Viana do Castelo is a beautiful, coastal town in the Minho region of northern Portugal. It has a rich history as a medieval fishing village, a shipbuilding center during the Age of Exploration, and a major commercial port throughout the 19th century. Built on the shores of the beautiful Lima estuary, Viana has long stretches of sandy beaches--very popular for surfing! Monte de Santa Luzia is at the top of any sightseeing list (pun intended!). You can hike up to tour the Basilica de Santa Luzia and take in panoramic views of the entire city. In the city center, you'll find Praça da República, surrounded by Renaissance-era mansions and countless monuments. Architecture fans will be in heaven. Viana do Castelo also has numerous places to experience Portugal's delicious cuisine. You should definitely hunt for some Bacalhau à Brás (an amazing cod dish) and Bolas de Berlim (Portuguese-style doughnuts)! If you're looking for the best of all worlds--mountains, rivers, beaches, and beautiful city--Viana do Castelo is the perfect place.
Viana Do Castelo,
Portugal
- $4,999 - $5,599
- Available
Hospital Info
- Public Hospital
- 400 beds total
What's Included
- Shadow 60+ Hours
- Small groups of 10 - 15 students
- Local Housing
- 24/7 Atlantis staff in your city
Destination Overview
Program Dates
Summer Sessions (To Be Confirmed)
-
May. 15, 2021 – Jun. 4, 20213 Weeks$4,999Limited
-
Jul. 3, 2021 – Jul. 23, 20213 Weeks$5,599Open
Apply today to reserve your spot! Listed dates are tentative, based on 2019-2020 programs. Exact dates and prices will be confirmed in the Fall of 2020. You may transfer to another program or receive a refund up until 60 days before the start date. All fees include an initial $900 deposit, which is non-refundable.
The City
Viana do Castelo's main landmark is the Basilica de Santa Luzia, which commands stunning views of the entire city, and which was inspired by the Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre in Paris. You'll find even more French influence close by. Spanning the Lima River is the Eiffel Bridge, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame!
One must-see attraction is the Gil Eannes floating naval hospital. This hospital ship was constructed in the 1950s to support cod fishing vessels. It was restored in the late 1990s and is now considered one of Portugal's best museums.
The main beach of Viana do Castelo is Praia Norte, which is within walking distance of the city center. You'll find great restaurants and cafés along the way!
JFK: 10hrs
LAX: 13hrs
ATL: 11hrs
Official Language:
Portuguese
Hospital Experience
Hospital Santa Luzia is a public hospital located in Viana do Castelo. The hospital is part of the Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho (ULSAM), which groups two hospitals and 12 primary healthcare units to provide comprehensive healthcare to over 240,000 users. Hospital Santa Luzia provides differentiated care focusing on external consultations, day hospital, conventional and outpatient surgery, emergency treatment, inpatient care, and complementary diagnostics. Available specialties may include general surgery, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, neonatology, orthopedics, and psychiatry.
Alumni Favorite
Bolas de Berlim
Bolas de Berlim are a Portuguese twist on the Berline--a classic German pastry. The most popular place to find them is at a local café called Zé Natário. They're 100% worth the wait in line!
My experience shadowing doctors through the Atlantis program in Viana do Castelo, Portugal was amazing. The opportunity to do rotations in hospital was invaluable because it helped me find where my true passion lies.
What will I be allowed to do while shadowing?
While shadowing, you are expected to do just that--be a shadow of your doctor. This means that, while you can ask as many questions as you want, make patient rounds with your doctor, and learn as much as your brain can hold in several weeks, your participation is limited to observation only. We adhere strictly to the AAMC shadowing guidelines, which exist not only for patient safety, but also in your best interests when applying to medical school.