BRUSSELS

As a vital part of the program, CIFE invites the European Semester students to go on a faculty-led, week-long study trip to Brussels. It is a trip to the heart of political Europe that provides participants with firsthand insight into real-life politics on the European level.

Students get the chance to meet and discuss policies with EU-level decision makers at the European Commission, the European External Action Service and other important European institutions*, thus deepening their understanding of European Union policy-making on a practical level.

*Institutions may vary depending on availability.

TRIER, LUXEMBOURG and STRASBOURG

The students will spend one week in Trier, the oldest city of Germany and the birth city of Karl Marx. It is strategically located in the geographical heart of the EU, close to the borders of France, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

This study trip combines the academic program at our host university, the University of Trier, with two field trips to Luxembourg City (Luxembourg) and Strasbourg (France), where the students continue their visits of the most important European institutions, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice.*

*Institutions may vary depending on availability.

POZNAN and BUDAPEST

Students will spend one week respectively in Poznan (Poland), and Budapest (Hungary), where all courses of Module 4 are taught.

In Poznan, students are hosted by Adam Mickiewicz University, one of the most renowned universities in Poland. In Budapest, the group is hosted at famous Central European University, that has built a stellar reputation through its dedication to international exchange and the concept of an open society.

Here, the students will gain new perspectives on the European Union by attending classes taught by Polish and Hungarian faculty all while working on joint projects with local students.

While Poznan charms visitors with its quaint squares, picturesque architecture and cobblestone pavements,  Budapest is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its art nouveau buildings, coffeehouses and natural hot springs.

FIELD TRIPS

The city of Berlin itself as well as its surroundings are steeped in history. To make sure, students learn more about their main host country, the program includes several field trips to historically or politically important sights in and around Berlin. In the past, destinations included Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great (1712-1786); Cecilienhof Castle, where the allies decided upon the fate of post WWII Germany; the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, testaments to the Cold War, when Berlin was still a divided city; or the GDR prison Hohenschönhausen. Moreover, the students will get in touch with decision-makers during visits to government institutions such as the German Parliament (the Bundestag) or the Federal Ministry of Defense.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

During their time in Berlin, students are free to travel to other countries of their choice, especially within the Schengen zone. CIFE facilitates independent travel by scheduling classes in a way that allows for students to explore Europe to the fullest.

While these trips are not accompanied by CIFE staff, the CIFE Program Managers are available to support students during the planning phase of these trips and answer any questions about traveling in Europe. Whether a student decides to take a train to Prague, fly out to Paris or spend a weekend exploring London, traveling through Europe will be an unforgettable experience!