
Realtin McHugh
Colaiste Pobail Acla, Achill Island, Co Mayo
I went to Strasbourg from the 1st until the 3rd of March. It was one of the best things I have done in my life, and I got to experience new things and meet amazing new people. I had never been to Strasbourg before, and it was even better than I thought it was going to be. On the first day on our way to Strasbourg we stopped at Baden Baden a charming town in southwest Germany. It was a gorgeous day and we got to stroll around and take in the wonderful scenery and amazing architecture. It was a brilliant start to the trip and the food there was wonderful. We headed off again to Strasbourg and arrived at our hotel in the evening. It was a lovely hotel, and the staff were wonderful. We then went on a walking tour of Strasbourg and learned all about how it used to be called Alsace some of the population still spoke Alsatian and even some of the signs were in French, English, and Alsatian! After the educational tour we had free time to taste the local cuisine, survey the market stalls and visit some of the wonderful tourist attractions (The cathedral was my favourite!)
The next morning, we had a wonderful French breakfast including lots of fresh pastries and hot chocolate. Then we went to the Parliament. It was much bigger in person than I expected. We got some group photos and made our way to the canteen for a second breakfast! We then went to the Hemicycle a large oval like room where the MP’s vote on different legislation. When we were there, we took part in different workshops learning about how the MPs decide on legislation, vote for it and then pass it into law. The topic we were looking at was “Gender equality in the European Union” I find this topic interesting, and it was cool to see other people’s thoughts on the topic and their ideas on how we should change things to battle inequality in the European Union. We then broke up for lunch and went to the canteen to have some food. After lunch we went back to the Hemicycle and were put in groups, I was for the motion. We had a debate and then we voted just like the MPs would from their desks by pressing different buttons depending on our opinion on the given legislation. It was very educational to learn how laws and legislation are passed as it affects everyone in the European Union, so it is nice to know legislation is researched, evaluated, debated on, and voted for fairly before being passed. The Parliament was the highlight of my trip and I’d recommend visiting to anyone. After the Parliament we travelled back to our hotel and then spent the evening sightseeing in Strasbourg. My friends and I went to a gorgeous Alsatian restaurant before getting ice cream macaroons from a quaint ice cream shop in the heart of Strasbourg. That day was my favourite day and I miss Strasbourg just thinking about it.
The next morning me and my friend Lauren went for an early morning stroll in Strasbourg visiting some of the wonderful patisseries picking up pastries for our friends for breakfast. I found it great French conversational practice and was surprised at how much French I knew! It definitely motivated me to focus more on French upon arriving back in Ireland as I realised how amazing it was to be able to communicate to other people in their own language. Then we checked out of our hotel and made for a canal as we were going on a boat trip before visiting Heidlberg. The boat trip was lovely, and we got another chance to enjoy the gorgeous scenery from a new angle while learning about the history of the canals and the importance they hold. We then made our way to Heidelberg to see the castle. I was not sure what to expect but I was blown away by the sheer size and beauty of the castle. We had a lovely old woman who brought us for the tour who was positively overflowing with knowledge and love for the castle. After the tour we got to stand on the largest wine barrel in the world (something I thought I would never say!) We then had a quick bite to eat before driving to the airport and flying home.
I found this trip to be fun, educational, and beautiful. I had never considered a job in Europe, but this trip has given me much to consider. I found it fascinating to see other people’s lives outside of Ireland as I am busy with studies this year and sometimes find I forget how big the world truly is. I have made amazing friends and we are hoping to meet up this summer. This experience has truly been wonderful, and I would like to thank Martin, Marie and Ivana for minding us and allowing us to enjoy this opportunity to the fullest.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
Anna Keely
St. Patricks Comprehensive school, Shannon, County Clare
-
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