Fleur Malease was a Belgian 2023-2024 Fulbright Master’s Student in Public Administration at Harvard University. Before Harvard, Fleur worked as a Donor Relations Officer at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). She holds a Master’s degree in Commercial Engineering completed in Belgium and in Canada. She has worked for different United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization which she joined as an External Relations and Partnerships Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. During her career, she has been deployed to six countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. She has also provided support to Mothers At Risk’s project in Kinshasa, a mobile clinic serving vulnerable women in the urban periphery, in partnership with the local organization Lisungi.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
I was a Fulbright student in the United States from 2023-2024, and I graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. One of the first questions we are asked at the Kennedy school is “what is your why?”, an iteration of the more common “ask what you can do”. This question proved instrumental in guiding my course selection. To foster my understanding of US institutions and politics, I took three US-specific courses: Principles and Politics when running for office taught by Governor Patrick Deval, American Presidency taught by Roger Porter, former Director at the White House, and I cross-registered at Harvard Law School for Federal budget Policy.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?”
I heard about the Fulbright Program through the Admissions Office. Many aspects of the Fulbright grant fueled my motivation. But if I had to select three factors, I would name the possibility of learning about the USA directly from government officials and during the Fulbright enrichment seminar, the possibility of engaging with fellow Fulbrighters who share my passion, and the opportunity to join an impressive network of alumni. It is humbling to compete for a chance to join a select group of Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, or heads of state and government.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
I have learned a great deal more about the USA now, whether it is about culture or politics. My time in the USA also broadened my understanding of the world, not only because the Fulbright Program connects you to like-minded international students, but also because Harvard Kennedy School is one of Harvard’s most international schools: about half of the graduating class of 2024 came from 84 countries. Extracurricular activities were additional learning opportunities, so I took advantage of my time in the USA to volunteer with the center for international development when they welcomed Ministers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and with Habitat for Humanity through the Student Public Service Collaborative. This nonprofit organization helps families build their homes. I was selected for the political training program “From Harvard Square to the Oval Office” designed for graduate students who aspire to run for office. The guest speakers were mostly American citizens, so this program also facilitates cultural understanding. Lastly, I was lucky to be in a cohort with extraordinary American citizens who organized so many activities to help international students settle in the USA. Not only fun activities such as Thanksgiving dinners or other culinary discoveries –every Wednesday, I discovered a new diner thanks to one of my dearest friends– but also deep conversations about the funding of the educational and security systems in the United States.
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?”
When I applied to Fulbright, I had a very precise career plan in mind. Now that I have graduated, I find myself at a pivotal moment; my experience in the USA has taught me the importance of timing and self-reflection, while my course selection and extracurricular activities changed my assessment of what I previously termed “realistic goals”. I feel comfortable going outside of my comfort zone and exploring opportunities that will undoubtedly materialize the “why” that brought me to Fulbright and Harvard.
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
I would advise anyone considering applying to do just that: to apply. Do not be afraid. Too often, great candidates do not submit their applications based on the wrong assumption that they are not good enough. If this sounds familiar to you, I would like to argue that you would do yourself a disservice if you failed to apply. Preparation is paramount, so working on your application early is strongly encouraged. Do not worry about your previous program of study but be authentic in your essays. Your unique story is what sets you apart. Applying is not about producing perfectly manicured replies designed to please the Committee. It is about embracing and telling your story in a way that shows your passion and character, and their alignment with Fulbright values. If you think you could be a great fit for the Fulbright Program, chances are that you are a great fit. Lastly and perhaps more importantly, enjoy the application process. Have fun while working on your essays. The process is stressful, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on your achievements and aspirations. You will have so many fun facts to share with your loved ones once this process is over.
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.