During the EU Demos summer school held in Brussels, students from Poland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece shared their impressions about a week that combined education, cultural exchange, and new friendships.
Erik from Warsaw, Poland, attending Adam Mickiewicz High School No. IV in Poland, reflected on his experience: “Seeing Brussels was definitely the best part. Sadly, integration isn’t a big thing in this summer school because we are doing everything by ourselves, which is not the best way to integrate.” He suggested creating more common spaces, like shared hotels and restaurants, to enhance interaction among participants.
Adam, also from Adam Mickiewicz High School No. IV in Poland in Poland, found joy in conversations: “I think talking with people, meeting new faces, and developing my English was the most rewarding part.” Nina, another Polish participant, when asked about the best part of the summer school, reflected: “It wasn’t any particular thing, but rather the people I met. I really enjoyed the chance to meet and talk with them.”
From Colegio CEU San Pablo Sanchinarro in Spain, Inigo highlighted cultural exploration and sightseeing: “What I liked most is the people and also the Grand Place. It’s such a beautiful touristic attraction.” Marcos from the same school added: “The monitors, the teachers who organized it, were really great.” Juana appreciated learning about the European Union: “I liked meeting new people and learning things I didn’t know before, like how the EU works.”
Maria from Portugal emphasized cultural enrichment: “Meeting new people and learning about different cultures was very interesting and cool.” A fellow Portuguese student added: “It’s an opportunity to meet people from another country, which we don’t get every day.”
Lorenzo from Istituto Da Vinci-Fascetti in Pisa, Italy, valued the chance to meet other nationalities: “They have an experience you don’t feel every day. It’s informative and interesting.”
Greek students from the General Lyceum of Heraklion also shared their insights, highlighting both language challenges and cultural rewards. One explained: “It’s really hard trying to communicate, but fun to translate phrases and connect with others.”
The diverse perspectives reveal how the summer school offered more than academic activities. For many, it was a gateway to cultural understanding and personal growth. As Gabriela from Colegio CEU San Pablo Sanchinarro put it, “Meeting new friends, exploring Brussels, and tasting delicious waffles made the experience unforgettable.”
[Luca Ottaviani and Sara Bertolli]
