My name is Eoin Cashman, and I attend Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore, County Kerry. In November 2024, I had the honour and privilege of attending the Euroscola educational trip, courtesy of the splendid organisation, Graduate.ie.

The Graduate Programme was introduced to me in Transition Year by my teachers, Ms. O’Regan and Ms. Aherne, and once I heard about it, I immediately began to partake in the weekly quizzes, with the hope of learning more about the EU, and the yearning, yet distant, hope that I would be selected to engage in the annual trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

It was in October of 2023 that I received an e-mail from Graduate.ie, informing me that I had won a place on the trip! I could scarcely believe my fortune, and anxiously awaited the date of departure. The greatest part of the Graduate Programme is that it connects students from all over Ireland, with each student’s travel expenses fully covered by a local institution. The incredible benevolence of these establishments, as well as their dedication to the education of Ireland’s youth, is a testament to the spirit of hope and possibility within our country. I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the Southern Regional Assembly and EU50, who sponsored my trip

Eventually, the date of departure arrived, and the motley crew of students from (literally) all four corners of Ireland, assembled in the terminal of Dublin Airport, whose enthusiasm was in no way dampened by the early hour. We took a flight to Frankfurt, from where we visited the town of Baden Baden, before continuing toward our luxurious hotel in Strasbourg.

On the second day of our trip, we participated in the Euroscola EU Parliament Event, in the actual Hemicycle, in the official government building. We were positioned in the seats usually occupied by honorary members of the Parliament, and engaged in structured debates, discussions, and even voted on a proposal to mitigate the effects of Climate Change! We were given the opportunity to ask questions to elected members of the institution, as well as experts employed by the EU.

This experience was incredible, and utterly unforgettable. To be afforded the opportunity to simulate the function of quite possibly the most important governing body in the world, and speak

with other young people from every member state was incredibly eye-opening and impactful. Words cannot accurately convey the benefit and prestige this opportunity provided to each student fortunate enough to attend.

After this amazing event, we explored the vibrant city of Strasbourg  by evening. The following day, we engaged in an informative boat trip through the city, before making our way to the enchanting town of Heidelberg and Heidelberg Castle. We thoroughly appreciated the cultural significance and aesthetic charm of this town, before embarking on our penultimate journey back to Frankfurt, where we flew home.

What makes the Graduate Programme so idiosyncratic and special is the diversity of people involved. Students are selected from different schools across the entire country, and their trip is provided irrespective of financial constraints or lack of opportunity. This made the trip extremely enjoyable, and incredibly interesting. We partook in intelligent and insightful conversation and debate, where everybody’s unique perspective presented a multi-faceted and comprehensive analysis of the chosen subject. Our conversation even attracted the interest of a formal American Presidential Candidate, who was kind enough to provide us with his advice and wisdom.

This trip and organisation is about so much more than the day in Parliament. The participants are exposed to a wide variety of experiences and cultural settings, from the sparkling streets of Strasbourg to the ivy-riddled walls of Heidelberg. One can’t help but undergo outstanding personal reflection and change in perspective. We spoke at length to students from Luxembourg, Germany, Amsterdam, Romania… the list goes on!

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.

My special thanks are extended to our supervisors, Ms. Marie Moran, Mr. Aiden Feeley, and Ms. Mary Grealish. I also wish to thank Mr. Martin Henigan for co-ordinating the trip, and of course, my sponsor, Regional Southern Assembly and EU50, without whom none of this would be possible.