BUSINESS IN EUROPE:
UNITED IN DIVERSITY
Monday 24 - Friday 29 August 2026
About
Gain insight into Europe and develop you intercultual competences
Step into an unforgettable 5‑day experience at the UCLL Proximus Connect in Heverlee, just a few minutes from vibrant Leuven. Hosted by University Colleges Leuven‑Limburg (Belgium), this programme brings together twenty motivated students from UCLL, Businet, Erasmus+ and partner universities across Europe.
What can you expect
Throughout the programme, you’ll dive into themes such as Europe, Diversity, Circular & Green Entrepreneurship and Young Entrepreneurship.
You’ll also team up in small international groups to work on a real‑life assignment for an external company — and pitch your results on the final day.
At the end of the week, you’ll receive a certificate and earn 3 ECTS credits.
Five reasons to join
- Gain new expertise in doing business across borders
- Improve your intercultural management skills
- Practise your English through interactive workshops fully taught in English
- Enjoy the European spirit hands-on
- Get a taste of other European languages and cultures
Nice to know
- You meet different young entrepreneurs during the inspiration café
- You take part in different teambuilding activities
- You work in small groups of 4 of 5 international students
Feedback of students
- "I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to take part in the virtual summer school. I was faced with new ideas, people and information. Every day was different and brought something else to the table."
- "Truly beneficial and a lot of fun!"
- "Great opportunity to meet new people, to create a wider network of contacts, to learn more about oneself."
UCLL campus Connect
University Colleges Leuven-Limburg is one of Belgium’s leading universities of applied sciences, known for its hands‑on approach, strong international focus and close ties with industry. With modern campuses in and around Leuven, UCLL offers innovative programmes, inspiring lecturers and a vibrant student community. Whether in business, health, technology or education, UCLL empowers students to grow, collaborate and make a real impact.
Programme
We’ve prepared a great mix of work sessions, workshops, inspiring testimonies from young entrepreneurs, social activities, and fun.
Sunday 23 August
Monday 24 August
- On Sunday aftenoon, we meet to get to discover the city of Leuven, ending the day with a good beer at the Oude Markt.
- On Monday, the day begins with local buddies picking up participants at the youth hostel, followed by a dynamic kick‑off, an introduction, and a creative teambuilding session using Serious Lego Play.
- Students dive into the business case from Omnia Travel.
- The day wraps up with a visit to the University Library.
Tuesday 25 August
- The day starts with a lecture on Circular and Green Economy, followed by an Inspiration Café featuring innovative entrepreneurs and a lunch visit at Den Travak.
- In the afternoon, participants continue working in groups on their business case assignment, building on the ideas developed earlier in the week. The students are provided with information about the output requirements.
- The programme concludes with a visit to a local brewery in Leuven.
Wednesday 26 August
- The morning begins at the youth hostel with a lecture on Europe.
- Afterward, the group heads to Brussels for lunch and an afternoon visit to the European Parliament.
- The day concludes with a guided tour of Brussels, after which participants can enjoy the evening on their own in the city.
Thursday 27 August
- The morning kicks off with a workshop on Young Entrepreneurship, followed by an Inspiration Café featuring innovative entrepreneurs, and a lunch.
- In the early afternoon, participants continue their group work on the business case assignment. There is a Q&A session with the company.
- The day wraps up with an intercultural activity, bringing everyone together before the programme ends for the evening.
Friday 28 August
- The morning is dedicated to completing the business case assignment, giving each group time to refine their final pitch.
- Teams present their work, in front of the management of Omnia — the company that provided the business case- followed by an awards ceremony and celebratory drinks.
- The programme concludes with a final lunch, marking the official end of the summer school.
Saturday 29 August
- It’s your choice: go back home or extend your stay and continue exploring Belgium.
Registration
Register now for the August 2026 edition
Students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis (the maximum number of participants is 20).
Please register with your university email account; do not use a personal email address. Please make sure to complete all the required information, including your passport number, which is necessary to enter the European Parliament, or special dietary requirements.
Registration fee: €200. An invoice will be sent to the participants; payment of the registration fee is due on 1st of June 2026. Registration will be confirmed as soon as the above-mentioned fee has been paid.
The €200 participation fee covers:
- all workshops and lectures
- social activities: brewery visit, European parliament, city tour of Leuven and Brussels, intercultural activity
- company visit
- lunches, award ceremony and drink
- a bus pass for Leuven and the train ticket for Brussels
We regret that no refund can be offered if you should decide to withdraw from the programme after registration.
We can provide tips for the accomodation.
Neem contact met ons op
Contact us for more information
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the UCLL summer school team.