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educational trip to Brussels
Educational Trip to Brussels: Discover the EU up close!
Do you dream of experiencing the European Union first-hand? An educational trip to Brussels offers you the unique opportunity to do just that. Discover a variety of options, from guided tours of the EU Parliament to informative lectures. Need assistance planning your bespoke educational trip? Contact us now!
The topic, briefly and concisely
An educational trip to Brussels offers direct insights into EU politics and institutions, which leads to a deeper understanding of European integration.
Take advantage of the diverse offerings from the EU institutions and political education providers to expand your knowledge. Participation in academic study trips can be rewarded with up to 6 ECTS credits.
Plan your trip carefully and take into account the registration deadlines. Good preparation and active participation will allow you to get the most out of your educational trip and reduce prejudices.
Planning an educational trip to Brussels? Discover all the best deals, from visits to the EU Parliament to tailor-made lectures. Get informed now!
A study trip to Brussels offers you the unique opportunity to experience the heart of the European Union up close. Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also a central hub for European politics and institutions. Here you will find the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. Such a trip allows you to observe the complex decision-making processes of the EU first-hand and develop a deeper understanding of European integration.
What exactly defines a study trip? At its core, it's about acquiring knowledge through direct experience and interactions. Instead of dry theory in the classroom, you experience European politics in action. You visit institutions, speak with experts, and discuss current issues. The goal is to gain a comprehensive picture of the EU and to recognize the significance of European politics in our daily lives.
Why is Brussels the ideal place for such a study trip? As the seat of the main EU institutions, the city offers a unique insight into European decision-making. You can visit the European Parliament, take a guided tour of the European Commission, and learn more about the work of the Council of the EU. These experiences enable you to better understand the complex interconnections of European politics and recognize the role of the EU in the world.
Discover EU Institutions: Offers for Your Educational Journey
The European Commission and the European Parliament offer a variety of educational programs tailored specifically to the needs of visiting groups. These offerings range from informative lectures to interactive visits and provide you with the opportunity to learn firsthand about the work of the EU institutions. A particular highlight is the European Commission's Visitors' Centre in Brussels, which provides a comprehensive insight into the workings and thematic priorities of the Commission. Here you can find out more about the EU's current policy initiatives and understand how these initiatives impact your life.
If you are planning an educational trip, consider booking online lectures on EU topics. These lectures can be tailored to your interests and offer you the opportunity to gain targeted information on specific subjects. However, please note that registration requires a lead time of four weeks. For on-site visits, you should plan ten weeks in advance to ensure you secure a spot.
The EU institutions also offer virtual visits and lectures, which provide a flexible and accessible alternative to physical visits. These hybrid offerings allow you to participate in an educational journey even if you cannot travel to Brussels in person. The Speakers Pool also offers the opportunity to organize expert talks in schools and educational establishments, which is an excellent alternative to a physical visit to Brussels. This way, you gain direct access to EU experts who can provide insights into European politics.
Political Education Up Close: Study Trips to Brussels
In addition to the offers from the EU institutions, there are numerous organised educational trips to Brussels provided by political education organisations. These study trips offer you the opportunity to learn about European politics in a comprehensive and structured setting. Examples of such providers include the Bavarian Seminar for Politics e.V. (baysem.de) and the Europe House Leipzig (europa-haus-leipzig.de). These trips are aimed at anyone interested in European politics and wanting to learn more about the workings of the EU.
The content and focus of these study trips are diverse. They cover topics from the functioning and policies of the EU to current challenges and Germany's role within the EU. Some trips also focus on EU foreign and security policy, such as the study trip organised by Europe House Leipzig. There is often a particular emphasis on the role of civil society and citizen participation in European politics. By visiting EU institutions and engaging in discussions with experts, you gain an in-depth insight into the mechanisms of European decision-making.
The costs and services of these study trips vary depending on the provider and the programme. Generally, the course fees include accommodation and meals (partially). Some providers, such as the Bavarian Seminar for Politics e.V., offer discounts for students, trainees, and the unemployed. Europe House Leipzig is supported by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, which helps to financially support participation in the study trip. It is important to compare the different offerings carefully to find the right educational trip for you.
Experience Brussels personally: Plan your own educational trip
If you prefer to organise your educational trip to Brussels yourself, there are numerous ways to plan an individual trip. The first step is researching offers and institutions. Find out about the different visitor programmes and lectures offered by the EU institutions. Book visits and lectures well in advance to ensure you secure a place. Please consider the registration deadlines of four to ten weeks in advance.
An essential aspect of planning is budgeting. Take into account the costs for travel, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees. Look into the prices for public transport in Brussels to calculate your transport costs. There are various accommodation options in Brussels, ranging from hotels to hostels. The IBIS Brussels Erasmus (baysem.de) is, for instance, an option used by some study trip organisers.
To prepare optimally for your trip, you should engage with European politics thematically. Read current news and analyses about the EU and its policies. Familiarise yourself with the different institutions and their roles. In doing so, you can make the most of your educational trip and benefit from discussions with experts and onsite visits. Good preparation is the key to a successful and informative educational trip to Brussels.
Meet MEPs: Educational trips with political accompaniment
Some Members of the European Parliament offer educational trips to Brussels and Strasbourg, giving you the opportunity to learn about the workings of the European Parliament first-hand. An example of this is Gaby Bischoff (gaby-bischoff.eu), who offers educational trips for Berlin citizens. These trips provide you with the chance to engage in conversation with Members of the European Parliament and learn more about their work and political objectives.
The content and focus of these educational trips are on political education and insight into the workings of the European Parliament. You will attend plenary sessions, participate in discussions, and meet representatives from different countries. The details of the individual trips are usually published on the respective Member's website. It is worth regularly visiting the Members' websites to stay informed about current offerings.
This type of educational trip offers you a unique opportunity to experience European politics from a personal perspective. You can ask questions, express your opinions, and engage directly with those shaping European policy. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interrelations of European politics and better understand the role of the European Parliament in the EU.
Deepen academic knowledge: study trips for students
For students, there are special academic educational trips to Brussels, giving you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of European politics and gain academic recognition. One example is the Brussels Study Trip "Communicating the EU" by Danube University Krems. This trip offers you the chance to visit EU institutions such as the Commission and the Parliament and hear lectures from representatives, for instance from the Austrian representation to the EU/NATO. Additionally, you have the opportunity to network with other students and experts.
Participation in this study trip can be rewarded with ECTS credits and a certificate of attendance. If you submit a successful module paper, you will receive 6 ECTS credits. Alternatively, you can obtain a certificate of attendance for a reduced fee. This academic recognition can benefit your studies or professional development.
The costs of attending the study trip vary depending on your status. External participants pay EUR 1,080 (including performance assessment and 6 ECTS), while a certificate of attendance is available for EUR 800. Students of Danube University Krems may pay adjusted fees, especially if the course is credited as an elective module. This study trip offers an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of European politics and gain academic recognition.
Optimising Your Educational Trip: Tips for Your Brussels Visit
A successful educational trip to Brussels requires careful preparation. Thoroughly research the programmes and institutions on offer. Book visits and lectures in advance to ensure you secure a spot. Prepare thematically for your trip by familiarising yourself with current political topics and challenges of the EU. This way, you can make the most of your trip and benefit from discussions with experts and on-site visits.
Take advantage of the opportunities for interaction. Ask questions to experts and speakers to deepen your knowledge and gain new perspectives. Engage in discussions with other participants about your insights to expand your understanding and make new connections. Open and active participation in discussions and events will help you get the most out of your educational trip.
Don't forget to explore Brussels. The city offers numerous cultural and historical attractions that are worth a visit. Take the opportunity to get to know the city and experience Belgian culture. Visit museums, try local specialties, and explore the different districts. This way, you can combine your educational trip with a cultural experience and create unforgettable memories.
Promoting European Politics: The Importance of Educational Travel
Educational trips to Brussels play a crucial role in promoting the European idea. They help enhance understanding of European politics and the EU. Through direct contact with institutions and experts, participants gain insights into the complex dynamics of European politics and the significance of the EU for our daily lives. Such experiences can contribute to breaking down prejudices and providing a nuanced picture of the EU.
The offerings and formats of educational trips are constantly evolving. Besides traditional visits and lectures, virtual and hybrid offerings are gaining importance. These new formats make it possible to reach a wider audience and make participation in an educational trip more flexible. The thematic focuses of the trips are also becoming increasingly varied to meet the different interests and needs of the participants.
The future of educational trips to Brussels looks promising. Given the growing importance of European politics and the increasing challenges faced by the EU, educational trips will continue to play a vital role. They provide you with the opportunity to actively engage with European politics and contribute to shaping the future of Europe.
Educational trip to Brussels: Your next step to European knowledge
More useful links
On Wikipedia, you will find an article about the European Parliament that provides a broad overview of its functions and structure.
The website of the European Parliament in Germany offers up-to-date information and resources about the Parliament's work and its members.
The European Commission in Germany provides information about the initiatives and policy areas of the European Commission.
The Federal Agency for Civic Education offers extensive information and materials on civic education, including the European Union.
The Bavarian Seminar for Policy e.V. offers study trips and seminars on civic education, including trips to Brussels.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of an educational trip to Brussels?
The main advantage is the deep understanding of EU politics and institutions through direct experience and encounters. You witness European politics in action and talk to experts.
Which EU institutions can be visited in Brussels?
You can visit the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. The Visitor Centre of the European Commission offers comprehensive insights.
How far in advance do you need to register an educational trip with the European Commission?
For online lectures, the lead time is four weeks, for on-site visits, ten weeks.
Are there virtual options for educational trips to Brussels?
Yes, the EU institutions also offer virtual visits and lectures, providing a flexible alternative. The Speakers Pool enables expert lectures in schools.
Which political education providers offer study trips to Brussels?
Examples include the Bavarian Seminar for Politics e.V. and the Europa-Haus Leipzig. These trips are aimed at anyone interested in European politics.
What costs are associated with a study trip to Brussels?
The costs vary depending on the provider and programme. Usually, the course fees include accommodation and meals (partially). Some providers offer discounts for students, trainees, and the unemployed.
Do Members of the European Parliament also offer educational trips to Brussels?
Yes, some Members of the European Parliament offer educational trips, allowing you to learn about the work of the European Parliament first hand, such as Gaby Bischoff for Berlin citizens.
Are there academic educational trips to Brussels for students?
Yes, the Danube University Krems offers the study trip Brussels "Communicating the EU", which can be accredited with ECTS points.
