Summer Abroad Belgium

Step into the world of microbes in the historic university city of Leuven, where centuries of scholarship meet modern discovery. In this immersive course, students explore the biology of bacteria, archaea, lower eukaryotes and viruses while tracing the scientific breakthroughs that shaped modern microbiology. From the foundations of infectious disease research to the roles microbes play in biotechnology, agriculture and environmental systems, the program brings microbial science to life in the very laboratories and academic traditions that helped define the field. Founded in 1425 and located just outside Brussels, Leuven offers a vibrant, student-centered atmosphere rich with history, culture and welcoming English-speaking communities. Weekly excursions across Belgium—including visits to the storybook canals of Bruges and the dramatic river valley of Dinant—add cultural discovery to the scientific journey, creating an unforgettable summer of learning and exploration.