My life
My Belgium

This is the Belgium of today – and tomorrow – told through individual stories of people who inspire us. Their vision for their country embraces diverse ideas, opinions, cultures, races, genders, languages, and religions. They also share a common experience: participating in a U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange or grant program.

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Featured stories

Community Activists

Imane Bakkioui

Imane Bakkioui, a young advocate of interfaith dialogue, has participated in two programs sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. She has participated in the “Women2Women” program and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Community Activists

Jan Christiaens

Jan Christiaens leads a campaign to teach people with limited access to cheap and reliable transportation to ride bikes and gain new freedoms and opportunities. He participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Artists

Melat Nigussie

Melat Niguisse believes that the arts can empower activists to bring about broad social changes. She participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program through the US Embassy in Belgium.

Journalists

Steven Decraene

Television journalist Steven Decraene believes that accurate and in-depth reporting helps the public understand and learn from complex global events. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Athletes

Caroline Lembe

For Caroline Lembe, boxing is not only a challenging sport, but a tool for supporting women’s physical and mental health. She participated in the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Artists

Fatena Al Ghorra

Fatena Al Ghorra is a poet who believes in building networks that provide support and inspiration to a global community of writers. In 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium nominated her to participate in the “International Writing Residency Program” at the University of Iowa.

Community Activists

Jens Depelchin

Jens Depelchin works to empower disadvantaged people by providing opportunities for developing their talents and interests. He initiated a program serving immigrant communities with support from the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Youth

Kimia Anousheh

Kimia Anousheh is a young activist committed to positive social change and to motivating others to join her in that mission. She participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.

Our programs

Emerging Young Leaders Award and Exchange Program

The Emerging Young Leaders Award is granted to 10 outstanding young leaders from across the globe. The young leaders selected are given the opportunity to visit the United States for an intensive 2-week program designed to recognize and support their efforts to enact positive social transformation. The program includes an award ceremony in Washington DC, meetings with U.S. government officials and NGOs, and a trip to Austin, Texas to participate in professional meetings with American counterparts.

Study of the U.S. Institutes

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) and Secondary Educators are post-graduate level academic programs. The institutes consist of a 4-5 week academic residency and a 1-2 week educational study tour to a different region of the United States.

International Writing Program

Each year, the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa offers various programs aiming to connect literary communities overseas with distinguished American writers. Past programs have conferences, reading and study tours, and writing workshops.

Your life your Belgium?

Make it your own story!

Are you someone making a difference in Belgium, just like these people? Then we would love to hear from you! Take a look at our U.S. Embassy programs and see which ones will help you do extraordinary things.

Inspired? Let us know!