September 24, it’s been about 45 days that I took the plane that brought me here and yet, it feels like it was yesterday. Time flies on this part of the globe! I have been so busy I only found the time now to write this article… I can only hope you will forgive me for enjoying my time so much!
The least one can say about my first week in the States is that it was multicultural! I had the chance to meet 52 FLTAs from across the world in Michigan. Although the orientation we had there was intense, we found the time to connect and even plan trips together! No later than a day after the end of the orientation, I was on a bus heading Chicago with 7 other FTLAs! That city is by far my favorite in the USA, I felt so welcome! It’s easy: as I set foot in Chicago, I could picture myself living there! This place has everything one can dream of! It’s a busy city offering millions of activities and also quiet and relaxing time at the beach! I had a blast and cannot wait to go back there!
Of course, being an FLTA means more than just hanging with international students. I want this experience to be a full immersion in this American culture, so as soon as I arrived in Minneapolis, I seized every opportunity to spend time with Americans; I found a room in a house where I am the only international person, I enjoyed a true Minnesotan we at “the Lake” eating “smores” with US colleagues and went to the State Fair and did not chicken out trying weird deep fried food! Yep, so far… I am as “Americanized” as I could be! I must admit that a couple of my friends are from Europe as well, but we all share the purpose of discovering this land with Americans! Katja and I, for instance, signed up for a canoeing trip in the Boundary Water this w-e, and we are the only Europeans going! I can’t wait to hear about Minnesota history at the campfire! I can’t wait to discover the most beautiful natural reserve of the State and listen to US traditions when alone in the wilderness!
When leaving Belgium, my boyfriend, family and friends, I promised myself I would make this year here count. I am living 110% here, I am a “yes-girl” ready to take on any adventure. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I know it!
— Emilie Van Leemput