#learning objectives

Expectations and real life experiences are two very different things, but that’s the beauty of travelling - nothing is ever as you expect. 

Before I left Copenhagen I though had to try and gather my expectations and write them down, this became my following learning objectives. Below each objective, you’ll find my thoughts upon my achievement of these.

- Gain insight into the world of policy making, implementation, stakeholders and  all other affected links. 

Since my very first day abbreviations such as MEP, EP, EC have been casually used in conversations. In the start I remember myself being very confused with all these and more combinations of letters, but as time passes you come to learn that MEP means Member of the European Parliament, EP is the European Parliament and EC is the European Commission. The policy making world is quite as I expected it to be, long time for implementation as proposals have many links they need to go through and for every link there’s a slight change, after many links the proposal will have changed completely from the original. Policies end up never being 100% in line with one group of the EP, but will always be somewhat of a middle way - which is both a great and a bad thing. Implementation is a case on its own. Those who attend policy meetings as private people, have the general feeling that policies aren’t reflecting real life, which frustrates the general public and makes implementation difficult. The EU is also a business while being a public governing body, and it tend to favour policies that benefit economic growth short term, hence favouring big industries. This leaves a very difficult situation for SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises), and public health is often overlooked as it doesn’t bring any quick economic return. I was very surprised to find out that the EU expect so much of the Health department yet provide them with such a small budget to do so.

- Develop my research, writing and presentation skills. 

As of the moment I have definitely been researching a lot, and I have become fond of the search function for entire documents/sites (cmd+f), whether i have developed in the area, I find difficult to say. I know that searching for specific words in online documents doesn’t apply to all formats hence scanning for key words are necessary. In terms of articles, I have definitely practiced and I find myself trying to limit unnecessary information, so that my articles are brief, concrete and precise. I wrote an article on a health based VAT system in the EU, which are to go out with this month’s newsletter, next week, and as of the moment im gathering research for a new one. I’m definitely reading articles with my “scientific-proof” glasses on as Alex taught us. As of presentation, I haven’t done any powerpoint presentations, but I have presented brief knowledge from the various meetings, conferences and on subjects to my supervisor. 

- Learn more about sustainable agriculture and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

I’m working on the Food, Drink and Agriculture area, and so my knowledge about sustainable agriculture, or at least how it is defined has definitely increased. Knowledge about AMR is bit more limited as it’s not an area I’m working on, but I have picked up information here and there. I know that my knowledge about AMR very well reflects the general public’s and even the EP’s knowledge, as this area is very new and is yet to be explored in depth, hopefully quickly so that it can benefit all of us. Both areas or actually all areas EPHA work within, have a great amount of knowledge to them and can’t be understod over a short period of time. It takes time, dedication and hard work which reflects all on EPHA’s team and is why I admire all of them to a great extent. 

- Reflect on the policy-making process and the place of various stakeholders therein. 

I guess I answered this question a bit in my first objective. I would though like to add, that navigating around all the stakeholders, separating the good ones from the bad ones, is a bit like navigating in a new city without google maps to show you the way. I must admit to having a limited knowledge of all the stakeholders that exists before I came, and even worse was it before I started my studies. I observe and I slowly learn. I come to know that the industry is very interested in educating us on what “good” nutrition and “good” consumption is, when all they should be doing is sticking to selling their products, but I guess that’s also the thought behind their education programs.