Juliette de Beer is a Doris Crossley Foundation bursary recipient who is in her third year of BA Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University. She recently went on exchange and spent a semester studying abroad in Belgium. Juliette has kindly shared her story with us and we are so proud of her commitment to her studies and her journey…
“Before you do something big, there is always this daunting period of uncertainty that threatens your confidence. The first half of 2023 proved to me that it is so necessary to take courage in what God places on your heart, to push through the unknown:
I have been wanting to study abroad since I was fourteen years old – to cultivate my love for fashion and art. I am a creator and adventurer at heart, who couldn’t wait to see the world. It is very important to write down long term goals, breaking them down into measurable pieces to achieve your dreams one step at a time.
By studying at Stellenbosch University, I had the wonderful opportunity to apply for a semester exchange to PXL-MAD in Belgium during my third year of Visual Communication Studies. I felt a deep calling to go to Belgium and knew that I would have to secure bursaries to achieve this. If there is a will, there is a way. Through applying for the Doris Crossley bursary and the International Travel bursary from Stellenbosch, I was able to secure the agreement to venture abroad for a Semester.
Highlights during my studies:
During my time at PXL-MAD, I had the opportunity to hold a group art exhibition, with two other international exchange students from Catalan, namely Biel Sauret and Julia Aleu. We created a multimedia art exhibition addressing the way that digital and physical interfaces (our tangible reality and our screens) shape our perceptions. I created a textile artwork with cloth, beads, embroidery, and severed computer pieces to represent the tangibility of our digital platforms. I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to curation and displaying my work to the public. My artwork is currently being displayed at the PXL-MAD art department.
In one of my graphic design classes, we received a branding project for a real company called ACC Matchmaker, who would choose a student’s project to become the visual identity of their new communication agency platform. My project won the competition, and I was extremely honoured to intern at Today Agency in Mechelen, to further the branding for two weeks. My project is currently being developed into the ACC Matchmaker site and I cannot wait to see it in action. I loved learning from Belgian designers who really challenged me to develop my style. Upon returning to South Africa, I received an invitation to the Golden Key society for my academic achievements. It was wonderful to see that my passion for creating was being seen.
While living in Hasselt, I had many wonderful experiences, such as meeting international students from all over the world that I am staying in contact with. We formed a precious little community and planned lots of activities together that I will always treasure. On weekends, I could travel around Belgium, by train. I fell in love with the quaint architecture of Bruges and the beautiful art museums and ancient churches everywhere. I also fulfilled my 10-year dream of visiting Paris during the holiday. Paris was everything that I imagined and more.
During the term, I had the privilege to tell students about our lovely country as a speaker at an International ESN event with two other South African students. This event inspired some Belgian students to visit Cape Town, where I met up with them to show them around on ‘First Thursdays’. It was wonderful to realise how small the world is and to share my love for my country.
I would sincerely like to thank the Doris Crossley Foundation and the Stellenbosch International department for supporting my dreams. I also want to thank my parents for their never-ending love and support. I am so grateful for the values and vision that they instilled in me, supporting my talents and creativity from a young age. I am so grateful for the blessings and wonderful people that God has sent over my path. I look forward to seeing where my experiences will take me.”
Juliette de Beer