From July 9-12, 22 American Gilman Scholars studying in European Union countries gathered in Brussels, the “capital of Europe.”
From July 9-12, 22 American Gilman Scholars studying in European Union countries gathered in Brussels, the “capital of Europe.” Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the U.S. State Department, the study visit offered an immersive experience with EU institutions and in-depth discussions about the significance of the transatlantic relationship. The study visit provided scholars opportunities to learn, network, and, of course, eat Belgian waffles.
The tour started with an introductory presentation by Dr. Jerry Sheridan, Director of American University’s Brussels Centre, who briefed the scholars about the history, purpose and organization of the EU. Anthony Jasper (Program Officer) described how the scholars could continue their European experience through the educational opportunities offered by the Fulbright Schuman Program.
The scholars visited the European Commission (and the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, DG EAC), the European External Action Service, the European Parliament, and the U.S. Mission to the EU. They engaged in discussions on everything from the inner workings of the EU to the differences and similarities between EU and U.S. politics, policies and political systems.
At the U.S. Mission to the EU, the scholars got to pick the brains of Deputy Chief of Mission Kelly Adams-Smith and her colleagues and interns. At the European External Action Service, they met the Head of Division for the U.S., Ruth Bajada, who explained how EU-U.S. relations intertwine across a range of common issues. Karen Vandeweghe, Deputy Head of Unit for Youth, Solidarity and Traineeships at DG EAC, spoke to them about youth engagement in the operation of the EU.
Participants were engaged, inspired and, by day 3, tired! They were all excited about the potential to continue their European journey equipped with more knowledge about the opportunities for young people arising out of the strong transatlantic partnership.
As their EU adventure concluded, participants also appreciated the new connections they made with fellow Gilman Scholars. “It’s so much easier to interpret and understand all of these different and important places that we’re going, all of these different talks we’re having, when you’re travelling with people who understand your own perspective as an American study abroad student,” said scholar Jordan Jewel.
The Gilman Scholars EU Study Visit is an opportunity for EU-curious Americans to learn about the EU. Don’t miss out on this adventure! View photos from the July 2023 trip here.
link