Location:

Brussels, Belgium

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Uninversity of Kent's Brussels Summer School is centred on the theme of ‘Europe and the World’ which builds upon the academic strengths of the school. Within this context various sub-themes will be also covered, these include migration, the European Union’s (EU) relationship with emerging powers such as China, and the EU’s response to the global economic crisis. "Excellent opportunity to learn more about the EU; the Summer School has surpassed my expectations and the speakers and teachers were exceptional" Student, European Summer School, Brussels 2013 Outcomes • Understand and be able to explain the fundamental functions of European Union (EU) •Explore the key issues that are relevant to the EU today and how these influence its place in the world •Develop and consolidate research and presentation skills that can be transferred to a professional environment •Expand professional networks through interaction with a diverse student group. •Engage with practitioners working in major institutions such as the European Commission and NATO •Total immersion in a diverse capital city that also has rich cultural scene •Receive a certificate of successful completion that it also worth academic credits

Over a period of two weeks, students participate in a series of guest lectures, seminars and debates delivered by academics, policy-makers, diplomats and European civil servants. The summer school allows students to discover how the European Union functions with a particular focus on how it acts as a global organisation and the challenges it faces in today’s world. Students also benefit from a careers workshop which gives an insight into a range of employment opportunities as well as the transferable skills which are attractive to potential employers. To mark the end of the Summer School in Brussels, there will be a formal dinner to congratulate students for successfully completing the programme.

The University of Kent will award students credits for successful completion of the Summer School. To achieve this, students will have to have attended all sessions and satisfactorily completed all tasks set. It will be up to the student’s institution to decide whether the credit is integrated into their educational programme.

Setting Description:

Brussels is referred to as 'The Capital of Europe' because it is the hub of European Union institutions: it hosts the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament. In addition, Brussels is home to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is in nearby Mons. Moreover, because important political, economic and social decisions are made in Brussels every day, over one thousand governmental and non-governmental international organisations, some 165 Embassies and Diplomatic Missions, the world’s largest international press corps, and over 700 multinational corporations cluster in and around the city.

Cost:

Between 700 Euros and 1500 Euros plus an early-bird discount of 100 Euros for payments made before 16 May 2014