40 students visit European Parliament and NATO Parliamentary Assembly
University of Leeds Careers Centre applied for and were awarded over 6,000 Euros to take 40 Politics and International Relations students to visit the European Parliament in Brussels this September.
The funding was assigned from European Parliament Multiplier Opinion Grant to allow students and young people to directly experience the role of European Parliament.
Students attended a pre-departure briefing where we connected with Mr Daniel Ractliffe who is the Head of Outreach at the European Parliament Office in London, UK. Daniel is also a Leeds alum who studied Modern Languages.
The visit in European Parliament consisted of attending a discussion session with a European Parliament outreach officer, presentation and a visit to the voting chamber. Students also visited the Parliamentarium to learn about the European Union, its history and institutions.
Students were also able to visit NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) to attend a panel consisting of Secretary General (David Hobbs), Head of the Conference Service (Helen Cadwallender – Leeds Alumna, French and German 1994) and Director of Research (Henrik Bliddal). Students were able to learn about the role of NATO PA, current defence and security affairs as well as range of career opportunities.
The main aim of this educational trip was for University of Leeds students to directly experience the work of European Parliament, its role, functions and purpose.
International Relations student Rohie Njie reflects on her experience:
‘’I was fortunate enough to visit the European Parliament and NATO Parliamentary Assembly organised by the University of Leeds Careers Centre. The trip was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the European Parliament and what it takes to run the institutions. As well as the chance to speak to a current civil servant in the European Parliament about different political career paths in Brussels that would still be available post Brexit. The trip has made me very excited to get back to studying and finishing off my International Relations degree.’’
