Aachen, Germany (March 2022)

During our exciting week together as part of the Erasmus project, we had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know our partner schools from Romania, Greece, Poland, and Turkey. This marked our first in-person encounter, and it was a week filled with enriching experiences and new connections.

Our journey began on Monday, as we warmly welcomed our partner schools to our institution. We provided them with a comprehensive tour of our school, allowing them to observe our classes and immerse themselves in our educational environment. Following a shared lunch, we engaged in icebreaker activities, games, and presentations, fostering the bonds that would define our week.

Tuesday took us on a guided tour of Aachen's city center, where we explored key attractions, including the smallest house in Aachen, the Elisenbrunnen, and the Bahkauv. As we delved into the city's history, we also had the privilege of experiencing a guided tour of the awe-inspiring Aachen Cathedral and learning about Emperor Charlemagne and its remarkable paintings.

Midweek, on Wednesday, we embarked on a hike through the High Fens, learning about the region's unique features such as the High Fens barrier, forest fires, and flooding. With the red flag signaling restricted access to parts of the forest, we adhered to strict no-smoking and grilling policies. Our adventure continued as we explored Monschau, strolling its charming streets and savoring delightful streuselbrötchen, thoughtfully arranged by Mrs. Akdag and Mrs. Steinel-Schrenk.

On Thursday, our journey took us to Brussels, where we enjoyed a 2-hour drive before embarking on a self-guided audio tour of the European Parliament's exhibition. We had the privilege of meeting MEP Sabine Verheyen, engaging in insightful discussions about the EU, the Parliament, and her role as a European politician. We savored authentic Belgian fries and explored the vibrant city center.

Friday was a day of cultural exchange as we gathered at the school to learn about Easter traditions in our respective countries. We painted Easter eggs and figures, fostering new friendships and creating lasting memories through conversations and shared experiences.

Our remarkable week culminated on March 21, 2022, as we spent a day at Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium, discussing presentations and sharing the vibrant spirit of our school with our partner schools. We concluded our time together by reflecting on our experiences and providing valuable feedback on all that we had accomplished throughout the week.