
Kaelin Kelly
Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore, Co Offaly
I enjoyed the trip I was allowed to go on to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. I met a lot of lovely people and made friends from my group with whom I have kept in contact since. The teachers that went, although strangers to me, were amiable and helpful. Martin Henaghan, the man who brought us on the trip, was also very helpful and friendly. The first day consisted of a stop in Baden-Baden, a beautiful spa town with amazing sights. Then we were given a tour of Strasbourg where we learned a ton of interesting facts about its history. The second day was extremely educational and fun, we went to the European Parliament and we got to meet students from around the world and learn phrases in other languages. We had an on-call interview with the secretariat of the committee on women’s rights and Gender Equality, Henry Alex Wasung who told us loads of facts about the parliament and answered questions on how they implement laws. We also interviewed the vice president of the European Parliament, Dimitrios Papadimoulis. All the students were sorted into four groups (For, Against, Undecided and Central) to simulate a debate in the European Parliament which was a great way to teach us how the debates and voting work. On the last day of the trip, we visited Heidelberg castle and were given a tour. The tour guide told us about the young King who installed a theatre in one of the towers for his wife.
This trip was an amazing experience, it gave me an opportunity to learn how the world works and it gave me a chance to make new friends and meet some wonderful people. Ms Moran, Ms Župa and Mr Heneghan were all so helpful and I hope more students get to experience this amazing trip.
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I loved being able to talk to people about their opinions on all of the topics we talked about in the parliament and learning about the differences between my life and others my age who are from other countries
Thanks so much for everything!Roisin Grant
Cnoc Mhuire, Granard, Co. Longford
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I had an incredible experience on my trip to Strasbourg as part of the graduate.ie national quiz. It was truly unforgettable—I got to visit the European Parliament, learn so much about Europe, and make amazing new friends along the way. This opportunity has left me with memories I will treasure for a lifetime.
Ciarán Flynn
Summerhill College, Co. Sligo
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As a girl from rural Ireland, opportunities like this are rare, so being selected was a true honor. Through Graduate.ie, I broadened my horizons, bolstered my self-confidence, and built meaningful connections with my fellow attendees. The experience has undoubtedly deepened my knowledge of the European Union and heightened my passion for pursuing a political
Ruth Cunningham
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Co. Roscommon
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It was a short visit, but I learned so much about the European Parliament in such a small amount of time, and I met amazing people from not only Ireland but from all over the EU! It was such a great experience, and I will never forget this, so I want to give a huge thank you to my sponsor and all our supervisors who made this trip possible. Thank you again!
Molly Mc Nulty
Colaiste Pobail Acla, Achill, Co. Mayo
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While everyday was incredible in its own way, I would specifically like to note our day spent in the Parliament on Tuesday the 12th of November. It was an amazing experience, chock full of lively debates and discussions with people of many different backgrounds and cultures. It was wonderful to interact with those from other countries. We are all coming home with new friends both from Ireland and abroad.
Ava Corcoran Lyden
Colaiste Iosagain, Bóthar Stigh Lorgan, An Charraig Dhubh, Co. Dublin
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Going to the European Parliament and getting an insight to behind the scenes was such a privilege and I am so honoured to have gotten such an opportunity!
Ava Maher
Colaiste na Sionna, Bannagher, Co. Offaly
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Overall, the Graduate Programme is a triumph of modern co-operation, a titan amongst opportunities and a champion of education. I would recommend any student to enter, and reap the undeniable benefits.
Eoin Cashman
Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, County Kerry
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I met lots of new friends and my interest in politics as well as
Ireland’s role in the EU has certainly grown exponentially.
This was the most memorable experience and I don’t think this
won’t be my last stint in politics!Emer Cronin
St Josephs Secondary School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
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Strasbourg trip
I was very lucky to been picked to go on the trip i got to go to and experience the european parliament in strasbourg france it give me a insight to what it would be like to work there and and be involved with politics , I met loads of new friends on this trip and i had so much fun travelling to new places with no one i knew before , i really recommend to any who gets a chance to go on this trip to go in gives you opportunities and ones that you might not get again . So I would like to say thank you to my sponsors for providing this trip .Carla Patricia McDonnell
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As our trip was coming to an end we departed for Frankfurt airport and made our journey home. This final bus journey all together flew by as we sang songs and chatted the whole way. Although it was only a short trip it was and emotional one leaving everyone. I am forever going to be grateful for the opportunity to experience this trip as it was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity!! and of course making such great friendships and memories I will cherish forever. We still all keep in touch and are making plans to meet up again in the summer.Â
Anna Keely
St. Patricks Comprehensive school, Shannon, County Clare
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My trip to Strasbourg was truly incredible and I made so many friends that I will have for life. It was an unforgettable trip and I will treasure the memories forever!
Jennifer Grogan
Castleknock Community College, Castleknock, Dublin 15