FLAD Reengagement Program 2026 : €3,000–€5,000 Grant for U.S. Students Returning to Portugal
The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has launched the FLAD Reengagement Program, a new initiative designed to support U.S. students, recent graduates, and young professionals who previously studied or worked in Portugal and wish to return to implement impactful projects. The program aims to strengthen academic, cultural, and institutional ties between Portugal and the United States by encouraging alumni to contribute to Portuguese society through innovative initiatives.
With academic mobility between the U.S. and Portugal reaching record levels in recent years, this program provides a timely opportunity for former participants to reconnect and create meaningful change.
Program Objectives
The FLAD Reengagement Program seeks to:
Reconnect U.S. citizens with Portugal after prior academic or professional experience
Support projects with social, academic, cultural, or economic impact
Strengthen Portugal–U.S. relations
Encourage engagement with North American students through the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN)
Selected participants will not only implement their projects but may also organize workshops, mentoring sessions, and cultural exchange activities for current students in Portugal.
Degree Level
- Bachelor
- Masters
Available Subjects
Eligible Projects
FLAD welcomes proposals that strengthen Portugal–U.S. relations, including:
Academic research or final projects with fieldwork in Portugal
Social innovation initiatives
Service-learning projects with non-profits
Internships, residencies, or training programs
Cultural, artistic, or community engagement initiatives
Projects connecting Portuguese-American communities
Other innovative ideas aligned with the program’s objectives
Benefits
Selected candidates will receive a one-time grant ranging from €3,000 to €5,000, depending on the scope and budget of the project.
Key funding details:
Minimum stay of 30 days in Portugal
Grant is a one-time incentive, not a salary
Can be combined with other funding sources
Eligible Nationalities
Open to US citizens only.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a U.S. citizen
Be 35 years old or younger
Have previously studied, researched, worked, or volunteered in Portugal
Present a clear, feasible, and impactful project proposal
Demonstrate leadership, autonomy, and community involvement
Obtain a letter of affiliation from a Portuguese host institution
Note: Knowledge of Portuguese is not mandatory but will be considered an advantage.
Application Procedure
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline.
Applicants must submit:
Detailed project proposal (maximum 5 pages)
Letter of affiliation from the Portuguese host institution
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letter of motivation
Applications are evaluated based on:
Relevance and creativity
Feasibility
Potential impact on Portugal–U.S. relations
Academic or professional merit
Decisions are communicated within 15 working days after submission.
Why This Program Matters
The FLAD Reengagement Program offers more than financial support—it provides a platform for emerging leaders to deepen transatlantic collaboration and make a tangible difference in Portugal. By empowering alumni to return with innovative ideas, FLAD continues to foster long-term partnerships between the two countries.
For U.S. students and young professionals who have previously experienced life in Portugal, this initiative represents a unique opportunity to reconnect, contribute, and expand their international impact.
