Voices from the EUAMI Summer School

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/voices-from-the-euami-summer-school-students-tell-their-story/

From new friendships to first-hand encounters with the European Union, the Jean Monnet European Values and Migration (EUAMI) Summer School offered participants far more than a traditional academic programme.

Held in Brussels from 13 to 17 July, the Summer School brought together more than forty students from four EU Member States for an intensive week of learning, discussion, and cultural exchange. Throughout the programme, participants visited the European Union’s main institutions—the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union—engaged in conversations with Members of the European Parliament, explored a museum dedicated to the history of migration, and discovered the important role that Europe’s regions play through the work of the Committee of the Regions.

Yet the official programme tells only part of the story. During the week, new friendships were formed, ideas and perspectives were exchanged across cultures, and, above all, participants developed a stronger sense of belonging to a shared European community.

Each student experienced the Summer School in a unique way. This collective “travel diary” brings together their individual reflections, memories, and insights, offering a personal account of a week that was as enriching outside the classroom as it was within it.

All the contributions included in this volume were written by students who participated in the EUAMI Summer School.

From school desks to the heart of Europe: our experience at the EUAMI summer school 2026

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/from-school-desks-to-the-heart-of-europe-our-experience-at-the-euami-summer-school-2026/

Participating in the EUAMI Summer School 2026 in Brussels was an intense, educational, and inspiring learning journey that turned theoretical concepts into a vibrant, concrete experience. Returning to the classroom after these days means bringing back a whole new awareness of what the European Union truly is and how its institutions operate.

This article has been written by the students from I.S. “E.Fermi” of Mantua (Italy) who took part in the second summer school of the Jean Monnet project “European Values and Migration (EUAMI)” in Brussels from 13 to 17 July 2026. It reflects the personal opinions of the students. 

The most impactful part of the entire program was undoubtedly the opportunity to step inside the very places where the future of our continent is shaped: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union. Through direct discussions with experts and political representatives – such as our meeting with Member of the European Parliament Giorgio Gori, or visiting regional representations like those of the Tuscany Region and the Balearic Islands — we came to understand how EU policies directly connect to local territories and the daily lives of citizens.

Among all the stages of the program, the experience that left the greatest mark on our journey was the visit to the Council of the European Union, and specifically the presentation by Manouela Mavroudi, Political Administrator for Research, Space, Company Law and Consumer Protection at the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.

Dr. Mavroudi’s address was an exceptional moment of clarity and inspiration. Hearing directly from a high-level official about how complex regulations take shape — from consumer protection to space and research policies — gave us an inside look at the European legislative machine. Her presentation highlighted and conveyed the genuine value of institutional work, showing how technical rigor and political vision come together to drive innovation and safeguard the rights of over 400 million citizens.

It was a deeply valuable debate, where her openness to answering our questions made this European institution feel incredibly close, human, and accessible. In addition to the visits and lectures, a core and engaging activity was the Foreign Affairs Council simulation on the draft Returns Regulation. Stepping into the shoes of negotiators, Member State representatives (as well as human rights organizations and legal experts) helped us realize the complexity of reaching a compromise between security, national sovereignty, and respect for fundamental rights as established by the EU Charter. The activity pushed us to challenge ourselves, practice public speaking, and collaborate actively with peers from other schools and countries.

The EUAMI Summer School program far exceeded our expectations. We didn’t just return home with notions of EU law or policy; we carry with us the awareness of being active European citizens. We learned the importance of dialogue, respect for diversity, and the value of institutions that work every day to protect the founding values of the Union. This experience showed us that Europe is not just a collection of buildings in Brussels, but a living community that we, too, are part of.

The summer school: one of the most rewarding experiences of my school life

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/the-summer-school-one-of-the-most-rewarding-experiences-of-my-school-life/

Every student has an unforgettable experience during their school years. For me, that experience was the Summer School in Brussels. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of European values, exchange ideas with students from different countries, and build lasting friendships. The programme was much more than an exchange – it was a place where we could learn, grow, and develop together.

Author: Onur Halilov, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. 

Throughout the Summer School, I expanded my knowledge of the European Union and its institutions. We learned about the key events that shaped the European Union, how its institutions operate, and how the legislative and voting procedures work. It was fascinating to experience the atmosphere of European politics firsthand and gain a better understanding of how decisions affecting millions of people are made.

At first, I found the simulation activities quite challenging because it was my first time participating in a programme like this. Fortunately, everything was explained clearly and we have been guided through the process. Once I understood how it worked, the simulations became both enjoyable and engaging. Working together on proposals for important policies helped me improve my teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.

One of the most memorable parts of the programme was visiting the European institutions. At each institution, we attended informative presentations about their work, responsibilities, and the values they promote. The highlight of the entire visit was the European Parliament. Being able to see where important decisions are discussed and made was an inspiring experience that I will always remember.

The programme exceeded my expectations in many ways. I especially appreciated the opportunity to visit the European institutions and learn directly from the people working there. Another pleasant surprise was the amount of free time we had, which allowed us to explore the beautiful city of Brussels, discover its landmarks, and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

The International lunch with participants from Poland, Spain, and Italy was another unforgettable experience. We had the chance to taste traditional dishes from different countries, learn more about each other’s cultures, and spend quality time together. I particularly enjoyed the Spanish cuisine, which was absolutely delicious.

Looking back, this programme gave me so much. I made new friends from across Europe, improved my English by communicating every day, exchanged cultural experiences, and gained valuable knowledge about the European Union and its institutions. Most importantly, it inspired me to become more open-minded, confident, and engaged as a young European citizen. I will always remember this Summer School as one of the most rewarding experiences of my school life.

What EUAMI in Brussels taught me: European Union is not only about institutions

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/what-euami-in-brussels-taught-me-european-union-is-not-only-about-institutions/

Before travelling to Brussels, I knew the European Union mostly from school lessons and the news. I expected the EUAMI project to be educational, but I did not expect it to change the way I think about Europe. Looking back, it became one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had.

Author: Ivaylo Grozdanov, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. 

From the first day, I enjoyed meeting young people from different European countries. Everyone came with different backgrounds, ideas, and experiences, which made every conversation interesting. It was fascinating to discover how people from different cultures could have different opinions while still sharing the same values of respect and cooperation.

One of my favourite moments was visiting the European Parliament. It was exciting to stand inside a place where important decisions that affect millions of people are made. During the visit, I understood that politics is not only about laws and institutions – it is also about finding solutions that improve people’s lives. Seeing the Parliament in person made everything we had learned feel much more real.

The workshops were another highlight of the project. Instead of sitting through long presentations, we worked in teams, shared opinions, and solved different challenges together. We discussed topics such as democracy, migration, sustainability, and the future of the European Union. Listening to people with completely different perspectives helped me see issues from new angles and appreciate how valuable open discussion can be.

Of course, the project was not only about learning. We also had time to explore Brussels together. Walking through the Grand Place and spending evenings talking with new friends are memories I will always keep. Those moments outside the workshops helped us build real friendships and made the experience even more meaningful.

One of the best parts of the experience was working with people from different countries on common goals. Every activity required us to exchange ideas, cooperate, and find solutions together. It reminded me that the best results often come when people with different perspectives work as one team.

When the project came to an end, saying goodbye was much harder than I expected. It is unbelievable for me to cry about people I met just five days ago. In just a short time, we had become a close group despite living in different countries. I returned home with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a better understanding of what it means to be part of Europe.

The EUAMI project showed me that the European Union is not only about institutions or policies. It is also about people learning from one another, respecting different cultures, and working together to build a better future. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to take part in similar international projects again. Without a doubt i will be telling my future kids about this experience.

EUAMI, much more than just a summer school

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/euami-as-more-than-just-a-summer-school/

When we signed up for the summer school we expected five days full of lectures, discussions and institutions. What we didn‘t expect was that our brightest memories wouldn‘t include just that.

Author: Ivayla Krasteva, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.

On 12 July, our five-day journey in Brussels began. After arriving in Charleroi and travelling to Brussels, we finally reached our hotel and had our first opportunity to explore the city. That evening, we walked through the centre, discovered some of Brussels’ landmarks and met participants from Spain who were staying at the same hotel. What started as a simple first evening quickly became the beginning of many new international friendships.

The following day marked the official beginning of the summer school. We met the other participants and introduced our schools and countries. Through icebreakers and an international lunch, where every group shared traditional food from home, we had our first real opportunity to get to know one another. Bringing Bulgarian food and seeing the reactions of the other participants was one of the simplest, but most memorable, ways to share our culture.

The educational programme introduced us to the functioning of the European Union and, more importantly, allowed us to experience its institutions first-hand. During the week, we visited the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. We also took part in activities organised by the Young European Federalists and visited the Migration Museum, where we explored different perspectives on migration and European society.

One of the most interesting parts of the programme was the simulation of the Foreign Affairs Council. Instead of simply learning about European decision-making, we had to take on roles ourselves, discuss different positions and work towards a common decision. The activity showed us how complicated cooperation between different countries can be, especially when everyone starts with different priorities.

However, the most valuable part of the summer school was not limited to the official programme.

Spending five days together meant meeting people from different countries, exchanging ideas, discovering cultural differences and finding unexpected similarities. Conversations continued long after the activities had ended, and the international groups gradually became one community.

Looking back, the summer school was much more than a series of lectures and visits. Brussels became a place where we could learn about Europe while experiencing its diversity ourselves. We returned home with new knowledge, new friendships and, most importantly, a much more personal understanding of what European cooperation can mean.

A week in Brussels: how European institutions operate to shape our future

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/a-week-in-brussels-how-european-institutions-operate-to-shape-our-future/

Have you ever wanted to take part in EUAMI? From 13 to 17 July, 2026, a group of students from Italy, Spain, Poland and Bulgaria took part in the EUAMI project in Brussels. In this week, they visited several important European institutions and learned how major decisions are taken for improving and protecting the founding values of the EU and its community.

Author: Viktor Baldzhiev, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.

As a Bulgarian participant in this international project, I had incredible opportunities to meet with amazing people of my age, with who we shared common interests at the week we spent together. In addition to this we were tasked in teams of five to create a foreign affairs’ simulative meeting, as we represented several countries in the process.

Firstly, at the European Commission, our group discovered how European laws and policies are proposed. The Commission works to protect the interests of the EU and cooperates with member states on issues such as migration, the environment, and economic growth. This visit showed us how different institutions join forces to respond to shared challenges.

In addition to this the visit to the European Parliament gave me a clear vision of democratic-decision making process. I realized how MEPs work together to discuss and adopt laws, which are to be beneficial for everyone. Seeing the Parliament in person reminded me the importance of dialogue and cooperation when solving problems affects hundreds of millions.

One of the most impressive places we visited was the Migration Museum. There our group went through the history of migration in Europe, and Brussels particularly, and the reasons why people are leaving their home countries. The exhibitions displayed personal stories and explained how nowadays European cultural diversity was formed over the centuries.

Apart from that the Council of the European Union is the place where we saw another part of the decision-making process – reaching consensus among the twenty-seven governments. The heads of states meet there to discuss and agree on common policies. I was impressed by the importance of compromises and teamwork in reaching decisions that will reshape Europe.

If you ask me, the whole group was very excited to visit the heart of Europe and I strongly believe that we all returned with more developed point of view about the political appearance of the EU. The experience gave us all an easier approach in topics such as migration, European values, and international cooperation through real examples rather than textbooks.

In my view the EUAMI project was unforgettable and unique experience that inspired me a lot. Each location we visited increased my knowledge and explained me how the EU works for a better future. I brought back from Brussels a deeper understanding of European values, sharpened communication skills, and with greater interst in active citizenship.

Beyond the classroom: discovering the European Union through EUAMI summer school

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/beyond-the-classroom-discovering-the-european-union-through-euami-summer-school/

Participating in the EUAMI Summer School was a unique and inspiring experience. I am extremely grateful i got the opportunity to participate in the project, visit European institutions and receive information that i wouldn’t otherwise.

Author: Steliana Kamenova, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.

Before attending, I had a general understanding of the EU, but the lectures and discussions helped me gain better understanding of the roles of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. Visiting these institutions was probably the most surreal part of the experience, as we were able to see where and how important decisions affecting millions of European citizens, including us, are made.

The simulation activity was another highlight of the programme. By taking on the roles of representatives from different Member States, we experienced how complex European decision-making can be. This activity also helped improve my teamwork, communication, and public speaking skills.

The lectures and presentations, though sometimes a bit repetitive, were engaging and well delivered. The most intriguing lecture for me was the one delivered in the EU Council. What made it especially memorable was the fact that the woman was genuinely passionate about her work and shared her personal interest in the Council, which made the session much more engaging. Instead of simply presenting facts, she explained how the institution works in a way that was easy to follow and interesting to listen to. Because of the real-life examples she shared, I found it much easier to understand the information and stay focused throughout the presentation.

The Summer School fully met my expectations. It combined learning and cultural exchange and created an environment where everyone felt confident to participate and share their thoughts and questions. I’m certain i created lifelong friendships with students from different backgrounds.

For me, the EUAMI Summer School was an unforgettable experience. It provided valuable knowledge, practical skills, and friendships that I will carry with me forever. Again, I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to apply everything I learned in my future studies and activities.

My experience this summer school:an amazing experience that I will never forget

This article is taken from: https://www.focuseurope.it/my-experience-this-summer-school-an-amazing-experience-that-i-will-never-forget/

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the EUAMI Summer School in Brussels and it was once in a lifetime experience.

Author: Deyan Dimitrov, student from Emiliyan Stanev Secondary School, in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.

I learnt a lot about the history of the European Union, the Member States, the different institutions and much more. I got the chance to visit the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament where we had a meeting with and Italian MEP. During these visits I learnt a lot about the structure of the EU, how each Member State is represented and how are the European legislative texts made.

All of us were also part of a simulation. A very interesting activity that put us in the seats of different countries, NGOs and lawyers while working on the current European migration policy. A policy that at that time was also voted in the real European institutions. The activity was very interesting and it definitely helped me understand the work of all the different people who make the policies.

What I liked the most about the EUAMI Summer School was how many new friends I got to make. For me it was very interesting to meet the other students from Poland, Spain and Italy. The simulation was an amazing opportunity to make new friends. We also spend some time with the other groups after the daily program was over. We even visited the amazing Oldmasters Museum with the Poland group. Our group was in the same hotel as the Spain group so we also spent a lot of time with them and make many new friendships that are for life.

All in all, the EUAMI Summer School was really an amazing experience that I will never forget I will always keep to good memories and the friendships that I made during that week.