Making Europe Real: How a Brussels Experience Inspired Two Italian VET Students

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.

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.

From Six Countries to One European Team: Learning Citizenship Through Experience

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.

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.

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.