King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

George Livingstone-Wallace BSc Environmental Geoscience – University of Edinburgh My internship at KAUST was an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and step into a highly applied and impactful scientific environment. Working within the marine science department, I was directly involved in ongoing research projects, contributing to fieldwork, environmental monitoring, data collection and processing, as well as extensive laboratory analyses. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the exposure to the full research cycle in a research intensive lab (EcoOce lab). The combination of fieldwork and lab work offered a comprehensive view of how marine research is conducted, from project conception to data acquisition and analysis. KAUST provides great infrastructure and facilities, which significantly enhance the learning experience. The campus environment is well-equipped and designed to support both research and daily life, with access to sports and recreational activities. In terms of lifestyle, it is worth noting that the social environment differs from Europe, particularly regarding nightlife. However, this is expected in Saudi Arabia, and there are still many opportunities to connect with people on campus and explore the surrounding region. Overall, I would strongly recommend this internship to anyone looking to develop practical research skills, gain hands-on experience, and expand their academic network. It is an excellent first step into the world of research and academia.

KAUST VSRP program was an amazing experience for me in the professional way because I had the opportunity to understand how a real team of engineers work and I could put into practise all my years of formation. It was also a great personal experience as it made me grow as a human being and it made me know people and culture from all over the world expanding my was of thinking and living.

At First I was very sceptic about Saudi arabia as it Kind of has a Bad Reputation in Europe. But KAUST was way better than I expected it to be. It was more International than even most european Universities. And the fact that the average Person in KAUST is already a PHD is Crazy. So many smart Nice international people. So easy to make Friends. The housing/benefits were luxurious to say the least. Very nice Campus Overall.

This was my first time traveling, living abroad, and being on my own, which was a huge shift. While I definitely felt some homesickness at first, the community here is so welcoming that it really helps you get through those tougher days. My lab group was great too—super patient and relaxed, which I really appreciated since I was new to research. The campus itself is very secure, so you don't have to worry about safety, and having the housing and stipend covered meant I could just focus on my work and things I enjoy, like playing tennis. I wouldn't say I’ve found a "life’s calling" yet, but I realized I genuinely enjoy the research process. It was a big step for my personal growth, and I’m glad I had the chance to do it in such a supportive global environment.

My first time doing a research project and my first time travelling abroad on my own. What a life changing experience. My research group at BAYESCOMP has been incredibly welcoming, and I deeply appreciate their patience and guidance, especially as someone new to research. The environment is a closed fenced campus that has everything from supermarkets to clinics, which provide safety and accommodation (within campus) with kitchen make my first time living abroad easy to settle in. And most importantly the opportunity to meet people from all over the world has been truly amazing.

At KAUST, I learned so much under my post doc. she offered a very welcoming and supportive environment. The research facilities were amazing and my colleagues were very kind. The living arrangement was very nice.

My experience abroad was overall positive, mainly due to the international and multicultural environment. Being surrounded by people from many different countries allowed me to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences that went beyond academics. This exposure helped me broaden my worldview and understand how research and education are approached in different cultural contexts. From an academic standpoint, the experience was solid and structured, and it provided an opportunity to engage with research in an international setting. Daily life on campus was comfortable and efficient, making it easy to focus on work and interactions with others. I would recommend it particularly to students interested in experiencing research within a diverse, global community.

The KAUST VSRP is one of a kind. I had access to amazing equipment and research facilities. I learnt a lot about the struggle of independent research and grew with my peers. I also had the chance to make friends from all over the world, and for that I will always be grateful. I am so thankful for the great experiences I had here at KAUST.

It was an extraordinary experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet new people and cultures, as well as learn how to use various equipment and talk to expert professors in their fields. Life here is quite pleasant, the apartments offered are spacious and well-equipped. In addition, we have various recreational activities, many of which are free (such as the swimming pool and the gym).

During my internship at KAUST, I contributed to a project focused on developing more sustainable methods for chemical synthesis and purification, particularly for pharmaceutical applications. The work involved modifying an organic photocatalyst to allow easy recovery using organic solvent nanofiltration membranes, with the long-term goal of integrating photoredox reactions with continuous-flow processes. This approach reduces waste, avoids toxic metals, and improves efficiency—supporting cleaner and safer production of pharmaceutical compounds. Beyond the lab, the internship offered many opportunities to explore new experiences. I tried golf, climbing, and tennis for the first time, enjoyed the art studio where anyone can get creative with a variety of materials, and loved spending time at the beach. The program also organized events that enriched my cultural experience, such as an Arabic calligraphy workshop and visits to Al Balad and Jeddah, which allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture, learn more about the religion, and enjoy the diversity of nationalities on campus. I also discovered amazing local food, especially samboosa and kunafah. My advice for future interns: don’t forget to socialize — there is life beyond the lab!

The KAUST VSRP Internship Program was one of the best research experiences I have had. What makes it truly exceptional is how complete and well organized it is: housing and essential services are already arranged, so you can focus almost entirely on doing research instead of worrying about logistics. This level of support creates the ideal environment to learn, stay productive, and grow as a scientist. On top of that, the research quality and academic environment at KAUST are excellent, with strong mentorship, access to great facilities, and a truly international community. I would highly recommend VSRP to anyone looking for a serious, immersive research internship abroad.

My experience as a VSRP intern at KAUST was extremely enriching, both scientifically and personally. I had the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and international research environment, where I was involved in hands-on experimental work and exposed to advanced techniques and cutting-edge research. The mentorship I received was exceptional, my supervisor and lab members were always supportive, encouraging independence while providing guidance whenever needed. Beyond the lab, KAUST offers an outstanding campus life, with excellent facilities and a vibrant multicultural community that made daily life enjoyable and inspiring. This experience strengthened my research skills, increased my confidence as a scientist, and confirmed my interest in pursuing a research-oriented career. I would strongly recommend the VSRP program to future interns, as it offers not only high-quality research training but also a truly unique and memorable experience.

i loved this experience and the team i was working with. the lab and the facilities are very well organized and i had the possibility to improve my skills in the lab and to learn much more about how the research life is. here I worked in the bioscience section, fo the professor Antonio Adamo, in the STEMD laboratory in which I had the possibility to learn a lot about disease modeling, molecular biology, analysis of data and stem cells

My time at KAUST was invaluable. Research-wise, learning Machine Learning from scratch was stimulating, aided by supportive colleagues and regular reporting. Socially, I loved bonding with fellow VSRP students through various activities. The program offered a perfect way to experience a new culture comfortably. It flew by, and I’m truly glad I came.

My internship in KAUST was an incredible journey of learning and discovery. I gained hands-on experience in research, data analysis, and system design while collaborating with a passionate, interdisciplinary team.

This University looks incredible, is huge, marble floors and shiny appliances everywhere. But when you approach it, it reveals itself to be pretty empty of substance. The life is quite sparse and boring, I'm lucky to have been able to spend time with family while here, but without them I was quite miserable in my time. just working out and doing research every day. the lab was super kind, and the people really nice to me, but the university and peripheral life experience really dull.

I had a great experience interning at KAUST. Firstly, the accommodation and environment is superb. I was lucky to work in a lab team that worked together really well. I learned a lot about geology and feel confident that I will use the skills I learned in my future research.

Spending the last quarter of the year—October through December—at KAUST for the Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) was a truly fascinating experience. For those considering an academic internship that blends high-level research with a unique international lifestyle, here is my breakdown of the experience. Working in the AI Labs, the technical resources are excellent; the compute power significantly accelerated my experiments compared to what I might expect elsewhere. The environment is really international, offering good networking opportunities with teammates and alumni at top global institutions. However, three months pass quickly. I highly recommend defining your project specifics before arrival to avoid losing the first few weeks to planning. Campus life feels like a self-contained town with extensive facilities, from gyms and pools to sports fields. The winter weather was pleasant, avoiding the intense summer heat, and commuting is effortless. Accommodation was a highlight—modern housing with a private bathroom—though I found the dining options leaned a bit too heavily on fast food for my taste. Socially, there are plenty of activities like board games and sports clubs, but the atmosphere is calm; do not expect a wild party campus. The access to the Red Sea for snorkeling is a unique perk. Organization was 10/10, handling visas and travel seamlessly. As a German, I found information arrived a little later than I am used to, but everything worked out smoothly. Overall, it is a productive, comfortable environment for focused research without logistical distractions and a great place to collect international experience.

My KAUST VSRP internship had its ups and downs. Communication with the visa onboarding person was frustrating as delays and unclear responses on required documents like the invitation letter came incredibly close to the start date. Getting a SIM card from the Mobily guy was a hassle too as he's rarely around and doesn't offer the cheaper plan for no apparent reason. The science side was good though, with up-to-date instruments available for use in state-of-the-art labs. Funding is decent with a good monthly stipend, solid insurance, and relaxed campus life. Plenty of activities like sports and art clubs to join, even if the community page is outdated. Good transport for campus, Thuwal, and Jeddah trips. Despite onboarding issues, I'd still recommend it for international research opportunities and good community life.

My Internship lasted 3 months and gave me the oppurtunity to experience and learn about new research areas as well as laboratory equipment. While the experience itself of course heavily depends on the appartment your in, the organisation I heard was in every case not that satisfying. The visa process and flying situation was spontaneously decided. Beside that, my work environment and housing was really good. Also, KAUST offers great chances to meet people outside your research topic through various events such as weekly board games nights or art clubs.