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

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.
Entrepreneurs

Sihame El Kaouakibi

In a March 2019 interview, Sihame El Kaouakibi discussed social entrepreneurship and education as tools for social change. She participated in the 2014 “International Visitors Leadership Program ” (IVLP) sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. 
Artists

Sarah Avci

For Sarah Avci, the arts are a powerful tool for supporting underprivileged women with positive and meaningful experiences. She participated in the IVLP KARAMAH Leadership Exchange Course through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Community Activists

Michael Privot

As an academic and activist, Michael Privot believes racial equality is possible through collaboration, open-minded dialogue, and ultimately through legal reform. He participated in the 2013 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Our programs

Global Entrepreneurship Summit

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is an annual summit that showcases entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, creating new opportunities for partnership and collaboration between American entrepreneurs/investors and their international counterparts.

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!