Tanika has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior. She accomplishes these tasks with great initiative and with a very positive attitude. I enjoyed being her student. It was fun and I learned a lot, without ever feeling, not even for a moment, that something was impossible.

My name is Senna, I’m a tour guide in Brussels. You’re probably wondering: “Why would someone already familiar with history sign up for a course on the history of Belgium”?

Well, despite initial doubts, my first courses were a great reconnection with my own Belgian past, and I even picked up many new things and historical nuances. I hoped to find exactly that type of valuable knowledge, both for professional use (as guide) as well as personal purposes. I think it says a lot that I then signed up for more later on.

All in all, if it can do that as a local, it definitely is a super valuable must-do for any expats wanting to feel more comfortable or maybe even at home in Belgium. I say go for it!

As a medium-term expat in Brussels, I found Mirella’s courses appealing as they offered a chance to learn more about the place I’ve called home for the past few years, beyond the usual, superficial idea that ‘Belgium is complicated’. As a British citizen considering applying for Belgian nationality post-Brexit, it’s important to me that I understand the country’s history, politics and place in the world. The introductory course offered a huge amount of information, in a lot of detail, that gave me plenty to think about between classes. The depth and breadth of Mirella’s knowledge, her enthusiasm and energy, and her desire to share that knowledge are what set her classes apart, and I’d recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking to gain an understanding of what makes Belgium, Belgium.

I have lived in Belgium since 2011. I had to take the compulsory integration course. However, I felt that I did not understand the culture and traditions surrounding me.

In 2016 a Facebook post on a course taught by the Belgium Academy of Culture and History captured my attention. I thought it was what I was looking for since I came here. My expectations for the course were more than surpassed, thanks to the complete mastery of the subjects by the teachers, especially Mirella, as well as the way the course is structured, devoting a session to each theme: history, religion, economy and politics. I felt like each session flew by and it was always very pleasant, both due to the interesting explanations and the possibilities for interactivity which allowed all participants to always get their questions answered.

The course has made a difference for me.

Now when I hear political or historical conversations, I no longer feel like a foreigner who just arrived, I can participate and, curiously, on many occasions I get the impression I know more about Belgian history than the locals.

I am glad I took the course and highly recommend it.