A week full of new encounters, exciting excursions and interesting conversations – that is how we will remember our Erasmus+ visit from the Third Gymnasium in Zografou (Athens). Together, we explored the topic of ‘Inclusion in Europe’ and, in doing so, learnt not only a great deal about our different cultures, but also about the values that unite us in Europe.
To prepare for the week, we met several times via Zoom. That was brilliant, because it meant that when we welcomed our guests to our school at the start of the week, it felt as though we’d known each other for ages. Together with many teachers, including some from Poland and Spain, we introduced each other to our everyday school life and our Erasmus+ projects. We really had plenty to talk about and learn. In a creative workshop, we pupils then shared our thoughts on what inclusion means to us and, during a city tour, explored our favourite spots in Bremerhaven together.
We really enjoyed our visit to the Klimahaus. On a journey along the eighth meridian, you experience different climate zones and learn how differently people live around the world. The joint lessons with the theme-based project classes (ToP classes) were also an enriching experience. Despite minor language barriers, we worked together successfully and learnt a great deal from one another.
At the German Emigration Centre, we explored the stories of people who were forced to leave their homelands. The exhibition prompted us to reflect on migration, social cohesion and, once again, the importance of inclusion.
Another highlight of the visit week was that the Oyten Integrated Comprehensive School also took part in the programme on many days. On Thursday, we first visited their school, which has a very special approach. They study all their core subjects in ‘learning offices’, so they can decide for themselves how often they have maths, English and German, and with which teacher. We then travelled together to Bremen to visit the Europapunkt. In a workshop, we explored the significance of inclusion for Europe and were then given the chance to explore Bremen city centre on our own for a while.
We are now looking back together on an eventful week and even met up again on Zoom for a debrief. That made saying goodbye a little easier, but it was still hard for us to say ‘goodbye’. The time we spent together has shown us just how enriching it is to engage with young people from other countries. We’re taking away many new perspectives and the realisation that Europe thrives above all through encounters and mutual understanding.
