I’m writing this at the end of day three of my Study Tour with my Propaganda: Fakes & Facts course and time is just flying by. We’ve packed so much into only three days it’s hard to believe. I’m spending this week in Brussels, Belgium touring many of the European Union buildings and meeting with EU officials as well as journalists.
Since my professor works for the EU, my class has gained exclusive access to certain buildings and press briefings. We’ve also been able to meet privately with government workers and hear about their experiences working for the EU as well as their thoughts on policies and current events.
Although I’ve been in awe of everything we’ve done so far on this Study Tour, I’ve been most inspired by the talks we’ve had with journalists and the press briefings we’ve attended. Despite hearing about the grueling work the journalists do, I’m now determined more than ever to pursue journalism as a career.
I was lucky enough to engage in discussion with Teri Schultz, an American journalist working in Brussels. She didn’t shy away from describing all the hardships she has endured and continues to endure as a journalist. Maybe her descriptions should’ve scared me away from journalism, but it strengthened my desire more than ever.
Teri was inspiring, and it was also interesting to sit in on two press briefings. I’ve never attended a political press briefing before, but I foresee press briefings being a part of my future. It was cool to see how the formal side of journalism works.
Not only have I had incredible experiences with the European Union, but I’ve also gotten much closer with my classmates. Before the Study Tour, my class was not very close. But spending all day every day together with people really does bring you together.
Before I fly back to Copenhagen, I am going to Bruges, Belgium. Bruges is a smaller town outside of Brussels, so I am expecting a different vibe from the big city. This Study Tour has given me irreplaceable memories and experiences, and there’s no way I would’ve gotten these opportunities without taking the DIS class, Propaganda: Fakes and Facts.
Wow! It is wonderful that you were able to get so much first hand experiences at such an important and impressive venue!