Educational trip to Berlin – Politics, History and Future to Touch

From October 8 to October 11 we were allowed to travel to Berlin as part of an exciting educational trip. Together with our group, we were not only able to get to know central political institutions, but also visit historical places that impressively showed how closely the past and present are intertwined. The whole experience was rounded off by exciting conversations, excursions, and a few culinary highlights.

Bundesrat & Bundestag – Experience politics up close

Right at the beginning, a visit to the Federal Council was on the agenda. During a tour of the building, it was explained to us how the federal states participate in legislation. Particularly interesting: the mix of historic architecture and modern political operations.

A true highlight was the visit to the German Bundestag. After an informative lecture in the plenary hall, where the members of parliament usually debate, we headed up to the dome of the Reichstag building. The view over Berlin was impressive and showed the place where democracy is experienced in a whole new light.

In conversation with Catarina dos Santos

We also had the opportunity to meet Catarina dos Santos, Member of the Bundestag, in person. In an open conversation, we were able to ask her many questions, ranging from political topics to her personal daily routine as a member of parliament. She took her time and answered our questions honestly, an encounter that will remain in our memory for a long time.

Representation of the State of NRW / Politics between State and Federal Government

A visit to the State Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia was also on the agenda. Dr. Roßbach gave us exciting insights into his work and explained how NRW is represented at the federal level. Afterwards, we were invited to a joint lunch, which was a welcome opportunity to bring the day to a close in a relaxed atmosphere.

Topography of Terror & Berlin Wall 

A particularly impressive moment was the visit to the „Topography of Terror“ documentation center. At this historic site, where the headquarters of the Gestapo and the SS once stood, we examined the Nazi era and the crimes of National Socialism. The exhibition was powerful and demonstrated how important a culture of remembrance is for our democracy.

Right afterwards, we also visited the Berlin Wall, a symbol of German division that continues to have an impact to this day.

Futurium & City Tour / A look into the future and across the city

After so much history, we also headed towards the future: at the Futurium, the „House of Futures,“ we were able to interactively discover what our lives might look like in the coming decades, from technology and digitalization to the environment and society.

A city tour rounded off the program. During it, we got to know many familiar, but also surprising sides of Berlin.

Evenings in a small circle

The culinary aspect was not neglected either: in the evening, we tested a few trendy food spots in a small group that are otherwise better known from social media. A successful conclusion after intensive program items and exciting discussions.

Conclusion

Our trip to Berlin was not only educational, but also moving and diverse. Politics, history, and the future—we were able to experience everything up close and take away many new impressions. Whether the Bundestag or the Berlin Wall, personal conversations or visions of the future: this trip showed us how important it is to actively engage with our society.