SCORE 
SCOPE 
SCORA 
SCOGS 
SCORP 
SCOPH 
SCOME 
Standing Committee on Research Exchange
What is the SCORE?
Here you will find all the information you need to leave for four weeks in the summer to a country of your choice for a scientific research project of your choice.
Are you interested in an international experience in July or August? Would you like to try your hand at scientific research? Are you curious about life at a foreign university? Do you enjoy discovering new cultures and making international friendships with students from all over the world?
SCORE (Standing Committee on Research Exchange) organises international research internships in English or French. SCORE is an international programme of IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations), the umbrella organisation of BeMSA. It is active in more than one hundred countries worldwide. During the summer months of July or August, students can participate in a four-week research project in one of the countries with which Belgium has a signed exchange agreement.
The local committee in each city provides accommodation, a research project, one meal per (working) day, a social programme, and a contact person for the incoming SCORE students.
The contact person supervises an incoming student: they are the person to reach out to in case of problems, who picks you up at the airport or station, helps you find your way around the city of your exchange, and gives you tips regarding the social programme.
The local programme is very location-dependent and may include welcome parties, cultural activities, visits to tourist attractions, and outings such as going to the beach. In short, the social programme is all about enjoying yourself and having fun with other students in the evenings and weekends.
Why should you do a SCORE exchange?
- You acquire scientific knowledge and skills.
- You get to know other cultures and learn how to deal with cultural differences.
- You broaden your horizons and discover new perspectives on life and the world.
- You make lifelong friends from all corners of the world.
- You experience a unique and fantastic month that is not only extremely educational but also a lot of fun. In short: an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life!!!
For whom are SCORE exchanges
All medicine, biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical sciences from 1st bachelor until 1st master.
What's the price tag on a SCORE exchange?
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€600 for four weeks, including:
- Pre-Exchange Training (PET, mandatory)
- Accommodation
- Research project
- One meal per weekday
- Contact person !! The social programme is sometimes included and sometimes not, depending on the country and the activity.
Flight tickets are not included, nor are visa costs or vaccinations (if required).
How can I apply?
Does this sound like music to your ears? Do you think you are the perfect person to take part in the SCORE programme? Then be sure to join the info session on October 15, 2026!
Before applying, it is important that you first inform yourself by reading the presentation from our info session on October 15, 2026 (PowerPoint info evening) and/or the brochure. These contain all the necessary information, including how to apply. If you want to register, it is essential that you have read all the information in the PowerPoint, as it contains the most up-to-date details.
In the brochure, you will find a list of countries. By clicking on “exchange conditions,” you will be redirected to the IFMSA exchanges website. There you can find all relevant information: requirements, available cities, periods, disciplines, accommodation, and a link to the “explore page” with more details about the social programme. Please note: the country list in the brochure is no longer up to date. The most recent version can be found via the Google Sheets link in the PowerPoint.
Another way to find information about countries and projects is through IFMSA. From there, you can access a webpage where you need to log in, but at the bottom you can click on “exchange information,” which takes you directly to the explore pages. It is important to always consult the Google Sheets (link in the PowerPoint) alongside this, to check which countries Belgium has agreements with and where you can actually go.
Make sure to carefully check the requirements for each country: do you need language certificates, proof of completed courses, or other prerequisites?
Applications are submitted by filling in a Google Form and uploading several documents (deadline: 29/10/2023 at 23:59). The link to the form, as well as all required documents and templates, can be found in the PowerPoint.
In your motivation letter, you should describe your experience within BeMSA, volunteering, youth movements, or social work, as well as whether you have been or would like to be a contact person in Belgium. You should also mention your field of study and current year. Most importantly, show us that you are socially engaged and have the right profile. Additionally, include your top 5 preferred countries and discuss at least 3 departments (clinical exchange) or 3 research projects (research exchange) you are interested in. And don’t forget to explain why you want to participate and what you hope to learn from it!
The best candidates per university will be selected, and the results of the first round will be announced on November 6.
Selected students will proceed to the second round: they will be invited to an (online) interview on the weekend of November 11–12 to assess their English or French (or another required language) skills and further discuss their motivation.
Do you still have questions or want more information? Don’t hesitate to contact us at SCORE@bemsa-gent.be!
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LORE (Local Officer on Research Exchange)
Local Officers on Research Exchange
The Local Officers on Research Exchange (LOREs) are the board members responsible for coordinating and managing SCORE within BeMSA Ghent. They support and guide the various research exchange projects, organise activities and trainings, and ensure that students can actively participate in international research opportunities, while gaining valuable academic, scientific, and intercultural experience within the global IFMSA network.
