Are you interested in an international experience in July, August or September? Would you like to learn more about scientific research and improve your lab skills? Are you curious about how research programs work in a foreign university? Are you fascinated by other cultures?
On this page you will find information on our 4 week research exchange program.
What is SCORE?
SCORE (Standing Committee on Research Exchange) is an international program of the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Associations), the umbrella organisation of BeMSA. It is organised in more than 80 countries, spread all over the world. This Standing Committee allows students to participate in a 4-week research project in one of the countries Belgium has signed a contract with.
During the internship, the local student representation of IFMSA provides accommodation, 1 meal per weekday, a social program and a contact person.
The contact person accompanies an incoming student: he/she is the person who will welcome you at the airport or the train/bus station, show you the hospital and who can give you tips on the social program.
The social program is very place-dependent: sightseeing, partying, cultural activities, etc. In short, you will be immersed in your project during the days, but the evenings and weekends will be full of fun. More information about SCORE can be found on the website of IFMSA and in the official BeMSA outgoing booklet (+country list), which you can find here.
Why?
- You acquire a lot of scientific knowledge and skills.
- You get to know other cultures and learn how to deal with cultural differences.
- You expand your horizon and discover new perspectives of the world we live in.
- You make friends for life from all corners of the world.
- You experience a unique, fantastic month that is not only very educational but also fun.
In short: it is an experience that you will never forget!
For whom?
For all students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences from first year bachelor.
Price?
€ 450 (or €550 in Leuven) for 4 weeks including:
- Housing
- Research project
- 1 meal/weekday
- Contact person
- PET (Pre-Exchange Training)
Social programs are sometimes exclusively dependent on the country and activity.
*Transportation costs like airplane tickets are not included in the price. Neither are vaccines or visas (if necessary).
Application Process
Does this sound like a dream come true? Do you think you're the perfect person to join SCORE? Then don't hesitate to submit your candidature!
Upload your motivation letter + CV + addendum of Social Engagement and Extracurricular Activities in the Google form.
The deadline for applications for the term 2022-2023 is October 30st, 2022 (before 23:59 CET).
Your CV should include:
- Volunteering work (not limited to BeMSA)
- Previous research experience
- Evidence of teamwork/leadership
- Relevant experience
In your motivation letter you must convince us that you are socially involved and that you have the right profile! Additionally, you have to mention and motivate your country and project of preference. You can find a list of the available projects here, but keep in mind that you can only choose projects from countries that we signed a contract with (see country list above). You also need to inform us of the year of study you are currently in.
In the addendum you need to specify the description and workload of your activity. You can ask your LORE (Local Officer on Research Exchange) for a template.
The best candidates per university will be invited for a Skype interview (held on November 19 & 20, 2022) which aims to test their English language proficiency as well as the student’s motivation and culture shock resistance.
The announcement of the assigned country will take place on November 24th, 2022.
For more tips and tricks we advise you to consult the BeMSA Exchange Outgoing Booklet 2022-2023.
If you have any questions or would like some more information, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Officer on Research Exchange (LORE)!
Info session
An info session will be organised in all BeMSA Local Committees in order to answer your questions concerning the professional and research exchange program. You can find more information about this on the Local Committee social media pages.