Class of 2019: Arts and Philosophy

Finding students to interview is a piece of cake at the LW graduation ceremony when comparing to the other faculties. It may or may not have something to do with their affinity for art and languages, but one simply cannot deny that the atmosphere is bustling, excited, joyous. Alongside all of these positive emotions, there is also nostalgia. The acknowledgement that this ceremony chimes in the end of their time at VUB. Of course there are exceptions - Alumna Bo Timmermans proudly declares that she’s now working at VUB: “If I could, I would live here forever” - but it is still the best possible time to ask actual students how they experience their time at VUB.

The American college experience:

When discussing their time at VUB, it immediately comes to the attention that getting here wasn’t easy, but that the ride was more than worth it in the end. Master in translation Hannelore Van Laer doesn’t feel even remotely embarrassed when she tells us that “me and my friends love nerding about linguistics”. “My love for languages has only grown during my time here. It might be linked to the atmosphere that marks our faculty: students are 100% themselves, cherishing freedom and always eager to learn.” The campus in Etterbeek has also made a lasting impression on Hannelore: “It truly feels like the American university campuses you see on television. Were it not that here at VUB, it still maintains a small-scale feeling. Chatting with your professors during classes, events or even at a Christmas party is a normal thing. It’s cosy here!”

Daan Annemans, a philosophy graduate, has had a similar experience, praising the overall vibe and his fellow students. “It is rather unique, in the sense that both students and professors truly care about the field they’re in. For example, me and my friends were constantly discussing philosophical constructs and theories, after classes, but just as frequently at the bar of one of hangout spots on our campus.”  This sentiment is echoed by Darline De Clercq (master in Linguistics and literary studies), but she feels that it’s the diversity in the student body that made her time here so memorable: “A great many nationalities are represented at our university and within our faculty and I find that truly enriching. Discussing life and course materials with students who come from a different perspective, continent or walk of life keeps you on your toes and helps you grow as a student.”

Speech, speech, speech!

During the graduation ceremony, two alumni were called on stage to give the present parents and family members some insight in student life at VUB. Dorien De Vries is now working for the federal department of culture youth and media and one thing she learned at VUB is to always probe widespread notions: “Thanks to my time here on this campus, I started to believe in myself. I learned to never take things at face value, to look for nuance and counterarguments. Because unlike letters on paper, our world and society are never black and white. It is our mission to listen to a variety of opinions and base our views on facts and knowledge.”

Marte Lucakova, who came all the way from Slovak to study Dutch in Brussels,  used her stage time to explain why she came to Brussels for her higher education as well as why she chose Dutch of all languages. “In Bratislava, I went to a bilingual highschool, studying Slovak and German. Because you need a second language as a translator, I decided to add Dutch to my curriculum. I fell head over heels for the Dutch language and it even became my primary language. When looking for a fitting university, I decided to come to the VUB because it is one of those rare places where you can put your acquired language skills into practice in a truly international context. I can say with confidence now that I made the right call.”