Eilis Taheny
Our trip to Strasbourg was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, sightseeing, and new friendships. We began our journey very early on the first day, meeting at the airport at 4 a.m. After checking in and greeting everyone, we immediately started chatting and getting to know each other. Once we passed through security, we grabbed some breakfast and spent a little time exploring the duty-free shops before taking the shuttle bus to our gate.
Our flight took us from Dublin to Frankfurt, and from there we continued our journey with a four-hour bus trip to Colmar. Colmar was a beautiful town, especially with its Christmas markets. We enjoyed browsing the stalls and even went on the Ferris wheel, which gave us a lovely view of the festive decorations. Later, we headed back to our hotel, which was very nice and comfortable. That evening, we spent time talking and bonding as a group.
On the second day, we visited the European Parliament. This was a major highlight of the trip. We took part in interactive activities, debates, and even video calls that allowed us to speak with people who work there. Breakfast and lunch were provided on-site. To enter the Parliament building, we had to wear lanyards with our names on them as a form of ID and pass-through security checks. Inside, we met people of many different nationalities and it’s an experience that felt truly unique, as it’s unlikely we will ever all share the same room again.
After our time at the Parliament, we travelled into Strasbourg city. The city was beautiful, and we enjoyed getting food and exploring the streets. We used the tram to travel in and out, which was convenient and allowed us to see more of the city.
On our final day, we packed up and left the hotel, then travelled to Heidelberg for a tour of the famous castle. The castle was stunning, and the tour was both interesting and enjoyable. Afterwards, we took a cable car down into the city, as the castle sits high above it. Once back at the bus, we continued our journey to the airport to begin our trip home.
Overall, the trip was an amazing experience. We learned a lot, visited incredible places, and formed a great group of friends. Thank you very much for bringing us and we truly appreciated the opportunity.
-
This trip for me was very educational and a great opportunity. We were given amazing teachers to come with us and the other students were also just wonderful to be with. This experience gave me new friends and a new look on politics and to have seen what it’s like in France and Germany.
James McGreal
-
The trip to Strasbourg will never be forgotten it was an amazing experience. Before I went on the trip I was afraid to meet new people but this trip showed I shouldn’t have been it was an amazing opportunity to meet new people and speak to them. I wouldn’t of changed anything on this trip it truly was an unforgettable experience.
Clodagh Fitzpatrick
-
Truly a life changing trip and I feel like later down the road I may look into politics more, amazing trip that engages our youth and includes them in discussions that affects them directly and gives them a voice on the matters
Milo Kilgannon
-
It’s hard to capture how incredible my experience with the Euroscola programme was. From
start to finish it was an adventure. I learned about myself, my values and my beliefs but also
about the lives and experiences of other young people.
The Euroscola trip acted as a catalyst in my own social conscience, and it gave me memories
I will treasure for a lifetime. A fantastic experience that I couldn’t recommend more.
Caoilfhionn Short
-
The Graduate.ie trip to the EU parliament in Strasbourg was amazing and was like nothing I have ever experienced before. The trip provided both independence and structure allowing space on the trip to explore on your own. The EU Parliament itself was like nothing I had been to before with so many young people from all over the EU.
Sadbh McDonnell
-
I found the Strasbourg trip to be a very enjoyable experience that helped me step out of my comfort zone and socialise more with people outside of just Cavan. It also helped me understand more about the parliament and how certain problems within the European Union are discussed and dealt with. I also found every other aspect of the trip, such as the Christmas markets and tour of the castle very interesting.
Emma Geraghty
-
I personally spoke in the parliament about how member states shouldn’t oversee laws for cybersecurity and that the European Union should implement universal laws that all member states should adhere by. Then we got to vote using the electoral machines at our desks, then a final discussion on what important topics we would discuss if we were MEPs.
I’ll be eternally grateful for all the great memories and lifelong friends I made along the way because of this magnificent trip.
Donncha O Raghallaigh
-
Our three-day trip to Strasbourg was a great experience and very enjoyable.
Overall, the trip was both fun and educational. We learned a lot while also enjoying new places and experiences. It was a memorable trip that we will not forget.Millie Nà Threanlámhach
-
I had such an incredible time on my trip to Strasbourg. The trip allowed me to talk to people I never would have talked to before, and come out of myself in the company of others. The teachers who went with us were so kind and caring also. I would 100% recommend this quiz on graduate.ie to anybody, even if you don’t think you have an interest.
Lucy Morris
-
The Euroscola trip to Strasbourg was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to learn more about Europe, meet new people, and experience new cultures. I made amazing friends and created memories that I will always cherish. I was surprised by how much I missed everyone once it was over.
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity — it was absolutely unforgettable.
Clara Walsh
-
The trip to Strasbourg and all the other locations is unforgettable and I wouldn’t have changed anything about the people I met on the trip, everyone was so lovely and it was a nice feeling knowing we were all in the same boat and it made us very close within the first day or so. Again, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity
Kyle Earner
