by Kelly Martin'05

Forty hours of travel might seem superfluous for a short seven day visit overseas. However, for the trip of a lifetime, this is a small price to pay. On March 18 th, 2005, I joined eighteen other Babson students in departing from Boston’s Logan Airport en route to Antwerp, Belgium. The following week would be spent learning about the economic and political environment of the European Union. This trip followed a seven-week course taken on the Babson College campus taught by Professor Neal Harris. The intensive coursework was in an effort to adequately prepare us for the lectures and site visits we would be explore at the University of Antwerp.

It would be an understatement to say our week in Belgium was busy. Each day involved an early 7:30 or 8:00 am start with a site visit in the morning and lectures in the afternoon. The plethora of sites and topics our group was exposed to was impressive: EU Parliamentary and Commission buildings, the Diamond District in Antwerp, a visit to the Belgian National Bank, a cultural tour of the Belgian artist Peter Ruben’s house and studio, and day trips to Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels. Moreover, a number of very knowledgeable and experienced university professors spoke on topics ranging from Competition and Trade Policy within the EU to Budgeting Issues. And, of course, our trip would not have been complete without a ‘pub crawl’ led by university students showing us the hot spots of Antwerp.

Our week in Belgium, though a short seven days, left a lasting impression on me. Most memorable was our day visit to Brussels, the capital of Europe and home to much of the European Union. The unique opportunity to walk the same halls as MEPs (Members of European Parliament) and to hear from those who make daily political, economic and social decisions that affect so many European citizens was extraordinary. Beyond the in-class knowledge gained, the trip imparted on us the importance of international cooperation in not only the political arena, but more importantly in a social context. Those connections you make in Brussels, Antwerp, London, or even Boston are essential for the growth of a healthy society.

…Besides, where better to learn these life lessons than in Belgium surrounded by wonderful people, tasty beer and decadent chocolate!