The Voice spoke with Sophie Menasse (19), theater actress and philosophy student from Austria, about her passions, what she likes about Leuven, and what she thinks of the Flemish.

The Voice - Why are you in Leuven?
Menasse: For several reasons. First of all I really wanted to go abroad. Second it’s not that interesting to study at the university in Vienna because it’s terribly crowded. I also wanted to improve my English so I wanted to go to an English speaking country. I was thinking of going to Britain but I had the feeling I didn’t fit there. Then I heard about Leuven through a friend who worked in Brussels. I started thinking about Belgium as a possible option. They offer the BA in Philosophy in English and I always wanted to learn Dutch.

The Voice - Why?
Menasse: I was in Amsterdam for the first time when I was 10. I found Dutch incredibly funny and nice. I started writing my own dictionary where I wrote down words that I picked up and understood (laughs). When I heard a word I didn’t understand it I would ask somebody “what does that mean”? Since then I liked it and I wanted to learn it.

The Voice - You speak Dutch now—where and how did you learn?
Menasse: Two weeks before I came to Belgium, I took a Dutch course in Amsterdam. Then I came to Leuven and I started taking one philosophy class in Dutch.

The Voice - Why did you decide to study philosophy?
Menasse: I’ve always been interested in the natural sciences, philosophy, and theater. After finishing high school I spent a year on acting and theater work. I knew that I loved theater but I also knew the disadvantages of the job. So I thought “Let’s have a look at the other options.” My interests are broad so that’s why I chose philosophy after deciding that I didn’t want the natural sciences. Philosophy is a broad field so you can philosophize about anything.

The Voice - How young were you when you started acting?
Menasse: The first time I acted was in a musical in primary school when I was 9 years old. And again a year later. I realized then that I want to continue with it and that I really like it. I started acting with a group outside school. We staged plays by the likes of Moliere and Shakespeare. Then when I was 15 I organized a play myself for the first time, which was Maria Stuart by Schiller. The last play I organized was by Peter Handke. We performed on a small square in front of two cafes. It was a very different experience.

The Voice - You did professional theater as well?
Menasse: The summer before coming to Leuven, I played Nerissa in a performace of The Merchant of Venice. It was an amazing experience for me because I had a huge part and it was really a professional production.

The Voice - You wrote a play last year for Janus theater and you performed in that play, right?
Menasse: I didn’t write the play in the sense that I came up with the idea but I sat down with another student to write the lines.

The Voice - What was the experience of being part of Janus theater like?
Menasse: It was a nice experience—theater always is for me! But it was also a pity we had so little time. But then you had to do the best that you can. If it works out and the audience is happy with it—that gives you a good feeling.

The Voice - How would you describe your stay in Leuven so far?
Menasse: Great. I really enjoy being here.

The Voice - What is it about Leuven that you like?
Menasse: It’s a nice town. I enjoy that it is small. Everything can be very spontaneous: You constantly bump into people you know and like. It’s easy to get around and to meet people. The pace of life is a bit slower than in Vienna, which I enjoy for a change. And I enjoy the languages because I’m using three languages everyday. Now I’ve started studying French as well.

The Voice - Do you like chocolates, fries, and beer?
Menasse: I like those. And I don’t understand how Belgians can all stay that slim with chocolates, waffles, beer! (laughs)

The Voice - How do you find the Flemish?
Menasse: It’s harder to get in touch with them than with international students. But then it’s kind of obvious because they already have their friends and their social networks. Whereas for students from abroad, it’s important to meet new people and start building up your social network. Apart from that they’re nice people once you get to know them. You just have to take the first step, the second, and the third one (laughs).

The Voice - That surely does sound familiar. Thank you for the interview!