Our Erasmus project “Culinary rendez-vous in a green Europe” was mainly aimed at an intercultural exchange in French with students in Europe and conveying the understanding of a unified Europe. Furthermore we aimed at creating awareness for the environment and in particular for local and organic production in France and Austria and creating comparisons. An important objective was for the students to learn the exchange with the French students via digital technologies, to eliminate biases and to strengthen a sentiment of tolerance. It was intended for the students to enhance their awareness not only of their own identity but also of their European identity. Next to improving their knowledge of the French language, the aim was for the participants to develop a better understanding for the diversity in society and the different habits and customs and to be able to use the knowledge and experiences thus obtained in the future. The project’s sustainability in form of individual and most notably joint project work was particularly important and thanks to this project the students should be able to remove barriers and fears.
Our school strives for internationalisation and - with its IB-programme and the Europe class - places a particular focus on Europe. Our project was able to fulfil and expand this objective. In addition to improving the quality of their French language skills, the students as well as the school as a whole benefitted from the intercultural exchange, raising awareness of a green Europe as well as enhancing the European values and norms that are enshrined in the curriculum. The topic of our project allowed students to discern the connection between environment and food and create awareness in this regard which is important for us as a “green school”. Part of the project included comparing eating habits and culinary specialties with the partner school and thereby finding solutions for a conscious and healthy diet. The cooperative way of working during the whole process helped the students to become tolerant, openminded and confident young persons. The (digital) knowledge gained during the project serves as a basis for a sound (digital) education and a connection with the destination country. The added value of the project benefits the entire school.