Model European Union Trip to Belgium and Germany
Catalina I. Alemañy
My name is Catalina I. Alemañy and during the summer of 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity of traveling with the University of Pittsburgh to Belgium and Germany as part of a study trip. As a graduating senior from the University of Pittsburgh, this was the best way to close the chapter of my undergraduate studies. During this trip, I had the opportunity to learn, make friends, grow in the academic field, and become a more culturally aware person. We also closely interacted with students from Florida International University and the University of North Carolina: I can say I made life-long friends from the people I met, which made this experience even more rewarding.
Firstly, we went to Brussels, Belgium to visit the institutions of the European Union. It was my first time in Belgium and I was fascinated with the architecture and culture. I was able to communicate with other people in French, which was extremely fun considering one of my majors at Pitt was French! At Belgium, we went to the European Parliament and also learned about the Council, and the Commission. Seeing these buildings and interacting with them was a great experience and a preview of the future career I wish to pursue, this being an intergovernmental role in a governmental institution. This also allowed us to prepare for our debate sessions, as we were exposed to the innings of the institutions and how they functioned.
After our stop in Brussels, we went to Mainz, Germany where the Model European Union simulation was going to take place. This was also my first time in Germany, so I was intrigued in discovering how it differed from other European cities. During the simulation, I represented the delegation of Sweden in the Council. We debated the topics of the Social Climate Fund, and platform work. These discussions were very insightful, and thought-provoking. I had past experience in Model United Nations and was surprised in discovering the many differences that exist in the style of debate and conversation. While debate in Model United Nations is usually centered on self-interest and competition, the diplomatic discussions in this Model European Union simulation were based on a foundation of cooperation, common interest, yet friendly strategy as well. I learned about European policy on the above-mentioned topics, which was a wonderful segue to my graduate studies which are focused on European policy.
During my time in Mainz, I met people from Canada, to Poland, Germany, France, and Switzerland. It was an experience that I will take with me forever and that helped me grow into a more well-rounded individual in the academia-policy field.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UNC, Pitt, and FIU, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
