Living, Working, & Studying à Bruxelles

It was a foggy, overcast Monday morning as I stood at the bus stop, anxiously mulling over how the first day of my internship would go. This was the last on the list of “new” tasks that I had to complete since arriving in Brussels, Belgium the week prior.

It turns out that I was worried for nothing, because within a week, my supervisor, co-workers and I were bantering with each other as if we were longtime friends.

A photo of me at the Parliament.

My name is Gabi, and this semester I had the opportunity to intern at the European Parliament (EP) as a part of the Brussels Experience.

I am excited to share my experiences along with what I have gained from this study away experience, despite it being cut short by a global crisis.

Working in the office of a Member of European Parliament (MEP) was slightly less formal than I expected; however, it does have its moments, like when the MEP I work for liaises with foreign dignitaries or if the Committee on Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) happens to be meeting a certain week.

I was often asked what my typical day would look like as a trainee, but such a simple question never had a simple answer. From day to day, my responsibilities and tasks depended on what was needed at the moment, but some constants were writing briefs in preparation for meetings and conducting extensive policy research for a variety of purposes.

Working in the office was an exercise in ensemble, and it truly embodies Plato’s ship of state analogy as all five of us collaborate projects and continue to carry out the MEP’s vision for her office’s functioning.

The Paul Henri Spaak building at the Parliament.

Taking classes on European Union politics and international relations while working in an EU institution offered a unique, immersive experience to learn about the inner workings of the Parliament (in particular) as well as how the plurality of these 27 Member States are able to create policy.

My learning, both in class and in Parliament, has aided me in developing and articulating a more complex worldview — something I hope to leverage as I continue my education at Furman.

School and work aside, I enjoyed getting to know Brussels a bit better. I go running in every country I visit, and a favorite park of mine in Brussels is Bois de la Cambre/Ter Kamerenbos. It was a relaxing place to take a break from the city and soak in the greenery and fresh air. Another source of enjoyment were weekend trips around and outside of Belgium.

The lake at Bois de la Cambre.

Stay tuned for my thoughts on the abrupt end to the Spring 2020 Brussels Program and the US and EU’s reaction to the pandemic!