Hira Shah was a 2024-2025 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant to Belgium. As an ETA, Hira taught at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel. She also researched AI policy at the FARI AI Institute for the Common Good. Before Fulbright, she studied Political Science at Duke University and worked at the Senate Office of former Senator Kamala Harris.
Q. “Can you describe your grant project?”
I was an ETA this year at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). At the ULB, I taught English for science, business, and social studies. At the VUB, I taught applied English linguistics and American history. For my supplemental project, I worked with FARI AI for the Common Good Institute, where I conducted research on AI regulatory sandbox implementation under the EU AI Act.
Q. “What inspired you to apply to the Fulbright Program in Belgium?”
Belgium offers a unique combination of a multicultural society and a home base to international institutions. As an American with an Irish mom and an Indian dad, I was excited by the potential of exploring the diverse cultures of Francophone and Flemish Belgium. With my background in political science, I was also drawn to Brussels as the heart of European policy making.
Q. “What has been the most interesting or rewarding topic you have been able to share with your students?”
At the VUB, I created and taught an English Public Speaking workshop for students who experience public speaking anxiety. Beginning with conversational speaking, we scaled up to informational speaking, debate, and public presentations. It was so rewarding to see the students grow in their ability to express themselves in English. Two students wrote their senior thesis on this workshop, finding significant foreign language speaking anxiety reduction based on pre- and post- measures and qualitative interviews.
Q. “In what ways have you engaged with your host community in Belgium?”
While in Brussels, I became a member of the Passa Porta International House of Literature’s Co-Writing Studio. I also took part in ImproBrussels English language improv classes with people from across Europe. This was a great way to integrate into the Brussels international scene.
Q. “Can you tell us the story of a particular memorable moment from your time in Belgium?”
As part of my supplemental project on AI policy, I helped put on the FARI 2024 Conference on AI for the Common Good. I facilitated a session at the conference on AI regulatory sandboxes that included representatives from the European Commission, public administrations in over 10 EU member states, technical experts, and academics. I was honored to be a part of technology policy work at the forefront of promoting innovation while protecting fundamental rights.
Q. “Has Belgium been what you expected? In what ways has life in Belgium surprised you, either for its similarities to or differences from your own culture?”
Brussels is a big city with a small town feel. The city has everything a major city provides (full of museums, arts events, and cultural foods), but it’s possible to bike across it in an hour. Even after only nine months, I have begun to bump into people I know around the city. It’s a joy to feel like a part of the fabric of Brussels.
Q. “What has been your favorite ‘discovery’ in Belgium?”
I became a fan of the Flemish television show De Mol. It is an annual phenomenon across Flanders and is a constant subject of conversation. I highly recommend watching for any fans of The Mole (the Belgian version is the original show!)
Q. “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
Apply! My experience with Fulbright far surpassed my expectations. From supporting asylum-seekers with English classes to representing Belgium at the EU-US Young Leaders Seminar on AI, I was able to experience and learn so much I never imagined. For whatever interests you, there is room to deepen and expand your knowledge exponentially while on a Fulbright grant.
