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

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.

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.

Entrepreneurs

Wietse Van Ransbeeck

Wietse Van Ransbeeck’s work as a social entrepreneur focuses on supporting people’s right to have a voice in their government. He participated in the 2018 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship 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.

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).

Youth

Pili Verbinnen

Pili Verbinnen is a young activist dedicated to bringing positive change in such areas as the environment and education. As a teenager, she participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) 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.

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.

Our programs

Fulbright program

The Fulbright Program is the leading international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to better mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. In addition to exchange programs, competitive, merit-based grants are also awarded annually in most fields of study.

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.

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!