At the end of February I traveled from Barcelona, Spain, to Brussels, Belgium, for an exciting opportunity. I was one of a group of 20 young Gilman Scholars from across the U.S. currently studying in a European Union member state, invited to participate in a study tour funded by the European Union. We met in Brussels and visited the European External Action Service, the European Parliament and the European Commission. We also met with the U.S. Mission to the European Union, counterparts at the European Youth Forum, Fulbright and Erasmus+.

It was an amazing opportunity to meet other Gilman Scholars and enrich our learning experience while abroad. As someone majoring in constitutional democracy and international studies, it was really enriching to learn more about the transatlantic relationship between the United States and the European Union. This trip deepened my understanding of the structure of the European Union and filled in the missing puzzle piece I needed to really engage with the transatlantic relationship.

I am very grateful to the Gilman organizers for this amazing opportunity. The Gilman Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for low-income students and I highly recommend applying for it.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: IES Abroad: Political Science and International Relations in Barcelona