The Adventure Takes Us to Belgium!!!

This past week (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), the students got the opportunity to travel to Brussels to experience the sights and sounds of the city.  Students were also fortunate visit the European Parliament and the European Commission.  On Thursday, the students got the opportunity to venture around Brussels enjoying Belgian fries, Belgian waffles, and authentic Belgian chocolate. 

The European Parliament

On Friday, the students got to visit the chambers of the European Parliament.  While touring the facility, students learned about how the representatives sit in the chambers when the Parliament meets.  Students found out that representatives sit according to their political party allegiance.  Students also got the opportunity to learn more about the recent election that occurred in the European Union for the Secretary-General.

The European Commission

After leaving the headquarters of the European Parliament, students got the opportunity to go to the headquarters of the European Commission.  One may ask, "What is the difference between the European Parliament and the European Commission?"  It was explained to the students that the European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, while the European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union.  Students really enjoyed getting to sit in the chambers of the European Commission.

The Palamentarium

On Saturday morning, students got the opportunity to participate in an actual simulation of how laws and policies are negotiated.  The students were placed into five political parties and had to negotiate policy for water sustainability and placing microchips in individuals for identification purposes.  The students really enjoyed taking part in the activity.

Overall, Brussels was an experience that the students will never forget!!!