The aim of the Erasmus project with three different partner schools was to strengthen and deepen the European dimension of the Beethoven-Gymnasium's exchange programs. Our students, all of whom learn at least two foreign languages, were to experience the meaningfulness of language acquisition and see themselves as part of a vibrant European community that extends beyond the neighboring countries they might be more familiar with. During the exchange, we hoped students to strengthen their individual competencies in the foreign languages English and Spanish (cf. Berlin curriculum framework, Part C), to develop their cross-disciplinary competencies in language education and media education (cf. Berlin curriculum framework, Part B), to make progress in terms of learning culture, interdisciplinary work, and appreciation of multiple identities and languages (cf. Berlin curriculum framework, Part A), and in European education (cf. Berlin curriculum framework for History/Politics, Part C). Furthermore, we wanted them to learn about the different school systems and to compare the various structures, content, and learning methods. The goal was to change perspectives and express observations in the target language.
Beethoven-Gymnasium already has extensive and long-standing experience with exchange programs, such as exchanges with Paris, France, and London, England. In the context of this application, we wanted to bring together the cooperations with our newer partner schools in Ireland, Spain, and Finland. By organizing the trips as Erasmus projects, we aimed to deepen and expand our previously exclusively bilateral encounters towards a European dimension. We wanted to give students the opportunity to experience themselves as European youth, to engage in a lively exchange about their realities with other young people, and to appreciate the special value of their efforts in learning up to three foreign languages. By combining these three partners, we want to bring the concept of multilingualism as a European principle closer to the participating students and the school community.