Today we went to Schwartzkopf Stiftung, a foundation that educates student groups on various special topics. We did a discussion on the European Union. They two presenters, David and Christian, structured their discussion in an interactive way, breaking us up into small groups to focus on particular topics within the EU. At the end each group shared what they had learned and the processes associated with the particular section. For example, we went over the number of countries as members, the voting process, the Council of Ministers, accession into the EU, policy and issues, and lastly we talked about the prospect of Turkey joining the EU.
Turkey applied for membership in the late 1980s and has yet to be granted entrance. There are many factors in this decision, but it mostly boils down to this: too culturally different (being Muslim), too poor, and too large (the EU has proportionate representation and Turkey's population would automatically allow them more seats than Germany).
We then discussed the difference between saving and social spending, and what balance is necessary to have an economically successful state with content citizens. Of course every one's opinions on this differs.
Our next stop was Humbolt University. This was a lecture on the political and social changes incurred from the migration of Turks into Germany. The professor gave statistics on the immigrants and how its changed the cultural landscape of Germany. Afterwards was a Q&A session where my classmates were able to clarify concepts or ask for more opinionated answers. Many people are curious of the German reception to Islam in their country. This is common topic for many Christian based nations.
For dinner we ate at a great sushi place! I had my normal California roll and then also a pumpkin roll. Scrumptious!
Two things I want to do while I'm here: try Bobba Tea and ride a bike around the city.
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