A week full of encounters, learning and culture:
Our Erasmus+ student exchange in Barcelona
"Learning languages means building bridges - and Erasmus+ makes these bridges come alive."
From September 27 to October 1, 2025, a group of 34 students from classes 10a and 10b of the International High School Meerane traveled to Sant Cugat del Vallès, near Barcelona, as part of the Erasmus+ student mobility program.
Accompanied by their teachers, they were able to experience the Spanish language, culture and way of life at first hand. Thanks to Erasmus+ funding and the collaboration with Agora Sant Cugat International School, this project was an enriching experience.
The students received a warm welcome on the very first day. The Catalan hosts presented their school, organized a welcome breakfast and showed them around the modern classrooms. Over the course of the week, the German participants took part in various lessons, worked together with Spanish young people in mixed groups and communicated in Spanish and English. The focus was always on intercultural exchange: discovering similarities, understanding differences and learning from each other.
A central theme of the week was Catalan modernism. During visits to the Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and the Gothic Quarter, the students learned about the cultural significance of this movement. Accompanying tasks in Spanish encouraged language use in a real-life context - an unforgettable learning experience beyond the classroom.
A particular highlight was living with the Spanish host families. The young people experienced everyday life, family life and the culinary customs of Spain at first hand - from tapas and late dinners to lively conversations in a family atmosphere. This experience strengthened their independence, social skills and intercultural sensitivity.
The program was complemented by cultural activities: a dance workshop brought traditional dances closer, specialties were shared at a tapas picnic, and creative workshops were held to design and laugh together. Language was brought to life - through movement, taste and encounters.
In mixed teams, the pupils developed creative projects on the topic of Modernismo catalán. Whether collages, drawings or digital presentations - each work reflected not only knowledge, but also collaboration, creativity and intercultural openness. The results were presented at a ceremony on the last day.
It was clear to see for the teachers: The young people returned more motivated and more open. The exchange impressively demonstrated how learning through experience can be successful.
"Our students came back not just with new vocabulary, but with new perspectives in their hearts. "This Erasmus+ mobility was a complete success. It has shown that intercultural education builds bridges and creates friendships.
Many thanks to Erasmus+, Agora Sant Cugat International School, the host families and everyone involved in making this project possible.
¡Gracias, Erasmus+! Thank you, Agora Sant Cugat!
Natalia Alvarez - Spanish teacher and Erasmus+ coordinator at the International High School Meerane
"The project is funded by the EU Erasmus+ program. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein."
