Testimonials

Peter De Mey

Hello! My name is Peter De Mey. I am the Director of the Theology Programmes in English at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies of the KU Leuven.

Our Faculty offers programmes in theology and religious studies in English at bachelor, master, advanced master, and doctoral level to students from all over the world and from different denominational backgrounds.

My own teaching and research focuses on Roman Catholic ecclesiology and ecumenism. I am the Director of the Faculty’s Centre for Ecumenical Research, former President of Societas Oecumenica, the European association of ecumenical research, and member of the steering group of the Ecclesiological Investigations Group of the American Academy of Religion. I am the Chair of the National Commission for Ecumenism, an institution sponsored by the Catholic Church in Belgium.

I'm also involved in the faculty choir and play regularly in a string quartet with colleagues and students.

 

Ashlee Kirk

I came to Leuven initially through a study abroad program during my 3^rd year of undergraduate studies. I immediately fell in love. The droves of international students, the cobblestoned streets, the cafes, and the challenges inside and outside the classroom were enough to compel my return. Midway through my last year, I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree in theology at the KU Leuven. The theology courses I had taken there (Interreligious Dialogue and Judaism) were among the best I had ever taken. However, I was a bit concerned. KU Leuven is a Catholic University with a well renowned Catholic theology program. I am a struggling Quaker. There is nothing that remains unquestioned for me (even a tenant as basic as Jesus divinity!). Could an ever-questioning Quaker benefit and feel at home in a Catholic theological program?

The answer is yes. My education is one grand experiment in ecumenism. The dynamic created between myself and my Catholic fellows is one of mutual enrichment and challenge. I have been tested intellectually and spiritually since my arrival in Leuven. Though the professors point me in potential directions, they leave it to me to chart my own course. This experiment ultimately enriches my primary area of study, comparative theology. Meeting the Christian ‘other’ prepares me for meeting the religious ‘other.’ Furthermore, since comparative theology is a newer area within theology, KU Leuven offers me some of the best resources for embarking on the comparative project. It is hard work: balancing openness to this Catholic ‘other’ while remaining a committed Quaker, engaging my spiritual side, increasing my knowledge and understanding of both Christianity and religious ‘others,’ and remaining fully committed to serving the world. Yet it is rewarding work, and it is work strongly encouraged by the theological faculty. That is why I plan to stay through my doctorate! I encourage students from all denominations and backgrounds to consider the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the KU Leuven.

 

Colby Dickinson

My name is Colby Dickinson, and I am an American currently doing my doctoral studies here in systematic theology. Coming from a diverse theological and academic background, I was not sure what to expect at first. As time went on, however, I have only found myself further and further delighted at the environment in which I live and work. My spouse, 6 month old son and I came to Leuven a few years ago in order to experience an alternative style of education in a beautiful European location, and have not been disappointed. After completing the 5^th year program, I entered into the doctoral program with high expectations and have found it to be a near perfect fit for what I required. Instead of placing a premium upon course work, comprehensive exams and assisting professors with every menial task under the sun, the doctoral program here throws its emphasis upon letting motivated, self-directed students explore learning through attending and presenting at conferences, learning the fields of publication, meeting in research groups to discuss your work and immersing yourself directly in the everyday languages of Europe. I have found this shift in focus to be incredibly beneficial to what I had wanted to study, and the collegial atmosphere seems only to increase my level of academic interest. Along the way, my spouse also found herself lured into doing a doctorate, though in American literature (!) It almost feels like an afterthought to add to this that living in Leuven also means living within an two hours of London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne, as well as some of Belgium's most amazing cities, like Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, and Bruges. Combine this with the facts that the tuition and cost of living is ridiculously cheap compared to the States, the historical reputation of the school is phenomenal and the beer is hands-down the best in the world, and Leuven is really hard to surpass in terms of its potential for unlimited opportunities. Finally, I might add, listening to my son (now 4 years old) speak Dutch fluently to us after school is a pretty cool experience.

 

Davene LeGrange

Born in Bloemfontein, South Africa and being a Belgian Citizen, it is wonderful to be able to study at a University with the diversity that KU Leuven has to offer. Already in my second year as a Bachelor, I have been introduced to numerous possibilities and activities. Since the end of the last academic year in 2010, I was elected a member of the S.A.In.T.S core team. This is just one of the many groups a person may join to learn more about the life, education, and students at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies..
Both English and Dutch speaking students come together, which results in lasting friendships and good memories. If this is not enough, there is also the possibility to study different languages, choose from a variety of different courses, and learn from numerous amounts of sources. The courses offer not only a high standard of education, but also intellectual discussions with professors who are determined to bring out the best in each student.
Current topics are also debated which enables interaction with history, present, and future. Either way being at KU Leuven is as if one was visiting the whole world in one small town. Beautiful, helpful, and full of life, I am proud to be a student of KU Leuven.

 

John Arblaster

 

I was born in Belgium in 1985. The son of British parents, I grew up speaking both English and Dutch, which has proved extremely useful for studying in Leuven. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Theology and Religious Studies last year and am now in the first year of the Master's programme. My focus is the History of Church and Theology, more specifically the middle ages. I've also been a student representative to the Teaching Committee every year so far. I plan to stay at the Faculty at least until the 5th year and perhaps for a doctorate as well, but have not yet decided what to do afterwards.

 

Prof. Dr. Bénédicte Lemmelijn

 

Bilju Vazhappilly Francis

I am a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Trichur (Kerala, in the southwest of India), the most ancient diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church. The opportunity for higher studies at KU Leuven is a real gift to me. Furthermore, I am very proud of having obtained two degrees from this University, both Master's in Religious Studies (2006-2007) and Master's in Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (2007-2008). I am also happy to continue my doctoral project in the domain of sacramentology. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Joris Geldhof, I am exploring the theme: An Attempt at a Sacramental Reinterpretation of Syro-Malabar Christian Identity Today: Applying Louis-Marie Chauvet’s Approach in Sacramentology. Leuven's atmosphere for studying as well as for coming to know different cultures is remarkable. ‘Live & Learn’ how Leuven is!

 

Troy Schneider

Almost four years ago when my bishop told me he was going to send me to Belgium for my theological studies, I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive, mostly because I knew very little about this very old and prestigious university and I had not ever been outside the US. It did not take long to realize that I had been given an incredible gift and opportunity to not only share in the European and International experience, but also to be among the many who have had the privilege to get one of the best theological educations in the World. I have learned a great deal not just about Catholic and Christian theology but also the many other traditions throughout the world. This has enabled me to grow further in my own faith and also understand what others believe and practice. I remember when I first arrived one of the professors told the class that if you are a person of prayer, then the study of theology can take you deeper in your faith and understanding; and if you are not a person of prayer, then you limit yourself and fail to utilize one of the main sources of theology. When I heard this, I knew that I would have an opportunity to grow in knowledge and faith during my academic studies. With only one more year left here, I can look back and see significant growth thanks to the many professors and fellow colleagues that I have had the advantage to work with. I can say with great confidence that when I return to a parish in the US I will be able to make the most of everything I have learned here at KU Leuven and the Church will be better for it.

 

Shelley Hall

 

My name is Shelley Hall, I am British, and I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in Theology to come to Leuven to study no matter what their age, culture or religion.

 

I am a working student and began studying at age 45. Seeing that most of the students are half my age, I expected to feel out of place, but this was not at all the case. Sharing a common interest of learning binds us all and that is a nice feeling. Not only that, but students come here from all over the globe. The best way I can describe it is that there’s a kind of mutual exchange going on all the time which is very stimulating.

On an academic note, standards are high here. Classes are concise and course notes complete. The professors will not “hold your hand”, but they will point you in the general direction of where to find the necessary research material, which in the end, is what makes for excellent thesis writing. We must learn how to locate sources independently and indeed the Faculty here has an amazing theological library hard to beat anywhere.

I can honestly say that I am very proud to have received my degree here and that for me this will always be a big achievement. Success was not handed to me, I had to work hard for it and therefore, to me, it means that much more.

On a final note, anyone with questions once they are here can count on excellent Ombuds support and there are great University facilities here in Leuven for those who practice sport. Finally, we are just 20 minutes from Brussels for those who like large cities.

 

Phil Davis

I am an American who has lived for the past ten years outside of my own country. These years have completely changed me and my way of looking at the world. The university at Leuven is a wonderful place to gain such an experience. It will stretch you and broaden your view of people, history, culture, and faith. Students from all over the world rub shoulders with each other in the university hallways. We greet each other in class and make life-long friendships. The ideas and points of view shared among the faculty and students is rich and diverse, and this is one of the chief benefits of participating in an international program. Personally, I can’t think of a better preparation for doing theology in this every increasingly interconnected world.

I probably could have found an international program within the United States, and you may be able to find one within your own country. But there’s a real value to participating in an international setting outside of your own culture, where you are not in the power position. Such an experience will shape your character in ways you cannot imagine. This has had a tremendously positive affect in my life, and our children have also benefited from this adventure. Now we see ourselves and others in a completely different light. Belgium is also a wonderful place to have that experience. From the moment we arrived in this country we have been literally surrounded by art, architecture, and amazing chocolate!

Finally, I can’t say how important the university libraries have been to my research. The theology library is one of the largest and finest in the world. And I’ve benefited from the other extensive libraries available in Leuven (primarily the philosophy and literature libraries). What a blessing to know that practically any publication necessary for pursuing a line of research is directly available at this university. If you are looking for an international program, at a world class       university, from a rigorous academic perspective, in the heart of a European jewel, consider seriously coming to KU Leuven. I’m glad I did!

 

Teodor Brasoveanu

My adventure in Leuven started on a cloudy day in autumn. I was a young man coming from Eastern Europe to a new and mysterious place. Now, after almost two years of studying and living in Leuven, I am glad to say that so far it has been a wonderful experience, in which the learning process has extended beyond the classroom walls. It has been my privilege to be part of an excellent biblical research group with a strong emphasis on the Pauline Corpus. Moreover, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Prof. Dr. Reimund Bieringer, a distinguished scholar with expertise on the Corinthian correspondence. My interactions with the professors of the international programmes have demonstrated to me their high level of knowledge, their willingness to help, their passion, and their enthusiasm. The fact that the Faculty’s policy permits students to organise their individual study programme allowed me to choose subjects in which I had a particular interest or which were not available at my home university. In addition, the periodic conferences and lectures delivered by reputable scholars have become part of my everyday life in Leuven. Last but not least, considering the richness and the diversity of the Faculty’s library, I have to assert that this also contributes to the Leuven experience. By being able to walk freely along the shelves full of books, I had the opportunity to get acquainted with books I would never have had access to otherwise. The multi-cultural atmosphere of the city of Leuven with all its diversity has stimulated my personal growth and gives meaning to the concept “unity in diversity”.

Christine Hurst

When my professors recommended Belgium as a place to study Vatican II, I had never heard of the Catholic University of Leuven. Now I can hardly wait to return! I am an American student currently completing my bachelor’s degree, and I was fortunate enough to spend a spring semester at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at the KU Leuven. It was a life-changing experience. Not only was I able to study texts and important figures in their original setting, I was afforded a European perspective and the opportunity to take part in the most amazing international student community I have ever encountered. After only a few short months Leuven felt like home. I had access to the cultural centers of Europe, the fascinating cities, the hauntingly beautiful churches and the unique landscapes, not to mention all the books and resources I could ever want. College in America has not been the same since! After completing my bachelor’s degree, I am looking forward to returning to Leuven for my master’s degree in Theology.