During the week of 20-26 February, 24 students and 8 teachers from Spain, Slovakia, France and Portugal started their second mobility. This time the school of Dolné Orešany in Slovakia was the hosting country.
The 16 students and four teachers from Portugal and France arrived on Sunday, while those from Spain arrived on Monday due to last minute flight problems. All the students were hosted by families and the teachers stayed in a house in Smolenice.
On Tuesday, the four countries finally met at the school where they could have breakfast together. After that, a student from the Slovak school explained the activities they would be doing that day.
A bus took them to see the castle of Červený Kameň, a national monument of XIIIC, where a guide explained to them in English the history of the castle. They could see collections of furniture and paintings of that period.
They also visited Budmerice Castle, built in 1889, and one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia.
After having lunch at the school canteen they participated in various workshops such as: Kahoot, and handicraft workshops (decoration of clothes bags, masks and small wooden garments), encouraging teamwork and interaction among students.
On Wednesday, they visited the city of Trnava, also called “little Rome” since it has many churches, there are 16. They visited the museum and the old part of the city with the help of a guide. They also climbed the city tower from where they could enjoy a spectacular view. Finally, they played in teams an interactive game to discover more of Trnava.
The same day the teachers were able to eat traditional local dishes ( Bryndzové halušky and Zemiakové Placky) in a restaurant together with the headmistress of the school.
On Thursday, they visited Devin Castle. This castle is located in Devin, part of Bratislava and considered a national monument of the cultural heritage of Slovakia. They were able to enjoy spectacular views as it is situated at an altitude of 212m at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, an ideal place for a fortress.
After that, they went to the centre of Bratislava where a nice tourist bus took them to the most emblematic places of the capital, such as the monument to the fallen of World War II and the Bratislava Castle. This is located on top of a hill in a dominant position overlooking the Danube River, which is now the Slovak National Museum.
After lunch, the students were able to play in an Escape Room at a game centre in the city. This team activity helped strengthen the bonds between European students.
Friday was the last day of activities.This time they visited a honey farm in the village of Smolenice where they could learn how honey is made. They even were able to taste it and also participate in a workshop to create a candle, which they took home as a souvenir.
As it was the last day, all the pupils went to their host home to help prepare delicious meals for the farewell party at the school.
Everyone, including families, could taste the food and enjoy traditional and folk dances. The students and teachers participated in the dances that the students from Slovakia had prepared. It was a moment of sharing and exchanging emotions that both pupils and teachers will never forget.
It has been a very enriching and memorable week for our students and teachers, a combination of culture, customs and fun that they will never forget.
STUDENTS’ OPINIONS
“It wasn’t a really long experience but a unique one. I have spent the best week of my whole life in a different country, meeting new people and cultures and improving my English. I hope someday I can meet my European friends again and have as much fun as this time.”
Pere Loscos, 3C ESO
“I learned a lot of English, met a lot of people and enjoyed all the moments. It was one of my best weeks!
Anahí Plosca 3C ESO
