Selle Denier was a Belgian 2023-24 FLTA in Dutch at Indiana University, Bloomington. After completing a Master’s degree in Linguistics and Literary Studies, Selle developed a strong passion for language, literature, and culture. Wanting to share this interest with the next generation, she enrolled in an educational master-after-master program. Here, she discovered the power of education and the rewarding qualities of teaching in a diverse, urban context.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
I was a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) in Dutch at Indiana University, Bloomington. I taught the course “Dutch Reading, Composition and Conversation”, organized Dutch conversation tables and assisted in promoting the program and Dutch community at IU and in Bloomington.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?”
My thesis promoter recommended it to me. I have always had an interest in teaching and cultural exchange, so this program gave me the opportunity to put those interests into practice.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
I taught a university course by myself, which allowed me to hone my teaching skills and grow as an instructor. On top of this, the program gave me the opportunity to connect with students and colleagues from different backgrounds, manifesting intercultural exchange and understanding.
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?”
Personally, I felt like the USA (on the surface level) did not feel very different from Belgium, my home country. We eat the same food, have the same day-to-day activities, build the same houses and buildings… However, the consumerist, materialistic mentality was very new for me.
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
Americans almost never cook at home and Belgians rarely go out to eat. It was very new for me to eat out once or twice a week. This however allowed me to discover so many new cuisines.
Q: “What will you do after your Fulbright grant? In what ways has your experience in the USA this year impacted your plans for the future?”
After the program, I started a job at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The program helped me discover my passion for teaching, higher education and cultural exchange. I definitely plan on drawing on my experiences at my current job (for example by setting up exchange agreements between IU and VUB), or at opportunities yet to come (whether in Belgium or in the USA).
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
Take the leap and apply! This year has been the adventure of a lifetime. Not only have I developed professionally, I also found a new home in a foreign country, made friends from all over the world and expanded my comfort zone by miles (or kilometers, whatever you prefer).
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.