Sonia Belhassen was a Belgian 2023-24 Master’s Student in Law at Harvard University (LL.M.). Sonia is an Associate at Clifford Chance where she works across several finance transactions, including debt capital markets. She graduated with a master’s degree in law (magna cum laude) from the Université Catholique de Louvain in 2021, specializing in European and International Law and writing her thesis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
I spent nine months as a Fulbright grantee in Cambridge, Massachusetts, pursuing an LL.M. (Master of Laws) at Harvard Law School. My project focused on international and business law.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?”
I first heard about the Fulbright Program while searching for sources of funding to support my costly project. I was drawn to the program’s international scope, its renown and prestige in the United States, and its direct support from the U.S. Department of State. I remember the selection process to be incredibly competitive and challenging. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my interview, feeling that the interviewers were genuinely interested in my story and project, and were truly keen to get to know me.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
I met incredible people, attended challenging and educational classes, lived on an American campus for the first time, and fully immersed myself in American culture.
Q: “Can you describe a typical day in your life in the USA?”
I would wake up in my dorm room on the Harvard Law School campus and head straight to the university lounge for breakfast, often sitting by the fireplace. There, I would catch up with friends from the program, planning our day and upcoming weekend trips to places like Vermont, New York, or Cape Cod. Classes were always intellectually stimulating, with professors and fellow students constantly challenging and inspiring me. Lunchtimes were typically spent on campus, often attending “lunch talks” with friends. After classes, I would head to my favourite yoga studio in Cambridge. Evenings were usually spent dining with friends at my favourite Indian restaurant, Nirvana, or at my place, catching up with family back home—often over takeaway from Nirvana!
Q: “Has the United States been what you expected? In what ways has life in the USA surprised you, either for its similarities to or differences from your own culture?”
To be honest, the reverse culture shock upon returning to Belgium after my grant was more challenging than the initial culture shock of arriving in the United States. What I miss the most is the intellectual stimulation on campus, the exuberance of some Americans, and the pervasive sense that anything is possible and encouraged. I miss the culture of being outspoken, optimistic, and result-driven. Coming back to Belgium has been difficult because, all of a sudden, I felt cut off from that openness and stimulation, making my year abroad seem like a distant dream
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
Maine lobster, Halloween, Super Bowl and Taylor Swift!
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
Absolutely, go for it! It’s competitive, but incredibly rewarding and enriching once you’re in. You never know until you try!
Articles are written by Fulbright grantees and do not reflect the opinions of the Fulbright Commission, the grantees’ host institutions, or the U.S. Department of State.