issues - Seton Hall University

To learn firsthand about the interaction of the institutions
of the European Union, 31 undergraduate and graduate
students took part in a unique learning experience. The
students, from Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and
International Relations, traveled to Luxembourg, Belgium,
Germany and France in June 2000. Their goal for the course, “Institutions
of the European Community,” was to explore this emerging regional governance,
as well as Europe’s international and trans-Atlantic relations.
The group had an experienced diplomat as their leader: Clay
Constantinou, J.D. ’81, LL.M., dean of the School of Diplomacy and former
U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. “Our School is unique in being able to
combine classroom theory with hands-on practical experience such as a trip
like this,” Constantinou says.
Luxembourg was a co-founder of the Common Market, now the
European Union (EU). Serving as ambassador, Constantinou worked
regularly on transatlantic issues, and thus was able to draw upon his nearly
five years of experience to open high-level doors for his students.
Throughout the eight-day trip, top officials from major European
institutions welcomed the group and gave them briefings. “I was proud
of our students everywhere we went,” the dean says. “On several occasions,
individual students were called upon to address top officials and make
presentations. They conducted themselves like seasoned diplomats.”
As part of the course, each student wrote a research paper focusing on
the interaction between at least two of the European Community institutions.
In certain ways, these institutions function similarly to the branches
of the U.S. government, with their checks and balances.
“One of the outstanding experiences for our students was being received
by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg
(now the Grand Duchess) at the Grand Ducal Palace,” Constantinou
says. “The Grand Duchess, joined by her husband, Grand Duke Henri,
devoted a full hour of their time to our students.”
The Grand Duchess has a deep interest in education and international
relations. A goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), she also serves as the
honorary chair of the Board of Overseers for the School of Diplomacy.
The students also were invited to dinner and enjoyed a lesson in wine tasting
with Baron George Von Hobe-Gelting at his estate in Palzem, Germany. He
also is a member of the School’s Board of Overseers.
The trip was such a success that the dean has planned a return engagement
for May 22 through June 1. And after that? Other possibilities for
study trips include China (in September 2000, the School of Diplomacy
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Foreign Affairs College
in Beijing) or the Middle East.
EntréetoEurope
explore the institutions shaping Europe’s future.
Following in a
Diplomat’s Footsteps
BY RICHARD VANVELDHUISEN
From the moment we left JFK International
Airport, our study group was exposed to all
aspects of what a diplomat encounters on a
trip abroad. This means a tight schedule with
very little personal time. I became aware that
a diplomatic demeanor is necessary at all
times, as you are being constantly watched
and judged.
I took this trip not only to learn about
the European Union institutions, but also to
experience the unique opportunity to travel
with the former ambassador and to follow in
his footsteps into a diplomatic world. Since
my professional calling is to become a part of
this environment, I wanted to know what it
was like and to get a glimpse of what it truly
means to be a global servant.
It was important for me to learn the
subtle nuances of traveling in foreign countries:
the value of courtesy, the willingness
to experience new foods and the ability to
react appropriately when schedules change.
I wanted to experience the formality of
meeting royalty and government executives.
The School of Diplomacy, through Dean
Constantinou, provided me with a window
into that world.
Academically, the benefit of learning
about the European Union institutions onsite
was invaluable. I will never forget sitting in
the European Court of Justice listening to
legal arguments between two countries
through the voice of an interpreter. It does
not get more real than that.
As a graduate student near the end of
my studies, I found that this trip enabled me
to envision where my professional career
might take me. I met more than one official
whose career I wanted to emulate. The
experience I gained provided me with solid
groundwork for my internship and career.
Following the study trip, Richard
VanVeldhuisen interned in the State
Department in Washington, D.C. He
is now on assignment in China.
WINTER 2001 21