Accompanying my students on a Short-Term Group Mobility to Bisceglie, Italy, with Erasmus.
As part of the Erasmus Accreditation our school has recently been granted, I had the privilege of accompanying a group of ten secondary school students aged 12 to 16 on a short-term mobility trip to Bisceglie, Italy, last April. This eight-day journey not only provided the students with a unique opportunity for cultural and educational immersion but also offered me, as a teacher, a valuable professional and personal experience.
The preparations for the mobility were intense yet exciting; from selecting the students to coordinating with families and the host institution in Bisceglie, every detail was meticulously planned. The students were full of expectations and a bit nervous, especially those participating in an international experience for the first time.
Our arrival in Bisceglie was warm and welcoming. The Italian hosts, led by Antonella, the Erasmus coordinator in Italy together with the students and their families, received us with great enthusiasm and warm hospitality. The first impression of the city was charming: a blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty that captivated everyone’s attention.
During eight days, our students participated in a series of educational and cultural activities designed to improve their communicative competence in foreign languages and broaden their horizons. We attended classes at the Lyceum Da Vinci, where our students interacted with their Italian peers, shared knowledge, and learnt about the Italian educational system. The classes focused on collaborative projects, fostering teamwork and the exchange of ideas.
In addition to academic activities, we also explored various historical and cultural sites in Bisceglie and its surroundings, such as “ Castel del Monte” , S. Margherita Church or the Cathedral; however, the most impressive was the Saline of Margherita of Savoia and the outstanding hiking route which took us to the Grotte di Ripalta. And, apart from this, we could savour the rich local cuisine, whose simplicity and best quality ingredients made us feel like we were eating a home- cooked family meal every day . These experiences not only enriched the students’ cultural knowledge but also reinforced their sense of belonging to a global community as well as strengthening their European identity.
Throughout the trip, I observed significant personal growth in each of the students. From increased confidence in communicating in a foreign language to the ability to adapt to new situations, each day brought new learnings and challenges overcome. The experience also strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the students, creating memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
As a teacher, this mobility was an invaluable opportunity to widen my own horizons as well; the experience of working in an international environment allowed me to develop leadership and group management skills in multicultural contexts.
In summary, the group mobility to Bisceglie, Italy, under the Erasmus program, was a transformative experience for everyone involved. For the students, it was an opportunity for personal and academic growth, as well as a window into new cultures and perspectives. For me, as a teacher, it was a period of learning and professional enrichment, as well as a confirmation of the positive impact that international education can have on the lives of our young people.
This mobility not only met but exceeded our expectations, leaving an unforgettable mark on our hearts and minds. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this experience and look forward to future mobilities that continue to open doors and foster intercultural understanding.
María Victoria Chica Torres.