For our students, the European Union is a rather theoretic approach. Since many of them don’t have the finances to travel and get to know people of other European countries, our project aims to change that. We want our students to get to know other students from other countries, discuss about similari-ties and differences and also celebrate together. Our idea is that every school announces a “Day of foreign cultures” at their school. For this day, students from the partnering school travel to the organizing school and run different workshops based on their talents and interests. The students of the organizing school can participate in two of them. The students will prepare the workshops themselves and also set the specific topic based on their talents and interest. This may be dance, mini-language course, cooking special regional food, interactive city tour, presenting a play or something totally different which they may think interests other students. The special thing about our project is that not only directly involved pupils benefit, but the entire school environment. All pupils and teachers of the school visited are invited to take part in the workshops. A schedule for a visit could look like this: First day Arrival, Get-to-know party Second day Get-to-know-games; Students of organizing school prepare city tour of hosting city, in the afternoon workshop preparation Third day Day of Cultures Fourth day Field trip or school Hospitation Fifth day Departure
At the time of application, our project aimed to provide our students with a practical experience of the European Union, as many of them lacked the means to travel and interact with peers from other countries. The core objective was to foster cross-cultural understanding and celebrate diversity by organizing "Days of Foreign Cultures" in partner schools. During these events, students from one school would visit another and conduct workshops showcasing their talents and interests. This unique approach allowed students to engage in activities like dance, language courses, cooking, city tours, presentations, and more. The project focused on direct student involvement, encouraging them to design and lead workshops while immersing themselves in the hosting school's environment. This interaction extended to all students and teachers in the hosting school, amplifying the project's impact beyond the immediate participants. The project aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of European cultures, breaking down stereotypes and enhancing mutual respect. As a result of project implementation, students gained firsthand experience in cultural exchange, breaking down barriers, and forming friendships across borders. The workshops facilitated interactive learning, and the project's emphasis on inclusivity benefited the entire school community. The activities were structured over several days, including arrival, orientation, workshop preparation, a day dedicated to cultural exchange, field trips, and departure. The project successfully achieved its goals of promoting cross-cultural interactions, fostering a sense of unity among European students, and broadening their perspectives. The outcomes highlighted the significance of direct engagement, intercultural dialogue, and experiential learning in shaping a more interconnected and tolerant Europe. The long-term impact is expected to contribute to increased openness, understanding, and acceptance among young Europeans, ultimately supporting the goals of Erasmus+ and similar educational initiatives.