Lisbon / Portugal
5-9 May, 2025
On the first day, the schedule begins at 09:00 with a warm welcome meeting that brings together Erasmus+ partner schools' students and teachers, creating an inspiring environment of collaboration and intercultural exchange. Shortly after this uplifting introduction, participants dive into two engaging ice-breaking sessions—one from 09:30 to 10:30 and another between 11:00 and 12:00—that encourage everyone to share their stories and build meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds. A refreshing coffee break from 10:30 to 11:00 provides the perfect opportunity to mingle further and recharge before the next phase of the day. As the morning unfolds, lunch is served near the school at 12:15, offering a delightful pause for both nourishment and reflection upon the new bonds being formed. At 13:10, Maria Barbosa leads a guided tour through the historic old neighborhoods, revealing the captivating layers of local heritage through insightful narrative and vivid storytelling. The day culminates at 14:00 with a cultural visit to Castelo de S. Jorge, an experience that not only immerses participants in the beauty and history of Lisbon but also highlights the iconic districts of Alfama, Baixa, and Rossio, leaving a lasting impression of the city’s rich legacy and spirit.
The second day unfolded with a dynamic, interactive workshop called “I Want to Ride My Bicycle,” which ran from 09:30 to 12:15 under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Joana Terra da Motta from IADE University. This session was not only engaging but also deeply insightful, as it centered on sustainable transportation practices, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the benefits of avoiding motorized vehicles. Students from a diverse range of countries enriched the discussion by sharing detailed accounts of their local transportation systems and bike lane infrastructures, thereby creating an invigorating cross-cultural dialogue on innovative, eco-friendly mobility. The afternoon marked a creative shift with the “Create Your Own Tile” workshop led by Teacher Ana Leal from 14:30 to 16:00. In this session, students collaborated in groups to transform readily available ceramic pieces into canvases of environmental expression using vibrant paints. Their task was to craft artwork that encapsulated the themes of environmental preservation, which not only spurred enriching conversations about ecological responsibility but also fostered meaningful interaction and teamwork among the participants.
On the third day, Due to an unforeseen bus strike in Lisbon, the anticipated visit had to be cancelled. Undeterred by this change, the participants pivoted creatively and constructively. Instead of journeying to Cascais, they devoted their time to producing short, informative, and entertaining videos centered on environmental protection within the school’s vicinity. These videos not only showcased innovative ideas about sustainability and environmental responsibility but also provided an excellent opportunity for students to share insights from their own communities regarding local transport systems and green initiatives. In an engaging twist, the completed videos were later presented in the classroom, sparking dynamic discussions and deepening the collective understanding of environmental issues, thereby transforming an unexpected challenge into a valuable educational experience.
Day four is dedicated to honing communication skills with a workshop on “Hands-on Communication” led by Dr. Carmo Leal from Europeia University, running from 10:00 to 12:30. This focused session is followed by a lunch break at 12:45 near the school, which then sets the stage for the Certificate of Attendance Ceremony held between 14:00 and 14:30, marking a moment of recognition and celebration for all participants.
Finally, on the fifth day the focus shifts to urban mobility as the session with MUBi – Associação pela Mobilidade Urbana em Bicicleta commences at 10:00 and continues until 12:00. During this period, interactive activities and discussions with the students take place, culminating in a final group discussion that encapsulates the key insights of the event. The day, and the week’s program as a whole, concludes with a free lunch and a leisurely free afternoon starting at 12:15, giving everyone time to reflect on the rich experiences and dynamic engagements of the past days.
