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Brussels: Heart of European Politics

Overview

In terms of politics, Brussels is regarded as being the single most important destination in Europe: it's home to NATO, The European Parliament and The European Commission.

The European Parliament is a popular and important visit for groups visiting Brussels, and for good reason!  Students can step into the shoes of an MEP for the day in an innovative and entertaining role play game.  During the two and a half hour session students become MEPs who must respond to legislative proposals from the European Commission.

Immersed in settings modelled on the MEPs' real working environment, students discover the importance of forming alliances, negotiating with other institutions and communicating with the media, offering them a real taste of the political process beyond the text book.

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Depart school in the morning.

    Get your bearings and brush up on your local knowledge with our outstanding walking tour of Brussels.

  2. Day 2

    In the morning discover the history and day-to-day running of the European Parliament at the modern and engaging Parlamentarium.  Experience it for yourself with the EP’s “MEP For a Day” Roleplay game, which is specially designed for secondary school students.

    In the afternoon, get an insight into the work of the European Parliament with a guided tour of the European Parliament Hemicycle.  If the parliamentary agenda allows, this may be followed by a discussion with an MEP.  If you visit the European Parliament during the plenary session, you will be able to follow the debates live from the visitors' gallery in the chamber.

  3. Day 3

    Start your day with a visit the European Commission for a talk on the history of the Commission, along with its role as the EU’s political executive.

    Then continue with a visit to the House of European History, where from myths and discoveries to the chaos and cohesion of the 20th century, visitors are challenged to contemplate both Europe's history and its future.

    OR

    Board your coach to drive to Bruges, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.  Explore the bridges and canals of this majestic city, and discover its central role in European history.  Round up your day with a canal cruise!

  4. Day 4

    On your last morning in Brussels, visit the European Council for a talk on the role of the Council within the EU, followed by a Q&A session.

    Then enjoy some free time in the spectacular Grand-Place, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. Make sure you try a Belgian waffle before you leave!

    Return journey home.

Sleepwell Youth Hostel Brussels

Accommodation

For our Belgium trips, most of our schools tend to stay at the Sleep Well Youth Hostel or the Auberge de Jeunesse Jacques Brel.  All the accommodation we use is safe and secure and especially suited to schools. We also audit our accommodation and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts.