For many young people, Europe can sometimes feel like a distant concept. But when students have the opportunity to experience European institutions, meet peers from different countries and discuss issues that affect their future, Europe becomes something tangible and personal.
This was the experience of Alessandro and Giorgia, two Italian VET students who took part in the EUCLASS Alliance study visit to Brussels. Their journey demonstrated how international learning experiences can strengthen European citizenship, intercultural understanding and personal development.
Learning Europe Through Experience
During the four-day study visit, students from six European countries worked together in international teams, explored Brussels and visited key European institutions. Activities included interactive workshops, a visit to the Parlamentarium, the House of European History and the European Parliament itself.
For Alessandro and Giorgia, the experience offered much more than knowledge about the European Union. It provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from different cultural backgrounds, improve communication skills and gain confidence in expressing their views on issues that matter to young people.
The experience reflects the goals of EUCLASS Alliance, which aims to bring Europe closer to VET learners and promote active participation in democratic life. Through mobility and international cooperation, students learn that European citizenship is not only about rights and institutions—it is also about shared experiences and common values.
For Alessandro and Giorgia, Brussels was not simply a study visit; it was an opportunity to see Europe in action. Their experience highlights the value of international learning in vocational education and shows how mobility can help young people become more confident, engaged and prepared for the future.
When students experience Europe firsthand, Europe becomes real—and that is where meaningful learning begins.
Listen to Alessandro’s and Giorgia’s podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/euclass-alliance-making-europe-real-brussels-experience-alessandro-and-giorgia-from-italy–70897103
