Students and staff with alumnus Paul Wright (centre) visiting the Magritte Museum

Students and staff at the European Parliament in Brussels

Grand-Place Brussels

Final-year economics students recently went on an educational trip to Brussels in December 2023. Led by Frank Brouwer and Julie Litchfield, the students explored the European Commission and European Parliament, gaining insights into EU policies.

During the visit to the European Commission, experts discussed important topics like EU fiscal rules, the Digital Market Act, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Students actively participated, asking thoughtful questions that sparked lively discussions.

Students also toured the European Parliament, which will host elections in June 2024. The professionalism of EU staff contributed to a better understanding of political processes across the EU.

The main objective of the trip was to help students develop a deeper understanding of EU-level policymaking, focusing on competition in the digital economy, integration of climate goals into trade, and reforms to fiscal rules in the monetary union. This experience complemented their final-year economics curriculum, making it more relevant to real-world situations.

Outside the academic setting, students enjoyed exploring the Grand-Place with its beautiful guild houses and a walking tour, meandering through Christmas market stalls on cobbled streets. The trip concluded with a visit to the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist painter René Magritte (1898-1967).

Though students contributed to hotel and Eurostar costs, the trip wouldn't have been possible without the encouragement and financial support from the Business School. Special thanks were also extended to Helen Greaves, the Student Experience Coordinator, who has organised these study trips, now in their fourth year, since the outset.

Professor Hans van Der Heijden, the Director of Internationalisation said:

“The School is very happy to support this exciting initiative and is grateful to everybody involved in organising it. We have a range of international opportunities available, from study trips to summer schools to studying abroad, and encourage all students to take up these opportunities.”

Final year Economics BSc student Christopher Young added:

"The Brussels trip provided me with insights into the thought process behind policymaking for key industries such as AI, as well as the EU monetary policy. The opportunity to learn from individuals involved in the EU provided us with a unique understanding of a career path that we may have previously had misconceptions about. This, whilst being immersed in a different culture made it a truly enriching experience. I cannot recommend it enough.”

The trip was a resounding success, providing students with practical knowledge, fostering connections among peers (including meeting a Sussex alumnus), and standing out as one of the most memorable experiences in their university journey.

If you are a student who would like to find out more about educational trips and study abroad opportunities, please enrol on the Student Experience Canvas module to keep up to date with announcements for both undergraduate and postgraduate student opportunities. You may also be interested in visiting our Study Abroad webpage