The EuroScholars Midstay Program is a research internship experience that brings together students from multiple European universities—KU Leuven, University of Geneva, and Leiden University—for an immersive mid-program gathering. You'll spend most of your time working on a substantive research project with a faculty mentor at your host institution, then convene with peers from partner universities for a collaborative retreat that includes research presentations, professional development, and cultural exploration.

During the main internship phase, you work alongside PhD students and faculty in your field—whether biomedical ethics, physics, genetics, or another discipline—gaining hands-on experience in European research labs. The work is serious and intellectually rigorous; you'll develop real methodologies, contribute to ongoing projects, and learn how laboratories operate across different European institutions. Many interns work in highly international lab environments where English serves as the common language, exposing you to diverse research cultures and collaborative approaches.

The Midstay Program itself offers a unique professional and cultural bridge. You'll present your research to a panel of faculty evaluators who provide constructive feedback on presentation skills—from managing uptalk to strengthening body language—preparing you for international academic audiences. You'll also connect with peers doing cutting-edge work across disciplines, learning how their labs and universities differ from your own. This peer network spans multiple countries and research areas, enriching your understanding of the European research landscape.

Beyond the lab, you'll explore the host city (often Leuven, Belgium) through guided tours, local dining experiences, and day trips to nearby cities like Brussels. Leuven's medieval architecture, world-class museums, and excellent train connectivity make it an ideal base for weekend travel across Belgium and beyond. You'll experience authentic European student life, from Thursday-night gatherings at historic squares to exploring special exhibitions celebrating centuries of academic tradition.

This program is ideal for research-focused undergraduates and graduate students who want meaningful lab experience in Europe, professional development in presenting to international audiences, and the chance to build a network across European universities. You'll return with both substantive research experience and a broadened perspective on how science and scholarship are conducted in different European contexts.