STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

PORTUGAL

From 6^th to 10^th November 2023

 

Students and teachers of the Polish, Spanish and Turkish schools took part in a fascinating adventure as part of this Erasmus+ project.

The arrival day of not only provided participants with an exciting experience, but also set a positive tone for the days ahead. The activities contributed to the main goals of the project and left a lasting impression on the participants by developing a sense of community and mutual learning.

Day 1 – Team-building and App Milage Learn+* activities

The programme of the day of this student exchange in Portugal enriched the students’ experience with a deeper understanding of both the educational and cultural context, strengthening the bonds between participants and shaping an inspiring spirit of international cooperation.

 

The exchange began at the hosting school with a Welcome Ceremony. At the beginning of the reception all participants gathered for a special meeting dedicated to the memory of Pınar Karaca, the project coordinator from Hatay, Turkey, who tragically died in the earthquake in February 2023. This ceremony had a special meaning for all participants, creating an atmosphere of tribute and solidarity. After a touching opening, the participants were given small gifts and then enjoyed a short musical performance.

Do not stand
          By my grave, and weep.
     I am not there,
          I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
     Do not stand
          By my grave, and cry—
     I am not there,
          I did not die.

— Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934

Another important part of the program were the presentations of the partner schools, in which the students shared information about their countries, towns and schools, extracurricular activities, charity practices and educational projects in implementation in each of the schools.

During the break, the participants had the opportunity to taste traditional Portuguese delicacies, which was also an excellent way to learn more about the local cuisine and exchange culinary experiences.

Then, the students were divided into groups to visit the school facilities.

After lunch, there were team-building activities, including dancing on the school playground.

 

An important part of the ice-breaking activities was devoted to the workshop on tackling Math-related stress. Teachers proposed a series of games and activities that students can use in their schools or at home to relax and learn to control the stress.

One of the most important parts of the program of the day were the mathematics activities done by the students in a virtual classroom using the Milage Learn+ application as they were given the chance to learn in a practical way and exchange knowledge in the field of innovative digital tools in mathematics education.

The last, but not least important part of the day was a trip to the Old Baths, the former municipal baths, which provided participants with historical knowledge and more casual conversation and integration in a less formal setting.