In this project, our students' competencies were strengthened: They were introduced to outdoor and sports activities in the French Alps and developed attention to the challenges and safety while practicing a sport, including reading the river, showing perseverance, respecting the beauty of nature and pushing their limits. - By communicating with students from another culture and in another language, they learned to cooperate, take initiative, help each other and communicate correctly in French. Giving and receiving instructions in another language and leadership were also covered. - By living together with each other and with foreign students for a whole week, their personal growth and social skills were stimulated and they learned to deal with differences in language, culture and manners. - The teachers also worked intensively on their professional development. They had the opportunity to expand their network and acquired new skills in outdoor sports. This allows them to guide their students even better.
The Heilig Hartinstituut Heverlee is a secondary school with an General Education study program (‘Doorstroom’) in Sports Science. About thirty sixth-year students in Sports Science worked together in this project with students from the Lycée Honoré Romane in Embrun, France. During their regular classes, they already acquired numerous skills that prepare them for further education and careers. To reinforce this range of competencies, we wanted to give them the opportunity to participate in a sports internship abroad. During this sports internship, their skills and competencies were further developed and deepened. This sports week was a unique opportunity for our students to push their limits, develop new skills and strengthen their intercultural competencies. This experience certainly prepared them for a successful future.