ETI Holding Students Visit the Parlamentarium: An Immersive Experience in European Politics
This summer, ETI Holding's group of talented and motivated students accompanied by our experienced teacher and group leader Ms Tea Mdinaradze, are participating in the renowned Intercamps Summer School in Brussels, Belgium. The trip provides a remarkable opportunity for our students to not only enhance their English-speaking fluency but also immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Brussels. Over the course of their stay, they are experiencing an educational adventure that combined language development, cultural exploration, and fun-filled activities, making it an unforgettable summer for all involved.
In addition to the language lessons, the students have the chance to explore the beautiful city of Brussels and discover its rich cultural heritage. As the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, Brussels offeres a unique blend of history, politics, and modernity that provides a fascinating backdrop for the students’ educational journey. As part of their enriching journey to Brussels, ETI Holding’s students had the incredible opportunity to visit the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament's visitor center. This experience was a key highlight of their trip, offering them an interactive and immersive insight into the workings of the European Union and its Parliament.
The Parlamentarium is one of the most modern and dynamic visitor centers in Europe, designed to engage visitors in a hands-on exploration of European democracy, history, and politics. For our students, it was not just a field trip, but an eye-opening experience that helped them better understand the mechanisms that drive the European Union and the importance of the European Parliament in shaping the future of Europe.
A Journey into the Heart of European Democracy
Upon arriving at the Parlamentarium, our students were immediately welcomed into a world of multimedia exhibits that brought the history of the European Union to life. The visitor center, located just across the street from the European Parliament building, offers a range of interactive displays and digital tools that allow visitors to engage with the history, values, and structure of the EU.
The students were given individual audio guides, which provided them with a personalized tour experience. The guides offered clear and concise explanations about the formation of the European Union, its key institutions, and the role of the European Parliament in representing the people of Europe. These tools also allowed the students to navigate the exhibits at their own pace, exploring the topics that intrigued them most.
Learning About the European Parliament’s Role
One of the most exciting parts of the visit was the opportunity to learn about the European Parliament’s vital role in shaping European policy. The students were able to explore the Parliament's complex decision-making process and understand how legislation is debated and voted on by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). They learned how the European Parliament works alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to pass laws that impact not only the member states of the EU but the entire continent.
The students were particularly intrigued by the way the Parliament represents diverse voices from all over Europe. They discovered how MEPs are elected by citizens of EU member states and how the Parliament functions as a forum for discussing important issues, such as climate change, human rights, and economic policies.
Exploring Key Moments in European History
As the students moved through the exhibit halls, they encountered various historical milestones that have shaped the European Union as we know it today. From the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community in the 1950s to the expansion of the EU in recent decades, the students gained a deeper understanding of the historical context that led to the creation of the European Union and the formation of its institutions.
Interactive touchscreens allowed the students to explore different time periods and key events in EU history. They learned about the struggles and challenges faced by European nations in the aftermath of World War II, the vision for a united Europe, and the eventual signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which created the European Union as it is today. The exhibits also highlighted the significance of the European Parliament in promoting peace, stability, and democracy across the continent.
A Focus on European Values: Peace, Unity, and Diversity
A central theme of the Parlamentarium is the promotion of European values such as peace, unity, and diversity. Through multimedia displays and engaging exhibits, our students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of these values in today’s world. They learned about the role of the EU in promoting human rights, democracy, and freedom, and how these principles have helped to maintain peace in Europe for over seven decades.
For many of the students, this was a profound moment of reflection. They came to understand that the European Union is not just a political institution, but a community built on shared values and principles. The experience at the Parlamentarium deepened their appreciation for the EU’s role in creating a more unified, peaceful, and prosperous Europe.
Interactive Learning: Engaging the Students
What truly made the Parlamentarium experience special for our students was its interactive nature. The center is designed to be fully engaging, allowing visitors to participate in activities that bring the history and workings of the EU to life. Our students had the chance to engage in simulations, where they could experience what it’s like to be a Member of the European Parliament and debate on pressing issues such as environmental protection, economic stability, and migration.
In one of the most memorable activities, the students participated in a role-playing simulation where they could vote on proposed European laws. This exercise gave them a firsthand understanding of how the legislative process works and the complexities of reaching agreements among diverse countries with different interests.
Additionally, the students were able to explore the “Europe in My Region” exhibit, where they learned about EU-funded projects that have improved the lives of people across Europe, from infrastructure developments to social programs. They were amazed to see how the EU’s budget is invested in projects that foster innovation, sustainability, and equality.
The Parlamentarium’s Impact on Students
The visit to the Parlamentarium was an educational highlight of the trip for our students. It was an immersive experience that gave them a deeper understanding of European politics, history, and values. It broadened their perspectives, not only in terms of European history and politics but also in the context of their own lives and futures. Several students commented on how the visit made them more interested in European affairs and inspired them to learn more about international governance and the role of political institutions in shaping society. The Parlamentarium also sparked a sense of curiosity among our students about their place in the world. They began to see the European Union not as an abstract concept but as a living, breathing institution that directly affects their daily lives, whether through travel, education, or environmental policies.
At ETI Holding, we are proud to offer our students opportunities like this one to expand their knowledge and engage with global issues in meaningful ways. The Parlamentarium visit was not just a trip to a museum, but an experience that inspired our students to think critically about the world around them and their role in shaping its future.
