Understanding the European Union: field trip report from the MaastrichtMBA

The MaastrichtMBA is one of the most exciting and relevant MBAs around. Preparing its participants to manage organizations in a truly international context, the class recently undertook a field trip to the European Union in Brussels – a short one-hour drive from Maastricht. Here, they had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Directorate General for Education and Culture (DG EAC) of the European Union.

One of the participants in the MaastrichtMBA, Ms. Rebecca Freda from Uganda, compiled the following field trip report:

“Hailing from different parts of the world, we all had our own opinions about the European Union, such as what is the EU, how it came to be established, how is it managed, and what it could do for us as managers and entrepreneurs from other regions of the globe.

Social Media Maastricht School of ManagementMrs Tamsin Rose, member of the Speaker’s team, outlined the role of the European Commission – the EC - in the EU and emphasized its role in contributing to management of global issues, including issues of resource scarcity and change management. ‘What future was desired for the next generation’ is the principle that underpinned the formation of EU. This thought was translated into ensuring peace between neighbors, improved standards of living, transparency in governance and equal rights for all. As a consequence the EU evolved from a European ‘coal and steel community’ after World War II to a world known political socio-economic union with a currency of its own. Managing the EU is a hard act.  However, it is made possible by the spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding between partner countries and adherence to the rule of law whereby decisions and procedures are based on the treaties agreed by all member countries. The notions of fair competition and free movement of labor have made Europe experience an unprecedented period peace, stability, prosperity, and rising living standards. This has attracted an ever increasing list of countries to join the EU. As the EU continues to grow, it remains focused on being transparent and democratic in the way it carries out its activities, encouraging member countries to do the same through publishing corruption reports, having an elected European parliament, visitors’ centers at EU offices, among others.

Social Media Maastricht School of ManagementAlthough the EU has enjoyed many successes, it is also experiencing serious challenges from some member states that face financial difficulties. Other challenges are kept at bay through knowledge alliances and through cooperating with higher education institutions to bridge the gap between education and the real world, thereby fostering innovation and good practices to support policy processes. Programs are defined and impacts are measured against this setting, as was explained by Mr Gilles Gervais, who manages programs and activities on behalf of the European Commission.

As participants in education programs students can benefit from the EU by joining ERASMUS programs at partner universities in Europe, a program that aims to foster greater diversity in education. What a visit to the EU headquarters in Brussels brought home to our group is that building networks, meeting new people, hearing new languages are vital activities for students to prosper in a world that is rapidly evolving. ”

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