The school year has just begun, and our 4th ESO students are already taking part in a new international experience. Over the past few days, we have welcomed 19 students from Albrecht Thaer Gymnasium in Hamburg, as part of the cultural and language exchange programme we share with this German school.

During their stay, the German students, together with their exchange partners, had the opportunity to discover some of the most representative places and elements of our culture and surroundings. Gernika, Bilbao and Artxanda were some of the highlights of the experience, combining cultural and sporting activities, visits around the city and plenty of opportunities to spend time together.

In Gernika, they learned about the history and significance of the Tree of Gernika, visited some Civil War remains and took part in a jai alai workshop at the Jai Alai fronton. In Bilbao, they visited the Guggenheim Museum, enjoyed a boat trip along the estuary, took part in a city challenge around the Old Town and finished the day enjoying the views of Bilbao from Artxanda.

Beyond the activities themselves, the first part of the exchange has given students the opportunity to share everyday life with their host families, practise languages in real-life situations and build new relationships. The Family Weekend was another chance to share experiences and discover our surroundings from a different perspective.

And the exchange continues. From 28 September to 5 October, our students will travel to Hamburg for the second and final part of the experience, continuing everything they have learned and shared during these days.

Another opportunity to learn, share and open up to the world beyond the classroom.