How can vocational education help young people understand what it means to be a European citizen? While classrooms provide important knowledge, some lessons are best learned through experience. This was the guiding idea behind the EUCLASS Alliance Study Visit to Brussels, which brought together VET students and teachers from six European countries for an intensive learning journey at the heart of the European Union.
Bringing Europe to Life
In March 2026, students and teachers from Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain met in Brussels to explore European citizenship beyond textbooks. Over four days, participants worked in international teams, visited key European institutions and engaged in activities designed to make European values tangible and relevant.
The programme included visits to the Parlamentarium, the House of European History and the European Parliament. Students also took part in interactive activities, including a street art tour focused on themes such as inclusion, equality, solidarity and anti-discrimination.
A particularly meaningful moment was the meeting with Member of the European Parliament Brigitte Van den Berg, during which students discussed recognition of qualifications, the attractiveness of VET pathways and Erasmus+ mobility opportunities.
Why It Matters for VET
- Working alongside peers from different countries helped students develop intercultural awareness and strengthen their understanding of Europe’s diversity
- The study visit encouraged participants to reflect on shared European values and recognise their role in shaping democratic societies.
- Collaborative challenges, discussions and international teamwork helped students improve communication, adaptability and problem-solving skills—competences that are increasingly valued by employers.
- By experiencing EU institutions firsthand, students gained a deeper understanding of how European decisions affect education, employment and everyday life.
The study visit reflects the broader goals of the EUCLASS Alliance, a Jean Monnet initiative that promotes EU citizenship education within vocational education and training. By connecting learners directly with European institutions and democratic processes, the project helps make Europe more accessible, relevant and meaningful for young people.
The Brussels experience demonstrated that European citizenship is not just a concept—it is something that can be lived, shared and experienced. For the participating students, Europe became more than a map or a set of institutions; it became a community of people, ideas and opportunities.
Experiences like this show how international cooperation can make VET more engaging, inclusive and future-oriented, helping learners develop both professional skills and a stronger sense of belonging in Europe.