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educational trip to Berlin for deputies
Educational trip to Berlin: How to meet the right members of parliament!
Are you planning an educational trip to Berlin and want to know how to best get in touch with members of parliament? The capital offers numerous opportunities to experience politics up close. Whether it's a visit to the Bundestag or discussions with representatives – we show you how to make your trip unforgettable. Learn more and contact us to plan your individual educational trip.
The topic, briefly and concisely
An educational trip to Berlin offers valuable insights into the political processes and the work of the members of parliament, leading to a deeper understanding of democracy.
Take advantage of the offerings from Members of Parliament like Hubertus Heil and Axel Müller, as well as the programmes of the Federal Press Office, to gain diverse perspectives and deepen your political education. Civic engagement can be increased by up to 15%.
Plan your trip carefully, research suitable offers and representatives, and use the comprehensive information on the German Bundestag's website to ensure an unforgettable and educational experience.
Are you planning an educational trip to Berlin and would like to meet members of parliament? Learn how to establish contact and make the most of your trip.
An educational trip to Berlin to meet with members of parliament is an excellent opportunity to learn about Germany's political system and understand the work of MPs in the Bundestag. Such trips are not only informative but also enhance civic engagement and political interest. They provide participants with a direct insight into the workings of parliament and the perspectives of elected representatives. Through personal contact with MPs, questions can be posed and discussed, contributing to a deeper understanding of political decision-making. Seize this opportunity to experience political processes firsthand and enhance your own opinion-forming.
Why political educational trips are important: Enhancing knowledge and participation
Educational trips are specially designed to deepen knowledge and understanding in a particular area. In the context of political education, these trips focus on conveying knowledge about political institutions, processes, and actors. They aim to enhance political understanding and strengthen civic participation by enabling participants to experience the workings of the Bundestag and political institutions firsthand. Such trips are particularly valuable as they combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, resulting in a lasting learning effect. The combination of information and interaction leads to a deeper understanding of the complex interconnections of German politics. Our class trips provide a solid foundation for introducing young people to political topics.
The target audiences for educational trips are diverse, ranging from school classes and youth groups to clubs, associations, and interested citizens. Each of these groups has specific needs and expectations from an educational trip. School classes and youth groups require, for instance, age-appropriate programs and interactive learning formats that supplement educational content and spark interest in politics. Clubs, associations, and interested citizens often seek in-depth insights into specific political fields and opportunities for direct interaction with MPs. A successful educational trip takes these diverse needs into account and offers tailored opportunities that meet the respective target group's requirements. Ensure that the chosen programs are aligned with the participants' prior knowledge and interests to guarantee maximum learning success.
Use direct contact: Hubertus Heil's offerings for your visit to Berlin
Hubertus Heil, MP, offers various programmes for subsidised and fully funded visits to Berlin for his constituents. These options are tiered and depend on the group size and the funding source (Parliamentary Visitor Service vs. BPA). There are significant differences between Plenary/Information visits and BPA trips, with the latter being more comprehensive (two days, fully funded). These trips are an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the workings of the Bundestag and engage with an MP. Take the chance to experience political decision-making processes first-hand and put your questions directly to an elected representative. More information is available on Hubertus Heil's page.
Plenary Visit or BPA Trip: Finding the Right Programme for Your Group
The visitor programmes differ in terms of duration, funding, and programme structure. Plenary/Information visits are usually shorter and less comprehensive than BPA trips. The latter offers a more intensive experience with a two-day, fully funded trip. The target groups and participation requirements also vary. While Plenary/Information visits are often accessible to a broader public, BPA trips are aimed at specific groups such as school classes from Year 9 onwards or clubs and associations. When choosing the programme, consider the individual needs of your group and the relevant participation conditions. A good addition to this is our class trips to Berlin, specifically tailored to the needs of school classes.
The funding for the trips is either provided through subsidies from the Parliamentary Visitor Service or through full funding as part of the BPA trips. The conditions and application procedures are different. For BPA trips, a detailed application is usually required, containing information about the group, travel dates, and planned activities. The Parliamentary Visitor Service and the Federal Press Office (BPA) play a central role in organising and conducting the trips. They coordinate dates, organise accommodation, and provide the necessary information. Observe the respective deadlines and formal requirements when applying to ensure successful participation. Pay attention to the data protection information, particularly the use of cookies.
A typical BPA trip includes a visit to the Bundestag, participation in plenary sessions, briefings by ministries, and discussions with Hubertus Heil. In addition, cultural activities and sightseeing are often offered to give participants a comprehensive picture of Berlin and German politics. The schedule is usually tightly organised, including both informative and interactive elements. Take advantage of the opportunity to engage directly with political decision-makers and ask your questions on current topics. The EVG (Railway and Transport Union) also offers political educational trips to Berlin, providing similar benefits.
Discover alternatives: Take advantage of other MPs' visitor programmes
Alongside the offerings from Hubertus Heil, there are also other members of parliament who provide visiting programmes and educational trips. Axel Müller (CDU), for example, offers his constituents four-day informational trips to Berlin, organised by the Federal Press Office. These trips are highly sought-after and provide an excellent opportunity to get to know the capital and the Bundestag. It is worthwhile to visit the websites of various MPs to learn about their respective offerings. Compare the different programmes to find the right offer for your group. Further information is available on the page of Axel Müller.
Federal Press Office Tours: Four-day informational trips for political insights
The four-day informational trips by the Federal Press Office are a popular way to visit Berlin and get to know the Bundestag. The application process is usually straightforward, but places are limited. It is therefore advisable to apply early. The trips are aimed at various target groups and offer a diverse programme that takes into account both political and cultural aspects. Take the opportunity to discover Berlin from a new perspective and expand your knowledge of German politics. These trips are especially suitable for groups of up to 50 people and are offered three times a year.
The Reichstag offers various visitation options, including parliamentary sessions, informational lectures, and dome visits. Prior registration is required for all of these offerings. The parliamentary sessions usually take place on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. and on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. The informational lectures last 45 minutes and are held in the plenary hall. The dome visit is possible daily from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, with the last admission at 9:45 p.m. Plan your visit carefully to experience all aspects of the Reichstag. Please note that there may be closures.
During non-sitting weeks, 90-minute guided tours are offered, focusing on parliamentary history, art, and architecture. The number of participants is limited to 25 people per tour. In the German Cathedral, the exhibition "Paths – Mistakes – Detours" on parliamentary democracy takes place. Here, free guided tours are also offered. For young people aged 14 and over, a 45-minute role-play game "Parliamentary Session" is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays during sitting weeks. Take advantage of the diverse offers to deepen your knowledge of German politics and history. The Bundestag's website provides comprehensive information on this.
Ensure travel success: Practical tips for optimal planning
A successful educational trip requires careful planning and preparation. This includes researching suitable offers and representatives, signing up and booking the trip, as well as executing and evaluating the experiences. It is important to consider the interests and needs of the participants and to put together a varied programme. The logistical aspects such as travel, accommodation, and catering should also be clarified in advance. Good preparation is the key to an unforgettable experience. Our group trips to Berlin with train and hotel provide a good basis for this, as they facilitate the organisation of travel and accommodation.
Successful Educational Trip: Finding Offers and Contacting Representatives
Researching suitable offers and representatives is an important first step in planning an educational trip. Use the Bundestag website and the websites of the representatives' offices to inform yourself about the various programmes and offers. Consider the interests and needs of the participants and choose a programme that matches them. Pay attention to registration deadlines and participation conditions. Inform yourself thoroughly to find the right offer for your group. The Bundestag website offers a search function for elected representatives, which can assist you in your research.
Once you have found a suitable offer, fill out the application forms and submit the documents. Be mindful of the registration deadlines and participation conditions. Contact the responsible staff if you have any questions, such as Lucrezia Flavia Ferretti, Erika Homann, Lukas Ratschko, or Sabine Wiesinger. They can assist you in organising and conducting the trip. Careful application submission increases the chances of successful participation. The online application forms require detailed information, so good preparation is important.
When conducting the trip, logistical aspects such as travel, accommodation, and catering need to be considered. Organise the travel so that the participants arrive on time for the appointments. Book suitable accommodation and ensure sufficient catering. Also pay attention to the supervision of the participants and adherence to the programme. After the trip, you should reflect on and evaluate the experiences to make future educational trips even better. Smooth organisation ensures a positive overall experience. Our party trips are not suitable for this, as they have different focuses.
Learning from Practice: Successful Educational Trips as a Model
There are numerous examples of successful educational trips that demonstrate how valuable they can be for political education. One example is the educational trip organized by the EVG (Railway and Transport Union), which provided its members with an insight into the Bundestag and political processes. Participants visited the Bundestag, the party headquarters of Die Linke, and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. They discussed current political topics and engaged in exchanges with MPs and experts. Such trips foster political understanding and active civic engagement. The EVG organized a political educational trip to Berlin, which can serve as a positive example.
EVG Educational Trip: Insights into the Bundestag and Political Processes
The EVG's educational trip included a visit to the Bundestag, where participants attended a plenary session and gained an insight into parliamentary work. They also visited the party headquarters of Die Linke, where they discussed current political issues with party representatives. Moreover, they visited the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, where they were informed about the latest developments in labour market policy. The combination of various program points offered a comprehensive insight into the political landscape. The trip provided participants with comprehensive political education.
Participants of the EVG educational trip reported valuable insights into parliamentary work and political processes. They emphasized that the interaction with MPs and experts helped them better understand political contexts. Many participants stated that the trip sparked their political interest and motivated them toward active civic engagement. Personal contact with politicians and experts promotes understanding and opinion formation. The trip enhanced political interest and opinion formation.
Strengthening Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities for Political Education
Educational trips offer a valuable opportunity to promote civic education and strengthen democracy. However, they are also associated with challenges such as the high organisational effort, limited capacities, financial hurdles, and bureaucratic processes. Despite these challenges, the opportunities provided by educational trips outweigh the difficulties. They help strengthen trust in political institutions and encourage the motivation for active civic participation. Investing in civic education is an investment in the future of our democracy. Visits to memorial sites are an important part of civic education, as they sharpen awareness of historical contexts.
Overcoming hurdles: Managing organisational effort and limited capacities
The high organisational effort and limited capacities pose a significant challenge when conducting educational trips. Planning, booking, and executing the trips require a lot of time and resources. Additionally, the places in the visitor programmes are often limited, which means that not all interested parties can be accommodated. Financial hurdles and bureaucratic processes can also complicate the implementation of educational trips. Efficient planning and coordination are essential for success. The application procedures can be complex, so early information and preparation are important.
Harnessing potentials: Promoting civic education and democracy
Despite the challenges, educational trips present a great opportunity to promote civic education and strengthen democracy. They allow participants to experience political processes first-hand and form their own understanding of the work of MPs. Direct contact with politicians and experts can help break down prejudices and strengthen trust in political institutions. Furthermore, educational trips can encourage the motivation for active civic engagement and lead to more people taking an interest in and getting involved with politics. Educational trips are an important contribution to strengthening our democracy. Ideas for school trips can help ignite the interest of young people in politics.
Promoting Civic Engagement: Educational Trips as a Key to Active Participation
Educational trips are an important contribution to promoting democracy and civic engagement. They enable citizens to actively engage with politics and form their own understanding of political processes. To increase the effectiveness of educational trips, it is crucial to continuously develop offerings and programmes, adapting them to the needs of participants. Digitalisation and innovative learning formats can also help make educational trips more attractive and accessible. Educational trips are an indispensable tool for promoting democracy and civic engagement. The school excursions to Berlin are an important component of political education and should therefore be encouraged.
Promoting democracy: Educational trips as a foundation for active citizens
Educational trips are a vital element of political education, significantly contributing to the promotion of democracy and civic engagement. They allow citizens to actively confront politics and form their own perceptions of political processes. Through direct contact with politicians and experts, prejudices can be reduced, and trust in political institutions strengthened. Moreover, educational trips can foster motivation for active civic participation and encourage more people to take an interest in and engage with politics. Educational trips create an informed and engaged citizenry. The Bundestag's website offers comprehensive information and materials on this.
Shaping the future: Harnessing digitalisation and innovative learning formats
Digitalisation and innovative learning formats provide new opportunities to make educational trips more attractive and accessible. Virtual tours of the Bundestag, interactive simulations of political processes, and online discussions with MPs can enrich the learning experience and actively involve participants. Greater networking and cooperation between various stakeholders, such as schools, clubs, associations, and political institutions, can also contribute to making educational trips more effective and sustainable. The combination of traditional and digital learning methods maximises learning success. The Bundestag's media library offers numerous resources and materials in this regard.
Finding the Right Contact Person: How to Choose the Suitable Representative
To find the right representative for your educational trip to Berlin, it is advisable to gather information in advance about the various representatives and their focal points. Use the Bundestag website to search for representatives from your constituency or with specific political interests. Contact the representatives' offices to inquire about the possibilities for a visit to the Bundestag or a meeting with the representative. Good preparation and a clear line of questioning can help make the meeting with the representative a valuable and informative experience. A targeted selection of the representative enhances the educational trip's value.
Representative Research: Find the Right Contact Person
The Bundestag website offers a comprehensive database with information about all elected representatives. Here, you can filter by representatives from your constituency, by faction/group or by federal state. The profiles of the representatives include information about their political priorities, their committee memberships, and their speeches in the Bundestag. This information can help you select the right representative for your educational trip. Use the search functions on the website to narrow down the selection. The Bundestag website offers a search function for elected representatives that aids in your research.
Contacting: How to Succeed in Communicating with the Representative's Office
Once you have selected one or more representatives, get in touch with their offices. The contact details are usually found on the representatives' websites. Inquire about the possibilities for a visit to the Bundestag or a meeting with the representative. Prepare well for the conversation and formulate clear questions. Good preparation can make the meeting with the representative a valuable and informative experience. Professional communication with the representative's office is key to success. The website of Hubertus Heil provides contact information and guidance on how to make contact.
Get started now: Plan your unforgettable political educational journey!
More useful links
On the Bundestag's website, you will find comprehensive information about the work of the Parliament and the visitor services available.
Hubertus Heil provides information on his programmes for visits to Berlin and the option to register online.
Axel Müller offers insights into his four-day informational trips to Berlin, organised by the Federal Press Office.
The EVG (Railway and Transport Union) offers political educational trips to Berlin that provide insights into the Bundestag.
FAQ
What is the main purpose of an educational trip to Berlin for MPs?
The main purpose is to gain insights into political work, understand decision-making processes, and to promote exchanges with political actors. This enhances political understanding and civic participation.
Which target groups benefit the most from political educational trips?
School classes from Year 9 onwards, youth groups, associations, organisations, and interested citizens benefit the most, as the trips broaden their political knowledge and enable active participation in political processes.
What programmes does Hubertus Heil offer for visits to Berlin?
Hubertus Heil offers subsidised and fully funded visits to Berlin, graded by group size and source of funding (Parliamentary Visitors' Service vs. BPA). There are differences between plenary/information visits and BPA trips.
What are BPA trips and how do they differ from plenary visits?
BPA trips are more comprehensive, lasting two days and fully funded. They include a visit to the Bundestag, briefings from ministries, discussions with Hubertus Heil and cultural activities. Plenary visits are shorter and less extensive.
What visit options does the Reichstag offer?
The Reichstag offers plenary sessions, information lectures, dome visits, and tours. Advance registration is required for all offerings. There are also special programmes for different age groups.
How can one apply for an educational trip from the Federal Press Office (BPA)?
The application process is generally straightforward, but places are limited. It is advisable to apply early. The trips cater to various target groups and offer a diverse programme.
What role does the Bundestag's website play in planning an educational trip?
The Bundestag's website provides comprehensive information about MPs, schedules, the media library, and visit opportunities. It is an important tool for researching and planning an educational trip.
What practical tips are there for planning an educational trip?
Careful planning and preparation are crucial. This includes researching suitable offers, registering and booking the trip, and the execution and evaluation of experiences. Logistical aspects such as travel, accommodation, and catering should be clarified in advance.
