KAUST King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Program Reviews

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Zhirayr
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Academic and Cultural Experience

My internship at KAUST was a truly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to work closely with a highly reputable professor in his field and collaborate on projects with outstanding students who had already achieved significant success, including publications in respected conferences and journals. Beyond the academic aspect, the program organizes various trips that are a fantastic way to meet fellow interns, enjoy new experiences, and explore the local culture, which is both rich and fascinating. The campus itself is exceptional, offering excellent sports facilities for football, volleyball, tennis, a well-equipped gym, etc. All of these facilities are completely free to use. Accommodation is very comfortable, with each participant provided a private room equipped with everything needed. Additionally, the scholarship provides enough financial support to explore new activities, travel, and even save by the end of your stay. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking both academic growth and a unique cultural experience.

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Genesis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Little things

When first I arrived here, I thought I would feel completely alone because I didn't know anything. I couldn't have been more wrong. This time has been so special for me. I am enjoying each day in the lab and having fun with my friends at the same time. I am learning a new language (some words) hahaha, trying new food, visiting new places and meeting new people. Thanks for the opportunity and the effort you are making to give us one of the best experiences in our lives. All my friends know about KAUST now.

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Almira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative Research Experience: My Internship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

I had the incredible opportunity to complete an internship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and it was one of the most enriching and inspiring experiences of my academic journey.

1. Research Work:
I joined the Prof Dr Rueping group under the supervision of Dr Renn, where I worked on the development of nanobody-based LFA for detecting Lyme disease. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment allowed me to conduct high-level experiments and develop valuable technical skills. KAUST’s collaborative environment and emphasis on innovation provided the perfect setting for impactful research.

2. International Environment:
KAUST is a truly global community, bringing together researchers from diverse backgrounds. Interacting with peers and professors from around the world broadened my perspective.

3. Campus Life and Infrastructure:
The university’s campus is a modern, well-designed hub for both work and leisure. From high-tech labs and libraries to recreational facilities and scenic coastal views, KAUST offers an exceptional quality of life, which made my stay both productive and enjoyable.

Overall, this internship not only strengthened my technical and analytical skills but also motivated me to pursue further research in my field. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, colleagues, and the KAUST community for their support and for providing such a dynamic and stimulating environment. I highly recommend KAUST to anyone seeking world-class research opportunities in a vibrant, international setting!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
To fully leverage the exceptional opportunities at KAUST, adopt a multidimensional engagement strategy: 1. Educational Advancement - rigorously master emerging methodologies through the university's state-of-the-art core facilities while maintaining meticulous documentation of acquired technical competencies; 2. Networking - cultivate meaningful collaborative relationships with researchers and peers through structured academic interactions; 3. Professional Development - immerse yourself in the institution's robust academic programming, including technical workshops and guest lectures. This approach will enhance your career growth within KAUST's dynamic scientific ecosystem.
Pros
  • cutting-edge technological access
  • International environment
  • Campus infrastructure
Cons
  • Climate
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Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great opportunity

Regarding research experience, KAUST have top laboratories and facilities to which every student has access. There is a large amount of equipment that you can be trained to use on your own. And you don't have to worry about anything else because is already covered: housing, transportation, and allowance. On the other hand, as a VSRP student, you can participate in a lot of activities and trips covered by the institution, and get to know more about Saudi Arabia. Also, everything you could need is inside the campus

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
A camel aside the road
Pros
  • Top facilities, equipment and laboratories
  • Housing
  • Everything is inside the campus: pharmacy, supermarket, ATM, sport centers, etc
Cons
  • The nearest city is an hour away
  • Hot weather
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Zhara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience at kaust

Kaust has been one of the best experiences in my life, I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and do passionate research with the best professor at the best facilities.

Everything was very organized and Il felt completely save. They assigned me great roomies in a comfortable house.

One of the most important things was that Saudi Arabia received me with the highest respect for my culture.

This is an experience worth living, I felt at home.
The stipend they give is more than enough to live comfortably

What was your funniest moment?
Traveling to Riyadh with my friends
Pros
  • Security
  • Research
  • Stipend
Cons
  • Different culture
  • Weather
  • Food
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Beatriz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely incredible

KAUST's internship program is absolutely incredible! It really is a university that cares about its students' education and well-being. The accommodation provided is wonderful, as is the infrastructure of the campus and laboratories. Saudi Arabia is a very beautiful and welcoming country. Campus security is extremely well organized. The medical insurance meets all the criteria.
I am enjoying my experience here much more than I imagined and I certainly plan to come back and recommend it to everyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with an open heart to get to know this wonderful country
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Farhat
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lifetime opportunity!

An incredible opportunity to join a world-class research lab at KAUST and explore Saudi Arabia! The VSRP program offers amazing facilities, nice lab mentors, inspiring mentorship, and a cool-vibrant international community. I really highly recommend it to anyone seeking hands-on research experience, networking with people from around the globe, and participating in exciting cultural and outdoor activities in a stunning Red Sea setting. A truly unforgettable experience for all ages and backgrounds!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Take part in snorkeling and diving trips!
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Martina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Internship in Saudi Arabia

The VSRP is an amazing internship program because you can stay in a highly inspiring environment for both work experience and human relationships. If you are involved in this program, all the necessities are provided by the university, and VSRP coordinators organize many activities inside and outside the university. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with amazing people and gain new knowledge for my future career. Last but not least, thanks to the VSRP activities, I made new friends and discovered a little bit of the Saudi Arabian culture. Personally, I highly recommend this program!

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Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent choice!

My experience with the VSRP at KAUST so far has been very positive. The campus is modern and with state-of-the-art research facilities. The support from the Visiting Student Office has been excellent, from visa arrangements to arrival logistics. One of the highlights has been the multicultural environment. It's a great opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and work in an international research setting. The lab environment is professional and well-organized, and I’ve felt welcomed by both faculty and fellow researchers.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Travel a bit more outside campus to explore the country.
Pros
  • Excellent facilities
  • Multicultural
  • Great housing
Cons
  • I would like some more events for the students to be organized
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Relam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of A Kind

My internship at KAUST was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. The research environment is outstanding, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and technologies, and I always felt well-supported throughout my time there. I also appreciated the convenience of having resources, shops, and amenities close by, which made daily life much easier. As it was my first time going abroad, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to feel connected—thanks to the vibrant social activities and the diverse, international community on campus.