51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Ghent & Brussels 2027

The Global Leaders Experience is heading to Ghent and Brussels! 

Designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, this programme offers a unique opportunity to explore critical global issues in two cities, known for its history, architecture and being the focal point of many international organisations. Learn all about the European Parliament in Brussels!  

Whether your passions lie in history, policy making, sustainability or even just a desire to explore a new city, this experience is your chance to develop your knowledge, skill and gain connections ready to make a meaningful impact in both your personal life and wider society. 

About the programme  

This Global Leaders Experience will take place between the 20th - 25th June 2027. The programme will typically take place between 9:00-16:00 every day.  

We will spend two days in Ghent and two days in Brussels.  

We are currently putting together the itinerary and further information will be shared on this page once activities are confirmed. You can however expect to be immersed in both cities with tours of the local areas, visit the European Parliament and experience first-hand how EU legislations are made, experience a historical and lively student city and find out about a variety of community projects! 

Each day will be themed around a different topic to expose you to a wide range of subjects. If you don't study any of the topics, that's not a problem! You are not required to have any existing knowledge of focused subjects; this programme is designed to help push you out of your comfort zone and learn new concepts.  

Throughout the week, in small groups of 5, you will be tasked with creating a question or topic to research and produce a 10-minute presentation to deliver on the final day. This piece of work is unmarked and will give you the opportunity to practice groupwork and presentation skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.  

Use this time to explore a new city while relating concepts and ideas from your degree programme to real-life situations. As a trip embedded within the careers service, gain valuable first-hand experience while developing crucial skills required for your future careers. 

Don't forget about your free time! While in Ghent and Brussels, you will have the opportunity to explore and take part in activities outside of the scheduled programme. Enjoy everything each city has to offer with many world-class museums, Gravensteen castle, walks along canals and waterfronts, admire medieval architecture and try the local food! 

Eligibility criteria  

• Are currently enrolled on an undergraduate programme and meet one or more of the widening participation criteria 26-27.pdf

• We have a limited number of spaces for undergraduate and postgraduate international students. Please check visa requirements for travel before applying. 

• You can travel to and from the UK between the 20th – 25th ´³³Ü²Ô±ð&²Ô²ú²õ±è;2027. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

• Not currently on a placement year or study abroad. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

• Have an up-to-date passport with more than 6 months validity from date of return.    

• Have not exceeded the 90 out of 180 days rule for travel in Europe by the date of the programme. . &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

Managing Expectations     

• The global travel sector remains impacted by well publicised strikes, cancellation and disruption.     

• Please be ready to follow any national or local guidance in relation to travel, such as passport validity for Belgium.   

• If you are an international student, please check in advance visa requirements and costs essential for entry. Visa costs are not covered by the university. We will supply any travel documents required for your application.    

• For home students, please be aware that the ETIAS travel authorisation may come into effect before this trip. We will notify you of any visa requirements before they take place. For more information, please press Visa costs will not be covered by the University.  

• Students are expected to travel to and from the UK as part of a group for the trip. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

• Students will be sharing accommodation. Please see our FAQs for further information. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

• There will be a pre-departure session which you need to attend ahead of the trip. &²Ô²ú²õ±è; 

Cost  

The University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ will be booking and paying for the following: 

• Return travel from London St. Pancras to Ghent and Brussels 

• Accommodation for 5 nights in Ghent and Brussels  

• Breakfast on every morning of the trip 

• Activities undertaken during the scheduled trip hours 

• Travel insurance for the duration of the trip 

Costs that are not covered by the University: 

• Lunches and dinners 

• Local transport costs 

• Activities taken part in during your free time 

• Visa costs where required 

If the cost of paying for your own lunch, dinner and local transport cause a barrier to attending this programme, please get in touch with the team and we can discuss further funding support.  

A travel bursary is available to those who meet the Widening Participation criteria. You can claim travel costs to and from the UK departure point (for example from campus to London St. Pancras) if student discounts are used; receipts must be provided. Claims can be made up to a maximum of £75.   

Please note that the travel bursary cannot be used for additional accommodation unless in exceptional circumstances and must be checked and approved with global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk first. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â€¯ 

Further information

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email the team at global-leaders@exeter.ac.uk