Entrepreneurship
& Small Business Planning in portugal
with Saint Anselm & API
Program Summary
May 2025
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Faculty Lead: Dr. Dina Frutos-Bencze & Dr. Robert Gigliotti
Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2025 + $500 deposit
Info Session: TBD
Program Price*: Est. $3,500** + airfare
*Price dependent on total enrollment
**Scholarships available
Program Description
Entrepreneurship in Portugal is an exciting opportunity for students to examine entrepreneurial ventures in Lisbon, Portugal. The trip includes visits to various small business startups across industries as well as Start Up Lisbon, which supports new small business ventures in their infancy.
Students will also gain enriching cultural experiences that include trips to the National Tile Museum, historic castles of Lisbon and an opportunity to participate in local volunteer programs serving the community.
Details & Itinerary
Lisbon, Portugal
Application & Course Info
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Trip is open to all Saint Anselm students.
The trip includes visits to various small business startups across industries as well as Start Up Lisbon, which supports new small business ventures in their infancy.
Students enrolled in BU 323 Entrepreneurship: Small Business Planning will be given priority placement. The trip will be optional for course enrollees.
BU 323WA fulfills a writing intensive core curriculum requirement.
Course enrollees or trip participants are not required to be business majors.
Industry Visits
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Below is a list of sample Industry Visits that may be offered:
- Start Up Lisbon: a non-profit that supports the creation of companies and their first years of activity.
- Creative Hub Beato: an innovation centre for creative and tech companies emerging in a complex of decommissioned faculty on the eastern riverfront of Lisbon.
- Amazon Web Services: learn how they are supporting local entrepreneurs in the city
- Guest lecture dedicated to discussing EU membership & the trade agreements
- MUSA Brewery: a micro brewery in Lisbon, known for their sustainable practices and its primary mission: to
authentically contribute to the craft beer revolution in Portugal. - Volunteer activity with SPEAK SOCIAL: an organization focused on bringing together newcomers and locals living in the same city through community-led language groups and cultural exchange events.
Please note: Industry Visits are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other factors.
Cultural Activities
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Below is a list of sample Cultural Activities that may be offered:
- Guided walking tour of the Lisbon city centre
- Guided walking tour of the historic Alfama neighborhood
- St. George’s castle
- National Tile Museum
- Day Trip: Sintra
- Palácio da Pena
- Quinta Regaleira Palace
- Local market visit & Portuguese cooking class
- Belém walking tour
- Sunset cruise
- Fado musical performance
Please note: Cultural activities and Excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other factors.
What's Included
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- Orientations upon arrival
- Health Insurance
- Accommodations
- Select meals
- On-site API staff support
- Activities and excursions/day trips
- Personal expenses (e.g. passport fees, luggage fees, souvenirs, etc.)
- Majority of meals
Travel Documents
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- All students are required to have a valid passport.
- A student visa is not required of US students.
Housing & Meals
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Housing:
- Accommodation in shared hotel rooms
- Bedding, linens, towels, WiFi and utilities included
Included Meals:
- Daily breakfast
- 4 group meals (Welcome meal, Farewell meal, plus two additional meals)
Health & Safety
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- Every API Resident Director is thoroughly trained in emergency response and receives ongoing training and support
- Resident Director will serve as an emergency contact available 24/7
- International health insurance included
- Onsite cultural, health, and safety orientation
Faculty LeaderS
Dr. Robert Gigliotti, Associate Professor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 603-641-7125
Department: Economics & Business
Background
I have over 20 years of corporate human resource and training experience. I have had the opportunity to direct leadership and management development training programs as well as to consult with Fortune 500 companies in the areas of career development and communication skills.
My research interests are focused on how emerging strategies unfold in organizations, specifically in top management teams decision-making practices and organizational strategizing practices.
A secondary interest is examining entrepreneurial organizations and how they evolve through the process of professionalization. My goal is to share and transfer my business knowledge acquired from my research, management experience and instructional design experience to my classroom students to prepare them for a successful business career.
Education
2018 – Ph.D., Management, University of Mississippi
1997 – M.B.A., Finance, University of San Francisco
1983 – B.S., Business Administration, Salem State University
Dr. Dina Frutos-Bencze, Professor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 603-656-6177
Department: Economics & Business
Background
I have over 9 years of international corporate experience in Europe, Latin America and the US. My diverse academic background (chemistry and business) combined with the international business experience have allowed me not only to develop and deliver high quality academic instruction, but also such experience has shaped my research interests.
Since joining Saint Anselm College in 2013, I mainly teach the following courses: International Business Management, Business in Developing and Emerging Markets, International Human Resource Management, and Introduction to Social Innovation.
Education
2012 – Ph.D., Southern New Hampshire University, International Business
2002 – MBA, Oxford Brookes, UK-Hungary
1995 – M.S., University of New Mexico, Analytical Chemistry
1993 – B.S., Louisiana State University, Chemistry
PHR -Professional in Human Resources
Certificate – SHRM, since 2002
Fulbright Scholar Award-Fall 2021 at the University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, https://www.uhk.cz/en
Let’s Get You Abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we’ll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Apply Online
Once you are ready to apply, visit our Global Programs Portal to submit an online application.
Connect with Your School
For more information on studying abroad in general, contact Jane Bjerklie-Barry, Director and PDSO, Office of International Programs at [email protected]
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the program
About API
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.