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| Irish College Leuven was a crossroads of ideas, cultures, and ambition over the past few months. We welcomed student groups from across Ireland and around the world, delivering immersive programmes powered by our network in Belgium and across Europe. Through company visits, institutional engagement, cultural experiences, and expert voices, students explored international business, policy, languages, finance, and innovation up close and in action. Business students from Munster Technological University and Dublin City University dove into the realities of modern enterprise. Through visits to global companies and industry organisations, they tackled topics such as AI-driven transformation, entrepreneurship, and the future of international business. Meeting professionals on the front lines gave students a clear view of how organisations are adapting to rapid technological and economic change. Our languages and cultural programmes also flourished, welcoming students from Queen’s University Belfast, Dublin City University, and University College Cork. Engaging directly with European institutions, students gained insider perspectives on multilingualism, communication, and careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Our reach extended globally. Accounting and Finance students from Monash University travelled through Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, exploring the opportunities and pressures shaping Europe’s financial hubs. Meanwhile, students from George Mason University engaged with key international organisations, deepening their understanding of diplomacy, transatlantic relations, and global policy. Beyond the classroom, our largest-ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration brought more than 200 guests together for an evening of storytelling, traditional music, choral performances, food, and cultural exchange, making it an unforgettable showcase of Irish culture in the heart of Europe. At Irish College Leuven, learning goes beyond lectures. Students get to meet the people, organisations, and institutions shaping their future |
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| | Some Snaps from Spring 2026 |
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| | Queen’s University Belfast – Translation and Languages visited the Directorate-General for Translation. Their programme focused on exploring entrepreneurship and career opportunities in languages and translation across a range of sectors, including EU institutions, academia, and the private sector. |
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| | Monash University - Accounting and Finance students visited Luxembourg for Finance, where they engaged with several associations and gained insight into the financial services sector. The itinerary also included time in Leuven, Berlin, and Frankfurt, with visits to key institutions such as the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The programme focused on developing an understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges in different regions. |
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| | DePaul University students spent a week exploring the impact and influence or the European Union and NATO with visits to Ieper, Atlantic Wall, EU Institutions, and other political bodies and think tanks. |
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| | James Madison University - Comparative Ed pictured here at Immaculata High School, Ieper, enjoyed a week of school visits and guest lectures about teaching, learning, and school education in Flanders! |
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| | Munster Technological University International Business students visited C-mine, where they explored the rich history of the former mining site and its transformation over time. They gained insight into how this unique space has evolved into a creative hub, blending industrial heritage with innovation, design, and artistic collaboration. |
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| | George Mason University - NATO & EU Residency Programme Students from the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, undertook an intensive week-long residency programme focused on the future of NATO and the US-EU Relations. |
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| | | St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 2026 |
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| Irish College Leuven came alive for its much-loved St. Patrick’s Day celebration, marking its largest gathering yet with over 200 people in attendance. The event filled a jam-packed auditorium with a fantastic evening of food, drink, music, and celebration. The night was a true success, with a house full of joyful guests singing, clapping, and laughing throughout. The programme featured traditional Irish and Flemish music by Les Fous de Bassan, a captivating performance from renowned Irish storyteller Aindrias de Staic, and a beautiful choral performance by the Carrickfergus Grammar School Choir. The evening was hosted by Euronews journalist Méabh McMahon, bringing warmth and energy to a memorable celebration. |
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| | | | | Scéal Eile 2026 - Irish Film Festival |
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| Irish College Leuven was proud to host the opening night of the Irish Belgian Film Festival, Scéal Eile, last month. The screening of Sinéad O’Shea’s Blue Road, the life story or Irish author Edna O’Brien was well received by a very appreciative audience. |
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| | Leuven Marathon's 10K race Irish College Leuven sent a team of eight ambitious runners to participate in the It was a banner day for ICL, as all eight runners finished the race, with many celebrating personal-best times! |
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| | Michael McGoldrick & Tim Edey:
Concert and Masterclass |
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| | | Dúiche Workshop 2026 The Dúiche Workshop focuses on supporting economic, social, and cultural development across the EU, with a particular emphasis on strengthening SMEs and fostering place-based, sustainable ventures in sectors such as food, tourism, renewables, the creative and digital economies. It is ideally suited to development agency executives, community practitioners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs—including social and emerging business owners—especially those working in or supporting marginal regions. Email reception@irishcollegeleuven for more details. |
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| | | SAVE THE DATE The John Bruton Memorial Lecture Remembering John Bruton’s contribution to Ireland and Europe 19:30 Thursday, 29th October 2026 Followed by a reception Irish College Leuven, Janseniusstraat 1, Leuven Welcoming remarks by Phil Hogan, former European Commissioner Keynote speech by José Manuel Borroso, former President of the European Commission To confirm your attendance please email, [email protected] |
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| Vesalius Museum – Leuven’s latest learning centre We are excited for the reopening of the Vesalius Museum later this year. This anticipated project, which will succeed the popular Health House initiative, will be a milestone that reinforces Leuven’s reputation as a powerhouse of knowledge, research, and cultural heritage. It also opens up new opportunities for our future programme development, which we look forward to exploring over the next few months. |
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| | | | GET IN TOUCH Want to explore more about Irish College Leuven? How can our programmes fully integrate into your work and be designed to add meaningful value to what you do? Then, get in touch to explore how we can work together. |
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| | Thank you from all of us at Irish College Leuven |
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