What the Jeffersonians Are Up To
A look at Thomas Jefferson Scholars’ experiences
Every year, many TBS students apply to the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship, a one-year exchange program in the U.S. Only a few get accepted, and they get to spend a rewarding experience as a student in an American university.
I was always curious what it’s like to live there. To find out, I asked 3 TBS students who won the scholarship this year.
Kais Bouteraa, University of South Dakota
It’s only been 25 days since I arrived at The University of South Dakota, and I love it so far. Vermillion is a different small city. It is more of a farmland and countryside. Every single thing is in close proximity. No traffic, no noise. We usually take bikes from USD for free and roam around the city. I met a lot of cool people in less than a month, and I already started hearing stories about the extreme cold during the winter, which can get to -25 °C. I don’t think I’m gonna survive anyway.
I have always read articles and watched the news about big cities in the US, their way of life, politics, etc… South Dakota is different. It is a calm, cheap, and interesting place for nature lovers, peace seekers, and especially Native American culture and history. USD is the flagship university of South Dakota. It is, as far as I have seen, what keeps Vermillion’s economy stable in all aspects, even going into Walmart feels like walking around campus with all the flags, clothes, and USD stuff in every corner.
I am still amazed by USD, the professors, the students, the faculty staff members and locals that I nearly missed every deadline imposed by IREX. I have to do 20 hours of community service, look for an internship, participate in local and traditional events, and make a country presentation, and nothing has been accomplished yet. However, I have signed up for a 3-day-long trip to Black Hills for a very cheap price. We will visit Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, and the famous Mount Rushmore (which should be on your bucket list in case you visit South Dakota). Furthermore, my friends (other scholars on the same program) and I will be travelling to the West Coast on Winter break, which is nearly one-month-long, and to the East Coast on Spring break, which is only 12 days.
In a nutshell, this experience is going on the right path so far. I applied for conferences and events that I wasn’t able to go to when I was back in Tunisia. I have the best two partners in crime, Ghofrane Baaziz, a student at TBS, and Salim Belguith, a student at IHEC, and we’re trying to make the most out of this year together, for better or for worse. I hope that whoever is reading this would get the chance next year to be part of the 2019–2020 Thomas Jefferson Cohort. Best of luck and enjoy your journey at TBS.
Fatma Ben Amar, University of Central Missouri
It has been only 40 days since I came here to Warrensburg, but I can hereby confirm that the University of Central Missouri is one of the best destinations for international exchange students. Warrensburg is a small town. No crowds or big shopping centers. Some people say “It’s a student’s village” and I think it is! Most people, especially international students, know each other and are often in touch.
It is easy to integrate here in UCM: simply because people make you feel welcome. For example, during my first 3 days, 3 churches invited all international exchange students and took in charge preparing dinner for us. This is thanks to the intercultural programs organized by UCM like the Friendship Family and Conversation Partner programs.
I am really taking advantage of the excellent learning environment. Actually, the library is my favourite place! Professors are highly qualified and helpful although they give many assignments. I am now majoring in Political Science. It is much different from business, lots of reading and writing, but so far I feel that my studies are making me see the world from different perspectives.
My favorite class is “Model United Nations” and I am so excited that I will represent my university in the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago, on Thanksgiving Holiday.
I still did not cross the borders of Missouri. I visited Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City. However, I had much fun there: I played golf for the first time, I went to the State Building and went shopping in big shopping centers.
I am actually busy all the time even on weekends, there is so much to do! Therefore, I am planning to visit big cities in the upcoming breaks. Maybe Winter break the West Coast, and Spring break the East Coast.
I am simply thankful, grateful and truly blessed.
Yosr Bouhoula, Black Hills State University
I am absolutely and utterly in love with Spearfish. It is a known fact that you will never be bored here; there is always something to do. I went hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and biking. Actually, I learned how to bike here, we get to rent a bike for the whole semester and enjoy the beautiful weather as it lasts, before winter kicks in.
If I was asked what’s my favourite thing about this place I would say the nature and the people. The nature is absolutely breathtaking, and the people are the kindest! I was so fascinated by BHSU that I didn’t complete any of the program requirements yet.
What’s more fascinating about South Dakota is its history and culture, and I get to learn so much about it because I’m taking American and Indian History and Culture course with a Native American professor. It also has a very unsteady weather; they say if you don’t like the weather in Spearfish wait for 6 minutes. It is still so nice here, people would talk about how cold it will get and it makes me even more excited to enjoy the snow and that time of the year.
The international office at BHSU keeps making our journey more interesting. They paired us up with an “ambassador” who has the same interests as we do. My ambassador’s name is Faith. She’s a very interesting, funny and kind person. We would go get coffee together or volunteer at the local animal shelter in Spearfish.
They also connected us to a friendship family, who will share with us their holiday’s celebrations and more. Last weekend, we were invited to dinner with the international office people. We had a beautiful evening around the fire and we had S’mores (so in love with these burned marshmallows). Next weekend, we will be visiting Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse with all the international students. As I said before, we are always busy here in Spearfish.
I am so grateful I was placed in such a beautiful, calm and warm environment. It’s therapy. Nevertheless, it’s on my bucket list to visit the big cities in the upcoming breaks.
If all goes well, the application for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program will open soon. I don’t know about you, but I sure want to be in the US next year!
