A group of eighteen final year Business School Economics students studying European Economic Integration, visited Brussels at the end of last term to learn more about the institutions of the European Union.

The group, led by Frank Brouwer and Dr Julie Litchfield, met with economists and other officials from the European Commission and the European Parliament, including Business School alum Christian Buelens (Economics 2001), an economist in the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission.

They discussed with the students how these two institutions work to make policy, and highlighted the challenges, and in some cases opportunities, they have encountered as a result of current events such as the war in Ukraine, further EU enlargement, digital technologies and the climate crisis.

Students took full advantage of the chance to ask critical questions, to deepen their understanding of these two important institutions and to explore career opportunities within the EU.

Students enjoyed a range of local culinary delights whilst being treated to a magical sound and light show at the Grand Place. A visit to the Magritte Museum provoked deep discussions about mental health and well-being and reinforced the special bonds created during the trip.

Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the enjoyment of spending time together getting to know other students and faculty after two long years of the pandemic.

Economics student Morton Zhu said:

”It was a really nice trip, much thanks to Frank and Julie. It is one of the most meaningful trips of my life.”

Economics student Cameron Barnes added:

"This trip provided me with a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of the functioning of the EU as an institution as well as demonstrating how the theory of European integration that we had spent the past semester studying applies in the real world.

"It was also a great pleasure to meet with Christian Buelens, who was a former economics student at Sussex and I found it inspiring that I too could also go on to work on extremely important projects within the ECB and European Commission with my degree."

Hans Van Der Heijden, Director of Internationalisation, said:

“For many students, a study trip like the one to Brussels is the absolute highlight of their time with the School. They are a key pillar in our Business School’s international strategy, and a very important part of the University’s ambitions to give all students a meaningful international experience.”

For more information on what courses we offer at the Business School please visit our study pages.