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

Youssef Kobo

Youssef Kobo applies his entrepreneurial talents to programs for social action, and in particular, to the empowerment of young leaders. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Lawmakers

Hans Maes

Hans Maes is a young politician who believes that inspired leadership can help build communities where all members are valued. He participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Stewards of History

Christophe Gaeta

Christophe Gueta views his work as a scenographer, or a designer of museum exhibits, as a dynamic tool for educating young audiences about democratic values – a mission he shares with a frequent collaborator, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium.
Community Activists

Taoufik Amzile

Taoufik Amzile applies leadership talents, entrepreneurial experience, and dedication to social change to empower others facing challenges in their professional goals. He has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Educators

Hannah Leyns

Hannah Leyns believes dedicated teaching and mentoring prepares young people for fulfilling professional lives. Through a partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, her students learned valuable skills that empowered them to serve as inspiring role models in their communities.
Artists

Mehdi Benallal

As an entrepreneur, Mehdi Benallal dedicates himself to teaching audiences about cultural diversity through promoting live music performances. He has collaborated with the U.S. Embassy in Belgium on cultural outreach programs.
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.
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.

Our programs

Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Institute (BFTF)

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic institutes are intensive summer exchange programs hosted by a U.S. college or university. The programs are academic in nature, focusing specific theme relating to a global issue. Exchange typically last 4 weeks.

YTILI Fellowship

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship is a flagship young European leaders program of the U.S. Department of State that is supported in its implementation by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).

Grants Program

The office of Public Diplomacy manages the U.S. Embassy in Brussels grants program. The Grants Program assists non-profit, educational and cultural organizations to implement programs that advance U.S.-Belgium ties.

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!