Sharing educational space with the global population builds diverse and inclusive frameworks. As an international student, Pierre-Olivier Pire decided to continue his journey at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“After my master's degree, I really wanted to continue my studies with a doctorate to pursue my research on the subjects that interested me (the French literature of the Congo and Belgium)," he said.
"When I was looking for a university to do my doctorate, I came across an advert for UL Lafayette that offered the Francophone Studies program, not just French literature. I saw that the professors were all specialists from a different region or period - exactly what I was looking for! I applied and was accepted.”
Pierre-Olivier appreciates the vast opportunities available to students.
He shared, “In my department (and more generally at UL Lafayette), I really appreciate the fact that it's possible to get involved in different projects, alongside coursework, dissertation, and teaching. Since the beginning of my studies at the University. I've chosen to become my department's student representative on the Graduate Student Organization, to co-organize a conference that we hosted in our department last year, to sit on the board of the creative writing magazine Feux Follets, etc.”
In addition, Pierre-Olivier enjoyed the opportunity of lecturing his fellow graduate students.
"I've loved being able to give lectures to Master's and Ph.D. students on my research topics. As well as proving that the professors trust me enough to allow me to give a session for them, it's also rewarding because you realize that you know your dissertation subject probably better than anyone else. What's more, it confirmed to me that this is what I want to do: talk about literature all the time."
Along his doctorate journey, Pierre-Olivier has published work, organized various events, and given advanced courses and French classes to students in their first semester of learning the language.
His transition to a new country had its challenges, but Pierre-Olivier understands life has its valleys and mountains.
“I really think you miss out on something in university life if you don't get involved in something else. It allows you to meet people from different backgrounds, experiment, make decisions and take responsibility," he said. "It will also undoubtedly strengthen your relationship with your teachers and have an impact on the support you receive from them.”
When comparing UL Lafayette’s graduate experience to other universities, he finds happiness in his livelihood and well-being in Lafayette.
“When I talk to graduate students from other universities, I realize one thing: yes, we live in a small town with fewer activities than in big cities, but at least we can live decently. With a lower cost of living, I can live well and go home once or twice a year.”
After graduation, Pierre-Olivier will return to Belgium where to start post-doctoral research and eventually become a university professor.
