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Educate on European topics at IB schools: Second Field Trip to Brussels

The Jean Monnet project ‘Educate on European topics at IB Schools’ creates a true European experience for IB schools

Second field trip to Brussels

The second field trip to Brussels of the Jean Monnet project ‘Educate on European topics at IB Schools’ gave the students involved invaluable insights into European diplomacy, and enabled them to gain first-hand experience in international relations and policymaking.

The trip lasted from March 20 to 22, and the UWC Adriatic student delegation was made up by the students Violette (Belgium), Simone (Croatia), Letizia (Italy), and Luke (Ireland). Alongside our own, 21 other students from the four partner schools of the project were involved (UWC Maastricht, UWC Robert Bosch College, Gimnazija Bežigrad of Lubiana and The British School of Milan).

The 25 students’ programme and activities during the trip were coordinated by the organiser, the UWC Adriatic Project Manager, Maria Chiara Billi, who accompanied the group alongside our Global Politics teacher, Alice Rustico.

A group of six people smiling and standing arm-in-arm indoors. Behind them, there is a row of various national flags displayed in front of a geometric-patterned wall. Everyone is casually dressed and wearing name tags. The atmosphere is friendly and cheerful.

DAY 1

On March 20, on the eve of the European Council, the students visited the Permanent Representation of Slovenia to the European Union, where they met Iztok Jarc and David Brozina, the Slovenian representatives for Coreper I and II (Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union), as well as Žiga Lavrič,  the Financial Counsellor of Permanent representation of Slovenia to the EU.

DAY 2

A modern, spacious conference room featuring a large, curved wooden table with multiple monitors. The room has a colorful, patchwork-patterned carpet and several black office chairs. A few people are seen conversing near the back of the room.

On March 21, they visited the Italian Permanent Representation, where they engaged in discussions about the rule of law, treaty reform, and the impact of democracy in Europe with Cons. Gianluca Brusco, the Justice and Home Affairs coordinator, Francesco Bestagno, the Chief Legal Advisor, and Giuseppe Buffone, who works in personal data protection, fundamental rights, and e-justice. Our students were particularly grateful to be able to gain important insights into equal pay and equality in labour from our alumn Cesare Onestini, who is the Director General at the General Secretariat of the EU Council at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union. They also learned about employment and social policy, democracy at work, social partner dialogue, and workers’ representation from Dorlin Obermaier-Murecsan, Policy Officer at the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.

Significantly, on the same day, students organised and coordinated a simulation of the European Parliament, something they had accurately prepared for by doing research work on actual statements by the various EU Parliament political groups. This immersive activity enabled them to engage in insightful discussions on the Artificial Intelligence Act and gain practical skills, as they approved a draft resolution of the European Parliament, incorporating the demands of the different political groups represented in the simulation.

A group of people in formal attire are seated around a large table in a conference room. One person is standing and speaking, holding a tablet. Laptops, notebooks, and coffee cups are spread across the table. The room has tall windows, and flags are displayed in the background.

DAY 3

A group of individuals stands together in front of a blue NATO backdrop displaying the NATO logo. The group includes both men and women, dressed in various business and casual attire, and they are posing for a group photo, some with smiles and hands on their hips.
On March 22, our students visited the NATO headquarters, where they met Vice-Admiral Dario Giacomin from the Italian Military Representation to NATO and EU Military Committees. They also had a meeting with Adrian Mate, Programme Officer for NATO Affairs and Security Policy.

Before their visit ended, our students had some interesting discussions on current affairs topics with Silvia Maretti, the Programme Officer for Italy in the Engagements Section. They also visited the Euractiv.com headquarters, where they had a Q&A session with the journalists who actually document European issues on a daily basis.

Upon their return, our students reflected on how this project has deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the European Union, helping them gain invaluable insights through their interactions with different European entities, and cultivating their diplomatic skills by participating in a simulation of the European Parliament.

Find out more about the project “Educate on European Topics at IB Schools”

The European Jean Monnet – Erasmus+ project to delve into EU topics and participate in debates and discussions such as those in the United Nations, the European Parliament and the European Commission.
Educate on European Topics at IB Schools
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Discover the experience of Luke (Ireland)

Read the article on Euractiv

European Parliament simulation on a resolution on artificial intelligence

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