Students at the University of Westminster embarked on a three-day trip to Brussels as part of their International Relations and Democratic Politics MA course.
During the trip, students visited European Union (EU) institutions, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European External Actions Service, and received lectures from experienced policy makers covering a variety of areas, from security and defence to civil protection and humanitarian aid.
The students also had the opportunity to meet several policy analysts from civil society organisations and thinktanks, with sessions stimulating lively debates on issues of EU enlargement, migration and climate change. The war in Ukraine was at the centre of much of the discussion, with students debating the extent to which the geopolitical challenge posed by the invasion have given renewed coherence and purpose to the EU project.
There were also several opportunities for students to take in the cultural side of Brussels, exploring not only the European Quarter, but also the city centre and its historic monuments. Students were staying at the Irish College in Leuven, a beautiful medieval campus in the heart of the city, surrounded by ornate churches and lots of restaurants.
Reflecting on their experience, student Anas Sani Garba said: “The trip provided me with practical and learning opportunities. Visiting the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European External Action Services made studying international relations, democracy, and politics more vivid. The trip has deepened my understanding of concepts we often learn only in the classroom, enriching my academic learning through practical experience.”
The Brussels trip was just one of a number of international educational visits made by students within the School of Social Sciences, who this year have had opportunities to visit the United Nations in New York, prison education projects in Brazil and Argentina, and take part in a cultural exchange programme in Trinidad.
As Dr Jac St John, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations and the leader of the Brussels trip, explained: “We see opportunities for international engagement as being very important for our students’ development, not only to learn about international politics and democratic institutions, but also to experience new cultures and bond together as a cohort.”
Given the importance placed on international engagement at the University of Westminster, the travel and accommodation costs for the Brussels trip were paid for by the School of Social Sciences, ensuring that access to the experience was open to all.
Find out more about Politics and International Relations courses at the University of Westminster.
