Based on LCC's excellent experience with exchange programmes in the past, including Erasmus+, the German and the French department wanted to offer their learners a first-hand experience of a week-long full immersion into their respective exchange partner's daily family and school life. We were hoping for our learners to make new friends, get to know the German and French culture and educational systems. We wanted our students to build understanding and tolerance for other peoples' way of life and opinions. While visiting Berlin and Cholet, our students were to see historical sights and learn about their significance for European history. In preparation for these mobilities, as a follow-up, and in preparation for the respective return visits by our partner schools, we encourages students to establish contact with each other through various media using the target language. We intended to develop personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of diverse academic approaches. We also hoped the project would foster a broader perspective and enriched our students' personal and academic experiences. Additionally, it would boost students confidence by showing their ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Luttrellstown Community College is a secondary school in a culturally diverse part of Dublin 15. We are a modern, international and inclusive school. All students learn one modern language, which is either German, French or Spanish. Spanish is the most popular modern foreign language at LCC. At senior level the subjects History, and Politics and Society are offered to students as an option subject for the Leaving Certificate. Our school makes wide use of technology enhanced learning: we are an iPad school, offer the subject Coding and have five computer rooms. PCs and AV equipment is used in all classrooms. Many of our students take part in extra-curricular activities such as the Coding club, sports and choir and band. We are particularly known in our community for our musical theatre productions. Our students come from very different socio-economic backgrounds. This means that not all students might have had the opportunity to participate in any of the four previously organised cultural and language exchanges for German and French learners at LCC, which had to be paid privately, since they preceded our Erasmus+ involvement. There had not been an exchange programme like this at LCC since 2019.