EU Study Abroad Program

Our first week in Brussels was a hectic and exciting time for everyone. After departing with our host families on Saturday, we had a relaxing weekend at home before starting class that week. Monday and Tuesday were spent with Mr. Colin Nimmons, our guest lecturer. Monday we took a tour of Brussels, and Mr. Nimmons, who has lived in Brussels for the last 30 years, and the United States prior to that, offered unique insight into the city and its history. It was particularly fascinating to our group of students because we are studying transatlantic relations between the EU and the United States, and we were lectured by someone who not only knows about EU-US relations, but has actually lived it. Our tour of Brussels was a great way to start off the program. For a lot of people, it really solidified our reason for being here. Continue reading →

Each day in Brussels begins with me waking up with excitement for the unexpected. Whether it is a discussion on the development of the Lisbon Treaty or an informative lecture over the relationship between NATO and the European Security and Defense Policy, I know I am getting a rare opportunity to learn about an ever-changing political system. European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), for those who do not know, is the policy created by the EU originally to, well, secure and defend against future threats. Under ESDP, the EU has performed many missions to places like Chad, the Balkans, and Afghanistan under the banner of conflict prevention, peace building and peacekeeping. I digress: Lectures on Thursday and Friday were held at the ULB (Universite Libre de Bruxelles), which is on the south side of Brussels. After a hop, skip, and a jump over to the lecture building through campus from the bus stop, we engaged each other about the EU, its security issues, and relations with the United States. On Thursday, James Synder of the NATO international staff discussed with us about NATO’s role in the post-Cold War era especially in relation to ESDP. Mr. Synder also went into depth about NATO’s role in the Balkans, its mission to Afghanistan, and support missions to Somalia to combat pirates and clearing mines around Eastern Europe. His presentation helped me to realize that NATO does serve a purpose besides just an advisory role or a puppet of the United States. Continue reading →

During our first week here in Brussels, and the next two, we students are each living with a host family either by ourselves or with another student.  On the first day we all met in various states of awe and droopiness at the Gare Centrale, in the heart of Brussels.  Needless to say, most of the jetlag took a back seat to the excitement stemming from the beginning of a great trip.  We all departed and made our way to where we would meet our host families.  Right from the start, we were exposed to many parts of the Brussels public transportation system, including the metro, busses, and trams; all of these provided a better service and experience than what I’ve come to know as public transportation in Atlanta. You can get to many more places using public transportation in Brussels than MARTA back home!  I took note of many things on our way over, including all of the smaller vehicles, how the majority of homes around the city are grander-townhomes, and the displays for elections and political parties. (Brussels residents vote for a party-list and not individuals as we do!)  We also received a short briefing from our home stay coordinator Genevieve about Belgian culture.  This was very interesting and much appreciated because no one, including me, wants to feel completely out of place.

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The preliminary assignment and readings will be available next week. Keep an eye on your email!

We will be having our final US-based meeting on 4/21 in the Habersham Building. We will be handing out textbooks and itineraries so 2009 participants should make sure to attend!

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