Kenza Aiteur was a Belgian 2024-25 Fulbright Master’s Student at Stanford University. Kenza obtained a Master’s degree in law from the Université Catholique de Louvain in June 2023. She was sworn in as a lawyer in November 2023 and joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where she specialises in corporate and finance law.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
The purpose of my Fulbright grant was to deepen my legal knowledge in pursuit of an international career as a lawyer, while immersing myself in a new culture. It also provided a unique opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?”
I heard about the Fulbright Program through alumni who encouraged me to apply. I find the Fulbright Program fascinating because of its mission to promote connections between countries and foster diplomacy. I believe that understanding each other’s culture is essential to building stronger diplomatic and business relationships.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
During my program, I founded the Stanford Belgium Society to promote Belgian culture and create connections between Belgian and American students. I also organized conferences on topics such as tech governance, EU-China business relations, and hosted the Belgian Ambassador at Stanford. These initiatives reflected my belief that cultural exchange and open dialogue are essential to fostering international understanding and business collaboration.
Q: “Can you describe a typical day in your life in the USA?”
A typical day in my life in the U.S. started with attending classes at Stanford Law School, followed by doing my readings while enjoying a matcha at the SLS café. I would often go to the gym or take some time to read in the afternoon, and in the evenings, I usually met up with friends. During the spring term, my evenings were also spent rehearsing for the Stanford Law School musical, which was a fun and unique way to connect with the community.
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
One of my favorite discoveries in the U.S. was the strong musical theatre culture on university campuses. Participating in the Stanford Law School musical was completely new to me – I never considered myself a theatre kid, but it turned out to be such a fun and unexpected way to connect with people outside the classroom. It almost felt like living on a little piece of Broadway on campus!
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 my Fulbright grant, I will be working as a lawyer in Belgium. My experience in the U.S. strengthened my interest in building bridges between Belgium and the United States, especially in the business world. In the future, I would love to work for a Belgian company with activities in the U.S., with the goal of fostering stronger transatlantic connections and collaborations.
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
My advice to anyone considering applying to the Fulbright Program is to go beyond academics and think about the small initiatives you could take to foster mutual understanding between your country and the U.S. Whether it’s promoting your culture, organizing events, or simply creating connections with others, every contribution matters. The Fulbright experience is not only about studying – it’s about building lasting bridges between people.
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.