Heidelberg Students Experience EU Policymaking at the European Parliament

Seventy-three students from Schiller International University's Heidelberg campus recently traveled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, for the Global Policy Leadership Development Program, a full day of experiential learning focused on European policymaking, diplomacy, business, and international leadership.

Selected from nearly 160 applicants, the participants represented Schiller's International Relations and Diplomacy, MBA, and International Business programs. From meeting Members of the European Parliament to debating legislation inside the Hemicycle and observing a live plenary session, students experienced firsthand how decisions are debated, negotiated, and made within one of the European Union's key institutions.

Key Takeaways

• Seventy-three Schiller Heidelberg students were selected from nearly 160 applicants to participate in the Global Policy Leadership Development Program.
• Students represented the International Relations and Diplomacy, MBA, and International Business programs.
• Participants met Members of the European Parliament Lena Düpont and Katrin Langensiepen and took part in an exclusive Q&A session.
• Students experienced the legislative process firsthand through a role-play simulation inside the European Parliament's Hemicycle.
• The program connected academic learning with real-world EU policymaking, international leadership, business, trade, and diplomacy.

From the Heidelberg Campus to the Heart of European Policymaking

For students studying international relations, diplomacy, business, or an MBA, understanding how political institutions operate can be just as important as studying the theories behind them. The Global Policy Leadership Development Program at the European Parliament gave Schiller students the opportunity to move beyond textbooks and lectures and enter the environment where European legislation is actually debated and shaped.

Throughout the day, participants explored the relationship between public policy, business, international trade, diplomacy, and global cooperation, gaining a clearer understanding of how decisions made at the European level can have consequences far beyond the EU's borders.

The experience was particularly relevant to Schiller's international student community, providing an opportunity to examine policymaking through the different cultural, academic, and professional perspectives represented across the group.

Exclusive Discussions with Members of the European Parliament

One of the day's highlights was the opportunity to attend exclusive sessions with Members of the European Parliament Lena Düpont and Katrin Langensiepen.

The two MEPs shared their perspectives on the European legislative process, current priorities facing the EU, and the day-to-day realities of working within the Parliament. Students then had the opportunity to put their own questions directly to the MEPs during an interactive Q&A session.

These conversations gave participants insight into the realities behind European policymaking, including how different interests and perspectives must be considered when addressing complex challenges affecting multiple countries.

For students interested in careers in international relations, diplomacy, public policy, international organizations, or global business, the sessions also provided a direct connection between their academic studies and the professional environments they may enter after graduation.

Debating and Negotiating Inside the European Parliament Hemicycle

Rather than simply observing the institution from the outside, students became active participants in a legislative role-play simulation held inside the European Parliament's Hemicycle.

By debating and negotiating policy proposals, participants experienced some of the challenges involved in building consensus, defending different positions, and navigating competing priorities within a multinational political institution.

The simulation required students to draw on skills that are essential across both public- and private-sector careers, including:

• Critical thinking and policy analysis
• Public speaking and persuasive communication
• Negotiation and consensus-building
• Cross-cultural collaboration
• Leadership and strategic decision-making

The experience transformed European policymaking from an abstract academic concept into a practical exercise in communication, compromise, and decision-making.

Witnessing European Democracy in Action

Students also observed a live plenary session, giving them the opportunity to see parliamentary debate and decision-making unfold in real time.

After taking part in their own legislative simulation, observing elected representatives inside the Parliament offered another perspective on how European democracy functions in practice.

The combination of simulation, direct conversations with MEPs, and observation of a live plenary session gave students multiple perspectives on the policymaking process—from debating proposals themselves to seeing experienced policymakers at work.

For participants in Schiller's International Relations and Diplomacy programs, this offered a particularly direct connection to their academic studies. However, the experience was equally relevant to MBA and International Business students, as EU legislation can significantly influence international trade, corporate strategy, regulation, sustainability, technology, and investment.

Exploring Careers in European Institutions

The program also introduced students to career opportunities within European institutions and the different professional pathways available to those interested in international public service.

For students considering careers in diplomacy, public policy, government affairs, international organizations, or related fields, understanding how institutions operate—and the skills they seek—is an important part of career preparation.

By entering the European Parliament, engaging directly with policymakers, and learning about professional opportunities within EU institutions, students gained insight that extended beyond academic theory and into their own potential career paths.