Mind Your Culture – A Memorable Final Erasmus+ Meeting in Zaragoza

The fourth and final meeting of the Erasmus+ student exchange project “Mind Your Culture” took place from 15 to 19 September in Zaragoza, Spain. This last mobility brought together students and teachers from the partner schools and marked the conclusion of a rich and meaningful European collaboration. Five students from grade 10 of the Schengen-Lyzeum participated in this exchange and contributed actively to the programme.

Throughout the week, the meeting proved to be a highly enriching experience for all participants, both in terms of social interaction and shared learning activities. From the very beginning, a strong sense of community was noticeable. Students worked closely together in international groups, which allowed them to deepen their intercultural understanding and build lasting friendships. The welcoming atmosphere created by the host school and the Spanish families further strengthened this experience.

The programme of the week combined cultural discovery, project work and interactive learning. Students engaged in various workshops and presentations related to the theme of culture and identity in Europe. They reflected on similarities and differences between their countries and discussed how cultural diversity shapes European societies. These activities encouraged open dialogue and critical thinking, while also helping students to better understand their own cultural background.

In addition to the academic programme, participants explored the city of Zaragoza and its rich cultural heritage. Guided visits to important historical sites allowed students to experience Spanish culture first-hand. These excursions were closely linked to the project’s objectives, as they highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while promoting mutual respect and understanding within Europe.

A key aspect of the week was collaborative project work. Students presented the results of their previous activities and worked together on final outputs that reflected the overall achievements of the project. These included presentations, discussions and creative contributions that demonstrated both their learning progress and their personal development. The ability to communicate in a foreign language, mainly English, improved significantly during the week.

The social dimension of the exchange was equally important. Living in host families gave students authentic insights into everyday life in Spain. It also required adaptability, openness and communication skills, which are essential competences in an international context. Many participants described this part of the exchange as particularly valuable.

Overall, the week in Zaragoza was a great success and a fitting conclusion to the “Mind Your Culture” project. It combined meaningful learning experiences with unforgettable personal encounters. The students returned home with new perspectives, strengthened intercultural competences and a deeper appreciation of European diversity.

Leaving Zaragoza was not easy for many participants. The strong bonds created during the project and the intensity of the shared experiences made the farewell emotional. However, the results and memories of this Erasmus+ project will remain and continue to have an impact on the students’ future development.