“Foreign Guests at Our School”
Catholic High School in Zabrze
The Catholic High School in Zabrze had the pleasure of hosting teachers from Turkey and Spain as part of the Erasmus+ project “The Interdisciplinary Encounter Of Art And Science In The Digital Age”. International cooperation, exchange of experiences and discovering cultural diversity are very important elements of this project.
To share a glimpse of the first impressions after the arrival of our guests, we talked to the project coordinators, Magdalena and Dominika. Interview with the Project Coordinators:
What did you feel before the guests arrived?
Before the arrival of our guests, we felt a lot of excitement and satisfaction, but also a little bit of nervousness. We wanted everything to go exactly as we had planned. However, positive energy and enthusiasm definitely dominated our emotions.
Is it difficult to prepare such a project?
Yes and no. On the one hand, organizing such a project involves a lot of documentation and formal requirements. On the other hand, it also requires creativity – planning activities, organizing time at school and preparing visits outside the school so that our guests can discover the cultural heritage of our region. We wanted the activities and attractions to match our guests’ interests as much as possible.
What were the biggest challenges while organizing the visit?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge was coordinating everything in terms of time. We had to carefully plan the schedule so that all the school activities, workshops and meetings could fit into the school timetable. At the same time, we needed to organize visits outside the school, book tickets for sightseeing and make sure that everything worked smoothly. Another challenge was preparing a program that would be both educational and enjoyable for our guests. We wanted them not only to learn something new, but also to experience our culture and feel welcomed at our school.
What do students and teachers gain from participating in international projects such as Erasmus+?
Both teachers and students gain many valuable experiences from participating in international projects like Erasmus+. First of all, they have the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with people from other countries. They can see how schools function in partner countries and learn about different teaching methods and educational systems. Students also have a chance to take part in classes led by teachers from other countries, which is a very inspiring experience. Such projects help them improve their English language skills, become more confident in international communication and open their minds to new perspectives. At the same time, these meetings allow everyone to learn about different cultures, traditions and ways of thinking. All of this helps to build a stronger sense of European community and mutual understanding.
What do you think your guests will remember most from their visit to your school?
I believe our guests will remember the openness and kindness of our students the most. They were very willing to cooperate during the activities, share their ideas and communicate with the visitors. The atmosphere during the workshops and meetings was very friendly and positive. I think our guests will also remember the opportunity to exchange experiences and work together in an international environment. Most importantly, they spent a pleasant and inspiring time together at our school, creating memories that will hopefully stay with them for a long time.
Which part of the program are you most proud of?
I think we are most proud of the chemistry activities. They allowed us to combine art and science in a very unique way. Through chemistry experiments, students and teachers were able to create artistic works, and the final effect was a series of beautiful art pieces inspired by science. This approach was both highly educational and incredibly engaging, showing that learning can be creative, fun, and inspiring from many perspectives.
How did your students react to meeting teachers from other countries?
Our students are always encouraged to be open-minded and curious about the world, and we felt that they really rose to the occasion. They approached the international teachers with enthusiasm and curiosity. Despite cultural and religious differences, they showed that no barrier is too big to overcome, and that every person is equal. It was wonderful to see such openness and willingness to connect with others.
Do you think experiences like this can influence students’ future plans or ambitions?
Absolutely. Experiences like this can significantly shape students’ ambitions and perspectives. They foster a sense of European openness, encourage collaboration, and help students understand the value of intercultural communication. It can also inspire them to pursue international opportunities in their future education or careers, while building confidence to work in diverse environments.
What did you personally learn from the teachers who visited your school?
We learned so much about how partner schools operate, how they engage with students, and the teaching methods and tools they use. Observing different approaches and exchanging ideas was a very valuable experience for us, and it gave us new inspiration for our own teaching practices.
Why is international cooperation between schools so important nowadays?
International cooperation is very important because it allows us to exchange experiences, work together across borders, and feel part of a wider European community. Programs like Erasmus+ give everyone the opportunity to learn from each other, share knowledge, and grow professionally and personally. These experiences are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
What advice would you give to a school that is just starting international cooperation?
I would give a few pieces of advice. First, don’t be afraid – there are always people who want to help, listen, and support you. Second, start small and measure your ambitions. Don’t try to organize a huge project right away; begin with something manageable to understand how it works. I also recommend joining Facebook groups and online communities related to international projects, because people there are very willing to share advice and answer questions. Finally, don’t judge Erasmus projects if you haven’t participated in one yourself. There can be challenges, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. The most important thing is to try and be open to the experience.
We sincerely thank our coordinators for sharing their experiences with us. We are already looking forward to the next exciting mobility in Spain, where a new chapter of learning, creativity, and cultural exchange awaits. Such projects not only broaden our knowledge but also strengthen the bonds between students and teachers across Europe, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
