“Getting to Know Europe” Study Tour — Participant Testimonials
From July 25–29, 2022, five U.S. students participated in a study tour to Brussels, Warsaw, and Berlin organized jointly by the Center for a New American Security and the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Dubbed “Getting to Know Europe”, this study tour provided them with the opportunity to visit EU institutions, NATO, national ministries, European nonprofit organizations, and more. Below are testimonials from the students describing their experiences.
“After researching and debating transatlantic relations policies as an undergraduate, the opportunity to speak in-person with experts at the EU Parliament, NATO, GMF-Berlin, and various other institutions and think tanks across Europe, on my first trip abroad, was surreal.” — Matt Wicks, University of Colorado-Denver
“The Engaging the Future Generation of Transatlantists program was a whirlwind tour! I was so grateful to explore the vibrant cultures of three new cities and countries in an action-packed week while learning about powerful multilateral institutions like NATO and the EU.
As someone who has not fully decided what type of career they want to pursue, this week was instrumental for my understanding of the day-to-day role of think tank researchers, foreign service roles, and multilateral specialists. Thank you so much to the Center for a New American Security and the German Marshall Fund for the unforgettable experience!” — Angela Zhong, Harvard University
“After reading about NATO in my classes on security and defense, the opportunity to meet with military and civilian leaders actively working in European defense, especially at such a pivotal time, was an incredible experience.” — Kelly MacGarrigle, University of Pennsylvania
“The most important takeaway from the trip was the importance of NATO to the transatlantic defense and security relationship. From Brussels, to Berlin, it was reiterated that this is and always will be the foundation.” — Wesley Satterwhite, Georgetown University
“After studying Europe from afar, it was an incredible experience to be able to study the inner workings of NATO and the European Union up close. I was able to hear from them directly how they both handle contemporary challenges and plan for those yet to come.” — A.J. Hessburg, Butler University
