a passport make sure an apply soon!

I have other questions - who do I contact?

If you have additional questions, please contact Mary Bains on our Admissions team: mary@joinoutset.com

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