Florence Anslot obtained a bachelor's degree in philosophy and went on to do a master’s in moral sciences & humanism, both at the VUB. She applied – and got – a Fayat Scholarship to study environmental anthropology at University College London (UCL). We had a chat with her after she moved back to Brussels and is preparing for the next stage of her life.
You did a one-year master's programme in London with a Fayat scholarship, but prior to that, did you go abroad at all during your VUB studies?
I actually went abroad when I was 18 in secondary school. I went to Paraguay with AFS and stayed with a local family. It was an amazing experience, and I’m still in touch with them, and have been back to visit several times. I then went on an exchange to Berlin during my third year in my bachelor's programme. The three years of my Bachelor’s weren't easy, as it was during the pandemic. We started with a first semester in-person, and then suddenly everything went online, and we were living with lots of restrictions. Going to Berlin was amazing, as it was after Covid. During my master's programme at VUB I decided to focus on my thesis and stayed in Brussels.
What led to the decision to apply for a Fayat scholarship and the choice of studying in London?
After getting my degree in philosophy I was very unsure as to what my next step would be. I had a vague idea of studying anthropology at the ULB, but this meant improving my French. With that in mind, I took a gap year and went to Montpelier to work on my French language skills. Totally by accident I came across a social media post about the Fayat scholarship. And then again, and then a third time, which is when I decided I had nothing to lose, so I applied. My expectations were low to non-existent though!
Why was that?
The world of scholarships seemed so far away, so impenetrable. I didn’t really know much about how to apply for one. I’m seriously grateful though that I got it, and that I got to study at UCL.
What was that year studying in London like?
It was amazing. I made loads of friends and learned so much. It was also a bit stressful, because the programme was quite demanding and I felt this pressure - a sort of sense of responsibility - but all went very well and I graduated. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I got a broader perspective from being among people from different cultures and with different views; I really liked the fact that I was pushed out of my comfort zone and into new things.
What would your advice be to VUB students applying for a Fayat scholarship?
Confidence. Be confident that you can do this, that you can get that scholarship. Also, have someone proofread your letter and essay, because sometimes it’s small things that trip you up, little bits you don’t see, but that could make a big difference. The Fayat scholarship application process is actually really accessible. You just need to write a letter, an essay, and then sit through the interview. It is possible; it can be done. In my case, the interview was really pleasant. Most of the questions pertained to personality, so it was just a chat, and I think there the main advice I’d give to students is to just be yourself, be natural. What also helps is if you’ve already applied to institutions, or – better still – that you got an acceptance letter. It shows you have enthusiasm and drive, so that’s an added bonus. They also want you to be an ambassador for the Fayat scholarships; I didn’t do much in that regard while I was studying as I didn’t really have the time, but I’m happy to do what I can now that I’ve graduated. I’m helping with the coaching sessions, doing this chat... I’m very happy to contribute what I can now, as a Fayat alumna.
What’s next for you ? You have some news, right?
Yes, I just moved back to Brussels, and I’m starting my PhD with ILVO – The Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I’ll be part of a European project within the Europe Horizon framework looking at Climate Smart research. It connects 29 research institutes, and I want to look at how we can bridge the gap between climate-smart agriculture and research.
Congratulations! It sounds very exciting. Any more trips abroad planned?
Not for the immediate future. After London I decided I wanted to settle down in Brussels, certainly for the next four years to work on my PhD. After that, who knows. We’ll see where life takes me!
More information on the Flemish Government’s Fayat Scholarship is available online. More information on how to apply as a VUB student, contact international.relations@vub.be