ERASMUS + PROJECT

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

2016

AUSTRIA * GERMANY * GREECE

ITALY * ROMANIA* SPAIN * SWEDEN

ANNUAL MAGAZINE JULY 2015 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: EDITORIAL... :: I AM SURE YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR LAST PROJECT MAGAZINE …

CREDITS

NMS Pregarten – Pregarten – Austria Robert Gstöttenbauer (project coordinator) Karin Raffeiner (project coordinator) Nicole (student) Gina (student) Saskia (student) Konstantin (student) Simon (student) Daniela (student) Ramona (student)

August-Renner – Realschule – Rastatt – Germany Gisela Mihajlovic (project coordinator) Diana Kraft (student) Lea Kramer (student) Daniel (student) Dinusha (student) Anna Walheim (student) Bericht von Lea (student)

3o Geniko Lykeio Larissas – Larissa – Greece Argyro Arnavitou (project coordinator) Georgia Makri (student) Giannis Giannoutsos (student) Kout Saftikis iannoutsos (student) Panagiotis Kout Saftikis (student)

IIS P. Levi – Badia Polesine – Italy Emanuela Trevisani (project coordinator) Dear reader Giulia Colognesi (student) Tacchini Alice (student) Asia Gasparetto (student) Another year of successful project has passed and I am sure you are Anna Roncagalli (student)

looking forward to our last project magazine. A lot of work has been done Scoala Gimnaziala nr. 1 – Independenta – Romania Mihaela Mihailescu (project coordinator) as you can see on our website. We have been working on many aspects of Adrian Mihăilescu (teacher) housing in the present and we also have finished our model of living Simona Filer (teacher) Daniel Mihalache (teacher) together in a neighbourhood which meets the demands of all inhabitants. Dana Georgiana Ghenea (student) Bianca Matei (student) Alina Stroia (student) Virgil Stan (student) To organize our work we had meetings in our partner countries to discuss IESO Quercus –Terradillos – Salamanca – Spain and implement our ideas. Domingo González (project coordinator) Myriam E. Fuentes (teacher) Rubén Rivas (student) On the following pages you will read articles written by the students about Houda Rhoualmi (student) impressions of our meetings. They also wrote about all kinds of topics that Isabel Romero (student) Laura García Martín (student) might be interesting for all the partners. Some are in their native language Andrea Baíllo García (student) Marco Sánchez Sánchez (student) others are in English, our working language. Ignacio Martín Barbero (student) Lorena Calamita Martínez (student) Noelia Sánchez González (student) Enjoy reading the contributions of our partner schools. Rubén Santamaría Muñoz (student)

Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna – Sweden Laima Hamberg (project coordinator) Monica Häggström (project coordinator) Johan Källgren (teacher) Håkan Amnebjer (teacher) Suhaam Kassim (student) Isak Rydström Svärd (student) Valiria Faris (student) Gisela Mihajlovic Reham Faro (student) Project Coordinator Mohammed (student) August-Renner-Realschule Benjamin (student) Felix (student) Rastatt - Germany Isak (student) Ali, (student) Fathi (student) Alex (student) Ilhan (student) Nawaf (student) Samir (student) Ismail (student) Rami (student) William L. (student)

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 2 JULY 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SPAIN... :: THE WAY HOUSING INFLUENCES OUR LIVES IN A COMMON EUROPE…

We are secondary schools from all over students, teachers and families in this Europe: Sweden, Austria, Greece, Spain, topic. The same survey has been made Romania, Italy and Germany with at the end of the project to contrast the different educational profiles: students results in order to evaluate the impact of with special needs, integration school, the project on the participants. general secondary education…but which face similar educational problems. Each year ‘an energy saving week’ has Interacting with people from different been organized at our schools with types of school, the students have lessons, workshops, exhibitions and researched the similarities and debates to focus personal and social differences in the solutions of the attention on this important issue. environmental and social problems in their own houses and neighbourhood. During the meeting in Salamanca, Spain, a visit to a hydroelectric power station We also have intended to motivate our and a windmill farm was held, and we students to know value and preserve the have also taken advantage of the national heritage in each country. resources on the Internet to get This is the reason why we have explored information about the energy: its origin, how people lived in the past. Each school importance, transportation and has made an exhibition with model commercialization. houses providing background information about important buildings and houses in Aware of the importance of social the region. sustainable development for people living together, we have promoted a common The way people live has always been vision of coexistence in a community of important for their lives. people with different needs and cultural By visiting typical houses in our backgrounds. This considering, we have neighbourhoods we have learnt more built a model of neighbourhood. This about the materials our ancestors used to Utopia, called Europia, will be the start of build their houses. discussions for further cooperation between the schools and their local On the other hand, we have also communities, and the results will be This project aimed to involve teachers reflected on the importance of this issue made accessible to the other partner andT students from seven European in the present, focusing the attention on schools and to a wider public through our schools, making them aware of how living different aspects of housing in the current website and annual project magazine. conditions influence people in their European society. This includes the personal and social lives. By comparing following aspects: calculation cost of Doing this, we have intended to address their own way of living with that of their houses, communal regulations, energy the value of multiculturalism and educate partners’, they will get insights of how saving, sustainability of materials, to benefit from cultural differences people live in other countries and how infrastructure, public transport, provisions housing defines their social environment. for people with special needs and old In addition to this, implementing this people, living together different Erasmus+ project, the involved schools They have also realized the cultural and generations, preservation of old buildings have tried to promote basic skills in the environmental diversity among the to keep our cultural identities. students in order to facilitate their self- European nations; moreover, they have employment, entrepreneurship and their learnt how different customs, climates Interviews have been made by the future work life. and natural resources have shaped the students to experts in communities and way people live and their home banks, house owners, architects and The contents and objectives of the architecture. builders. The results have been uploaded project have been integrated in the Students have learnt the importance of to an online platform and collected in two curricular and extracurricular school the ecological issues, and how and why brochures to be published. All the activities in order to get the best impact these affect the way people build their gathered information has been presented on the participating schools. houses and use natural resources at by each school in the meeting projects, home and in their neighbourhood. which will offer an overview of the work done by the students promoting the Domingo González Our main objective has been to learn comparisons and discussions. Spanish Project Coordinator from each other, to understand and IESO Quercus tolerate different ways of living together A survey about a wide range of Terradillos – Salamanca, Spain and to promote new ideas of innovative environmental issues has been made at and sustainable forms of social and the beginning of the project in each environmental development. school to check the behaviour of our

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 3 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: AUSTRIA ... :: STATEMENTS OF OUR STUDENTS ABOUT THE MEETING IN SWEDEN …

Nicole: other hosts. I think it was a really good experience, The host family was very friendly and I I think the highlight was bowling with because you could learn about the enjoyed the time with them. Saskia, Reham (my host), Nour (Saskia's country and how people live there. And I In my opinion the day in Stockholm was host), Suham (host of Houda) and Houda found out that not everybody in Sweden the highlight, because we were able to go (my spainish girl). I had a great time with has got blond hair and blue eyes. There around without teachers. them. are also many immigrants. I think the day of the presentation of the The last day was very hard for us, houses was also very nice because we because we spent a great time with the Konstantin: heard many things about the life in other hosts and I will never forget the time in The host family was very nice, because countries e.g Spain, Greece,... Sweden. I miss them all so much. the mother cooked the best and most The family day was also a highlight for nutritious food that I have ever eaten in me, because in the morning we went Saskia: an another country. The students in the shopping and in the afternoon we were My host family was really nice and they school were always nice and friendly. It bowling, although I lost it was fun. really took care of me. I think school in was my first flight and I liked it very much. Saying goodbye was very hard for us Sweden is really cool, because of the In my opinion it was the greatest journey because we spent a very nice time in ipads and because they are allowed to that I have ever made at school time and Sweden and we learnt a lot. call the teachers by their first name. it was a great experience and a perfect The highlight for me was the visit to possibility to improve my English. Gina: Stockholm. I think it is a beautiful city. It It was my first fly to Sweden and I loved was exciting to see the royal palace, but I Nicole, Gina, Saskia, Konstantin it. My host family was great and I think that the ,,soldiers" were a bit scary. Students enjoyed the time with them, also with the To sum up: NMS Pregarten – Pregarten – Austria

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 4 AUGUST 2016

BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: GREECE... :: STUDENTS’ COMMENTS AND IMPRESSIONS…

MMy name is Georgia Makri and I'm from Greece. I took part in the Erasmus Plus program and I had the chance to visit Sweden! My personal opinion is that this program is really great because it gives the chance to children to visit foreign countries and learn a lot of things about the educational system and the cultures of the other civilizations. Also, this is the right age for children to visit other countries because the can study new things and also have a great time while doing this.

I was lucky to have Valiria as my host because despite our age difference we hard. Finally I really enjoyed the fact that again but I am hoping that they will visit have a lot of things in common and we the kids can have a free lunch at school. Greece in the summer when it is really could easily understand each other. My nice here. I wished that we could stay host family was really nice and I enjoined Despite the differences in our educational more days there because by the time that living with them. Generally, all the people system, we have a lot of things in I made most of my friends we had to go from Sweden and the other countries common about our way of life. back to Greece. were really friendly and we had a lot of While I was in Sweden we had a lot of fun. I'm definitely gonna miss them a lot. activities with Valiria's friends. I liked the I think that this program gives children a youth center where we went at the first unique chance to travel around the world First of all, I have to talk about the school day and also another youth center that it's and make new friends and also teach and the educational system which is called “Palatzet” . The disco party was them important things. absolutely different in Greece. Our school really fun and I enjoyed that every single is smaller and even though it is built one of the kids was dancing. Thank you for the opportunity!! earlier than this in Sweden it looks older. But the greatest difference is in our On sunday I went to the swimming pool educational system. with Valiria Sallah Hassan and the Georgia Makri In Greece things are more strict and Greeks Giannis and Panagiotis which Student tough. Children in my age have to go to was amazing. 3o Geniko Lykeio Larissas school from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m and have 7 Larissa – Greece different lessons per day. Also the most The activities that we had in school were important is that the education that our very nice and I liked that the groups were school grants is not efficient so most of mixed so that we could meet children the kids have to take extra lessons which from the other countries! I absolutely they have to pay for. loved Stockholm but I think that we should have stayed there more. The only Moreover we are getting more stressed fact that I would like to add is that I was about school and our final exams so we hoping that we could spent more time in can get to the university. In Sweden I saw the classrooms as a part of the students a lot of different things. The children so that we could know how the lessons made me think that they are happy for are. going to school and they have a nice time there. The teachers looked like their In conclusion I loved this trip in Sweden friends and they could hang out with them because I made a lot of friends. It makes at school and the lessons didn’t look so me sad that maybe I will never see them

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 5 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

"Hi my name is Giannis Giannoutsos and ours. Students loved it... the different My name is Panagiotis Koutsaftikis and I I am 17 years old. I am participating on classes, the dining room and the place am from Greece. the Erasmus + project as a Greek where kids gathered on the breaks. student. Recently we went to a trip to I will never forget the trip to Sweden Eskilstuna, a city located in Sweden. In comparison our school is impersonal because I think it was a one life time I was told to write an evaluation of the focused on the studies, hard and strict, experience. I made a lot of friends such trip. Here it is... but we are used to it and we love it too... as Dunya, Santa, Saalah, Haasan, Asel, somehow (!) Valiria and of course the girls from Italy First of all the whole procedure to arrive (Chiara and Linda!!). I miss them all. to Eskilstuna was a great adventure! (Had As for almost every city on EU you can fun searching around information booths recognize the cleanness and the I had the honor to have Asel as my host. and catching different trains and busses respected public places. I was amazed of He and his family were very kind with me in time). One of our friends was traveling the big and squared road system, the and treated me like a member of their by plane for the first time. We also had absence of traffic lights and the way car family. the chance to see a little part of Istanbul drivers stopped every time someone tried during a flight change. Arriving to to pass the road. Furthermore there was In general their life was not to different Eskilstuna we found our new friends Wi-Fi everywhere!!! from ours except from the fact that they (hosts) and separated from our teachers. have to go to sleep at 22.00 am. Final thoughts. It is really nice to travel Talking about the hosts and all the friends abroad. With this program we did not only I love the school and especially the we met... they were awesome people and had the chance to do it but to connect cafeteria. quickly formed connections! Despite the and meet other students like us. Live with Last but not least I wish we had more cold temperatures Swedish people had them, play with them, work with them and time to see Stockholm rather than spend warmth in their hearts. With our hosts and share our thoughts and ideas. We had an most of time in Skaansen. our new friends we attended many awesome time away from our routines activities inside and outside of school like that we will keep it alive to our hearts. I In conclusion it was my best holiday ever. going to the swimming pool, playing would like to thank all the teachers Now Sweden is my second country!!! bowling and an unforgettable visit to involved on the project, all of our foreign Stockholm. friends and Skiftingehus for creating these unforgettable memories !! :)" On the second day one of the activities was to guide around Skiftigehus, the Giannis Giannoutsos - Student Panagiotis Kout Saftikis - Student school of our hosts. It was like a huge 3o Geniko Lykeio Larissas 3o Geniko Lykeio Larissas playground, a whole lot different than Larissa – Greece Larissa – Greece

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

6 AUGUST 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: ROMANIA... :: THE MEETING IN ROMANIA – TEACHERS’ IMPRESSIONS…

I am so glad that by the activities carried I was touched by the solidarity of all out together with my colleagues, we involved in such an exciting event. The managed to give our guests a picture of parents, my fellow teachers, the students, what Romania really is. And I'm not we have all succeeded in making such a referring only to customs and traditions wonderful connection that worked but also to the Romanian educational throughout the visit. I strongly believe that system in particular. these connections, made under the circumstances, will last in time. All our I am proud that I was part of a rigorous students have been very happy to have and effective coordinated team, which met students from other countries. gave me the chance to interact, to TThe project Bricks made in Europe was transmit and learn. They have also realized how important is for me an unforgettable experience, a real to learn a foreign language: some have final showdown with special finish! I’m I was pleasantly surprised by the gained confidence in what they can do, pleased that all colleagues have mobilization, without which the visit of others have made promises for their mobilized and together, we have foreign partners in Romania would not future. Furthermore, some of my achieved varied and interesting activities. have been very successful: teachers, colleagues have become aware of how The representatives of countries students, parents, local authorities, frustrating is when you want to participating in this project impressed me school inspectors and others involved. communicate to other teachers from other by the naturalness of their passion for countries and you cannot do it. One thing their work, their cheerful spirit and their In other words, I felt as a part of a is for sure that they have become more communicative skills. The students have genuine system in which each knew their interested in learning English and more worked very well, proof is their work. I role, depended on each other and worked involved in the project's activities have learned that teamwork is relaxing together to achieve the intended purpose. and efficient. Mihaela Mihăilescu, Project Coordinator Școala gimnazială nr. 1, Daniel Mihalache, teacher Independența, Romania Simona Filer, teacher

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 7 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: ITALY... :: FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE IN ROMANIA!…

school, like painting lessons, sport We experienced a different location in the competition, so we understood how their small village, and our habits had to be lessons are different from ours and modified but, on the whole, the hospitality sometimes even more difficult. We also of the family was so welcoming that we made some outdoor activities like tours enjoyed this experience very much and trips; we visited a lot of places such because it has taught us a lot. as the capital Bucharest, the city of Galati, their monuments, universities, buildings, museums of typical houses.

rd On 3 day, we first went to school and all the children welcome us waving the flags Giulia Colognesi, Tacchini Alice. LastL October we took part to the of all the countries. Then they presented Italian students ERASMUS+ project, Brickstones made in a small but amazing show: the Romanian Istituto di Istruzione Superiore th th Europe, in Romania, from 17 to 23 ; students sang and danced all the most P. Levi there are six countries involved in this representative traditional songs and Badia Polesine - Italy project: Germany, Sweden, Greece, dances. After that, they showed us the Spain, Austria and Italy. school classrooms and labs that were colourful and that made us happy. We went there with our teachers Trevisani and Trivellato to pitch in to the Some families hosted us; they had project based on the study of the houses different habits from ours but they were in the past and in the present in every very kind and polite with us and we took country. In addition we celebrated the to them and we still have good memories energy week. To do this we created a of them. We shared the experience with poster and a PowerPoint presentation two German girls who, too, were hosted th about the renewable energies and the 4 in our families and so we could speak class made a video about the ways to either English or German and we save energy easily improved our linguistic skills. We met all the foreign partners and in During that week, the school organized this way we had the possibility to make a lot of different activities, some in the many friends.

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 8 AUGUST 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: GERMANY... :: GERMAN STUDENTS’ COMMENTS…

In Sri Lanka it is hot all year round. Sometimes it rains, but not too often. I go nearly every day to the beach with my friends or with my family.

I love the milkshakes they sell at the beach especially the strawberry and chocolate milkshake. At the weekend, I often go to my grandma. My grandpa has passed away. There are so many waterfalls in Sri Lanka. People come there to swim and have a picnic there.

G There is also a zoo nearby and in our Globalisation country elephants are very important At the moment we are talking about the especially for the Hindus. There is a big negative sides of globalization at school. I population of Hindus but there are also think this is a very interesting subject Christians living in Sri Lanka. which opens our eyes for the needs of others. We Europeans should be aware Many tourists who come to Sri Lanka buy that we are responsible for people in spices and other goods. There are a lot of other countries. shopping malls in the cities which sell saris and other traditional dresses. In Sri We buy what we like. Often we do not Lanka people often wear traditional pay attention to what we buy. Most of our clothes. clothes come from poorer countries. Hi, my name is Daniel. I am from For example: India, Bangladesch, Germany. The taxis in our country are called “auto” Kazakhstan and many other countries. and are three-wheeled vehicles. Many The main part of my work for the project, kids go to school by bus. Buses are also When we buy our clothes we do not was to film and cut movies for the used by people who want to travel from remember where the T-Shirts or Jeans Erasmus+ homepage. one village to another. comes from. The moment we buy something we do not think that perhaps During this time I learned a lot from my There are private schools and state children had to produce clothes working class teacher who gave me the schools. I went to an international English more than 8 hours a day in bad equipment and the knowledge to film and school and learned English there. But I conditions with a very low pay. to cut the movies like a professional can also speak Tamil , but I can’t write or cutter or moviemaker. read the language. In countries like India that is the case. The children there have to live under The work was not fun all the time, We now live in Rastatt and I go to school conditions we can’t imagine in European nevertheless I can say that it was great to there. I like all my friends that I made here in Germany. I like Jule most countries. Mostly they can’t go to school be the cameraman. I learned a lot of cool because she is always there for me. I because they have to work and give the stuff within one year. I am a part of this money to their families. project BRICKS and I am glad that my miss my grandma and my cousins. But I class teacher had chosen me for the job still can talk to them on skype and I think we should be happy to live in a as a cameraman for the Erasmus + Facebook. But at this very moment all I country like Germany or in any other project in Germany. can say is that I love staying with my European country. friends.

Lea Kramer, form 9a Daniel, Cameraman and Cutter Dinusha (13 years) who comes from Sri Lanka and now lives in Rastatt

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 9 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SPAIN... :: STUDENTS’ COMMENTS ABOUT THE MEETING IN ROMANIA…

chose the song ‘Dancing’ by Enrique where the Romanian families were Iglesias. I enjoyed a lot. During the week waiting for us. Claudiu, the Romanian tried typical Romanian food which is student who hosted me was younger than rather different from the Spanish food. me but I got along with him very well. In the evenings we spent the whole time Claudius’ parents were Italian and we talking and getting to know each other communicated with a mixture of English- more. One afternoon Alex prepared a Italian-Spanish. My Romanian family was party and invited everybody. On Saturday very nice and friendly. They lived in a we stayed with the host family because it very large, typical rural house. They liked was ‘The family day’, and we went to eat what they grew by themselves, all shopping to buy presents and spend the natural and organic. time together. TTo stay in Romania for a week was an On Monday 19th October we went to the amazing experience that I would like to It was very sad to say goodbye; we all Romanian school. The Romanian repeat, because it was unforgettable. I cried and we didn’t want to leave students had prepared a very beautiful met many people from other countries Romania. This experience has been musical performance to welcome all the and I have known other cultures and wonderful. I have learned many things participants in the meeting project. In the other kind of food. We arrived on October and met friendly people. Our host families evening we had some workshops: pottery 17, at about five in the afternoon, and we were very nice; I hope to repeat this painting and sports. Late in the evening were at the airport waiting for the again. we had a party; we were listening to students and teachers from Austria, music and knowing each other a little Greece, Italy, Sweden and Germany to Andrea Baíllo García 3º ESO better. arrive. When they all arrived we took the bus that was waiting for us, and because On 20th morning, we presented the works it was a little late we went to the hotel. At we had done at IESO QUERCUS school the hotel we were assigned a room in about recycling and the different types of pairs. I was placed with Cristina; we went energies. We stuck our posters on a to our room and left our baggage; then panel and we could see the conclusions we went out for dinner. We had dinner at that each country had reached. Then I a KFC and then we came back to the went to chemistry class, where Romanian hotel to sleep, but we, the Spanish team, students made several experiments. The were so excited that we nearly did not class was very interesting, because I had sleep, so the next day we were dead tired never seen such chemical reactions. but happy. On Wednesday 21st we made a trip. We The next morning, after breakfast, we visited a local open air museum of rural went out to visit Bucharest. We visited the architecture and after that typical houses most important monuments and learned in Galati. many things. Late in the evening we On 17th October, with Andrea, Cristina, travelled to Independenta to meet our Jorge and our teachers Myriam and Thursday was a family day that we spent host families. Adelina was my host and Domingo, I left Salamanca to flight to with our host families. We visited a when I arrived in Independenta she Bucharest and from there to shopping mall, where I bought some introduced me her family and Lisa, an Independenta. Some Romanian teachers souvenirs to my parents. Late in the Austrian girl who would stay at the same were waiting for us at the airport to spend evening we said goodbye to everyone house that me. a day visiting the capital of the country; it and it was sad because we had made was late in the evening, and because we new friends. During the week we attended school were tired after a long trip from almost every morning. In Independenta I Salamanca, we went to bed after dinner Now I realize that these meetings are felt very loved and protected. Alina and as soon as possible. very good to promote friendship between the other Romanian students were European students and also to know always paying attention to us. The school The next day, all the students and other ways of life and culture. I liked the was beautiful and very well decorated. teachers visited some museums and experience. I was hosted by a great We attended some lessons, workshops traditional old Romanian houses; family and I met a lot of friendly people. and prepared the exhibition about houses they called my attention because they in the past and the posters about the were totally different from the ones we I am writing this report some weeks after different kind of energies. The sport’s day can see in Salamanca. The houses were the meeting in Independenta, and I still was fantastic made of wood and thatch. We also visited keep in touch with many people I met the historical centre of Bucharest where I there. I hope to repeat soon this I loved the welcoming ceremony with noticed that there were very modern Erasmus+ experience. songs and dances from all the countries areas and also old areas well preserved. taking part in the meeting. For Spain they In the evening we left to Independenta Marco Sánchez Sánchez 3º ESO

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 10

BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SWEDEN... :: A VISIT TO THE CITY PLANNING OFFICE…

The main part of the arena’s roof is made up by this plant but there are also solar panels in order to use as much sun energy as possible.

Gold classification is the highest and best a building can achieve. Benny Larsson told us proudly that “Eskilstuna Arena” and “Munktellbadet” are two of the few environmental buildings in Sweden that have got classification gold.

It was very fun and informative to visit the TThe 10th of December 2015 a group of city planning office and it's noticeable that students from the 8th grade went to the it requires a lot of planning and a lot of This is the new university campus in city planning office to meet Benny work to do the job well and at the same Eskilstuna. It will be situated where the Larsson. time have an environmental aspect to it. old arena and baths are today. Benny Larsson is the construction manager for some newly built buildings in Eskilstuna, “the Eskilstuna Arena”, the new baths, “Munktellbadet” and the new university campus, which is a part of Mälardalen’s University. Once we got there we had to wait because we were a little bit early.

When we came in we went to a conference room and Benny started to talk about the buildings and then we could ask our questions about the environmental thinking. He told us about the similarities and differences between This is Eskilstuna Arena and it will be a This is the new baths, “Munktellbadet”, the buildings. multi-purpose arena, for both sport which lies next to the Arena. The new events, concerts and other big events. It baths will have a pool which is 50x25 We talked about “Eskilstuna Arena”, is situated in the center of Eskilstuna, in meter. “Munktellbadet” and the new campus. We an area called “Munktellstaden”. had written down some questions that we asked Benny Larsson about the arena The Arena will be 16000 square meters Benjamin, Felix and Isak, year 8, and the campus. big and there will be 3820 seats in the big Students

hall Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna - Sweden Most of the questions we asked were about the environmental thinking. According to Benny Larsson, the arena should survive undamaged for about 50 to 100 years so it was natural to build it as environmental friendly and cheap as possible.

The arena is now classified as a gold environmental building. This means that both the construction and building process meets 16 different environmental requirements.

One example is the green roof. This means that the roof consists of a plant, called “Sedum”. Sedum is very environmental friendly and sucks up water and contaminated air. The plant

“cleans” the water and makes it drinkable.

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 11 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: AUSTRIA... :: STUDENTS’ REPORT ABOUT THE MEETING IN ROMANIA…

wir noch zum KFC essen. Am Freitag Am Abend sind wir mit dem Bus mussten wir uns von den anderen geschlagene dreieinhalb Stunden nach Schülern und von Rumänien Galati, der Heimat unserer Gastfamilien, verabschieden. gefahren. Am Montag wurden wir in der Schule sehr nett begrüßt und es haben . Simon Schmutzhard (4c Klasse) sich alle Schüler vorgestellt. Am Dienstag haben wir Workshops gemacht und dann später typisch rumänisches Essen gegessen. In einer großen Halle wurden dann die Filme vorgestellt, welche jede Schule zum MMein Host war Dragos, ein rumänischer Thema Umweltschutz gemacht hat. Den Schuler, der letztes Jahr bei mir war. Rest des Tages hatten wir dann frei. Nach der Reise nach Rumänien waren wir in der Stadt Galati angekommen. Am Mittwoch stand ein Besuch des‚ Dragos holte mich und den Schweden Village Museums‘ am Programm und Mathias am Sonntag von Galati ab und anschließend erfolgte eine Führung wir sind zu seinem Haus in Indepedenta durch die ‚ Stadt‘ Galati. – Freizeit. gefahren. Dort habe ich seine Familie Am Donnerstag fand dann der Family das erste Mal gesehen. Die Hauptstraße Day statt, an dem meine Gastfamilie mit war sehr schlecht doch wir fuhren sehr Silia und mir beim Mc Donalds war, schnell, die Nebenstraßen waren aus anschließend sind wir in ein Erde und es rannten sehr viele Streuner Einkaufszentrum gefahren. Dort trafen herum. Aber als wir zu ihrem Haus sich dann letztendlich alle Familien mit gekommen sind, war ich erstaunt, weil es ihren Austauschkindern, von denen wir sehr groß und schön war. Aber an diesen uns auch gleich verabschieden konnten. Tag waren wir schon sehr müde und sind Am Freitag sind wir nach einer fast gleich nach der Ankunft schlafen vierstündigen Busfahrt wieder am gegangen. Am Montag habe ich das Flughafen von Bukarest angekommen erste Mal die Schule in Independenta und Richtung Heimat abgereist. gesehen und es waren zwei Gebäude. Bericht über Rumänien 17.10- Wir waren um 9 Uhr dort, aber normal 23.10.2015: Insgesamt hat mir dieses Projekt wirklich fängt für meinen Host die Schule erst um gut gefallen und bin froh, dass ich nach 12:00 an. In einer Klasse gab es dann Ich war bei Patrasc Andreea, eine Rumänien geflogen bin! eine „Welcome Ceremonie“ Wir mussten rumänische Schülerin, die letztes Jahr uns vorstellen und die Schüler von auch eine Woche bei mir war. Die Woche Daniela Dolzer (4d Klasse) Indepedenta haben sich wirklich viel war sehr interessant und auf jeden Fall Mühe gemacht. Und die Disco war sehr eine gute Erfahrung fürs Leben! lustig und eine super Idee. Nächsten Tag Es ist unvorstellbar, dass man nach nur hatten wir in der Schule einen zwei Flugstunden in einer vollkommen Recyclingworkshop und dieser war auch anderen Welt ist. Die Leute haben kein nicht schlecht aber wenigstens konnte Trinkwasser aus der Leitung, die Straßen man seiner Kreativität freien Lauf lassen. haben zahlreiche Schlaglöcher und die Das Essen im Communtity Center war meisten Einwohner waren aus immer sehr gut und es gab viel Auswahl finanziellen Gründen noch nie im am Buffet. Wir schaute uns auch die Ausland. „How to save our environment“ Filme an. Am Mittwoch schauten wir uns die Stadt Bei meiner Gastfamilie war das Haus so Galati an und besuchten ein Museum aufgebaut, dass sich die Küche und eine Kirche. Der Family Day war der außerhalb des Hauses befand und man beste Tag, wir fuhren zu einen riesen zum Frühstücken quer durch den Garten

Einkaufcenter. Dort gab es alle laufen musste, um dorthin zu gelangen. verschiedenen Geschäfte und es war Ich war nicht die einzige Simon, Daniela alles sehr modern. Wir trafen fast alle Austauschschülerin, die bei dieser Students Gastfamilien dort an und gingen Familie wohnte, sondern Silia, eine Griechin, teilte sich mit mir ein Zimmer. NMS Pregarten – Pregarten – Austria eislaufen in einer Eisbahn im Center. Nachher spielten wir auf der Xbox One Der erste Tag hat mir persönlich am besten gefallen, wir waren in Bukarest, Fifa15 und bekamen 4 Coins für die Spielehalle. Dort konnte man auch der Hauptstadt Rumäniens, und besichtigten diese innerhalb eines Tages. Bowling spielen und am Schluss gingen

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 12 JULY 2015 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: ITALY... :: ITALIAN EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY - RASTATT…

From 7th March to 13th March 2016 we stayed in Rastatt (Germany) for the Erasmus+ project. It was about the way houses influence our lives in a common Europe. The experience was great because we improved our English, we worked together to show the different aspects of housing in the past and today. After that we saw different habits, lifestyles from our country. Families were very kind with us and treated us like their sons or daughters: we felt at home with them. We met some European guys who spoke different languages. In addition, concerning to the project, on Wednesday 9th March we planned together our Europia, a place where all our European partners would feel at home, then we saw the Daimler-Benz factory. It was interesting to see how a car is built, all the robots putting parts together…

On Thursday 10th March we saw the World of Living exhibition of prefabricated houses: an opportunity to see how these houses are built and what they look like. We also took part in Coaching for future and this was useful to know the different kinds of jobs that we might do in our future life. On Tuesday 8th March, in the evening, we went to school with our partners and we created the atmosphere of a disco where all the students spent time together, ate something, spoke to each other and danced. This is a perfect way to broaden students’ cultural aims and have experiences with foreign teenagers.

In the last days we visited Strasbourg, where we spent time walking in the centre of the town, and Karlsruhe, where we saw the museum of communication. It was very interesting because technology and communication are things very close to us but also because the museum showed a different aspect, that is how they control us, how authorities use these means to put us under surveillance. We think Erasmus+ was a great experience to learn more about Germany, to see life in a different place, to meet students from different countries and especially to open our minds.

Italian students Istituto di Istruzione Superiore P. Levi Badia Polesine - Italy

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 13 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: ROMANIA... :: THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING, TRAINING, TEACHING, ACTIVITIES ON ERASMUS+ PROJECTS…

pupils to express themselves in English Everybody present concluded that the and practice what they learn in school partnership between the seven schools is during their English classes. It was also a great success, a true cultural and an opportunity to get involved in educational experience. collaborative activities such as organising an exposition about Housing in the present on the seven countries, which were meant to increase the students’ knowledge of the other participants in the Adrian Mihăilescu, project and their culture and promote Teacher understanding and tolerance. Școala gimnazială nr. 1, Independența, Romania BBetween 7th and 13th March 2016, 4 One of the nicest and most interesting students and 4 teachers at Secondary activities held at school was that in which School no.1, Independenta, Galaţi went students, teachers and parents from the to August Renner Real Schule, Rastatt, hosting school met in a large assembly Germany. This was the third visit of the and enjoyed together a dinner prepared Romanian students and teachers at by the parents. Secondary School no.1, Independenta Galaţi, part of a partnership between the Our visit to Germany also included a Tour seven schools which started last school of the town of Rastatt, one of the oldest year with a view to way of living in the towns in Germany, as well as a visit to past, present and the future, but also to Karlsruhe, which made a great encouraging communication, cooperation impression on us with its modern and collaboration between teenagers architectural style However, the most coming from different cultural interesting experience from our students’ backgrounds. perspective was the day we spent at a Living Museum, an animated story about The Romanian students lived with their living from the past to the future. They did German partners’ families for almost not miss the chance of experiencing one week, visited their school and unique moments. attended different classes or workshops. The final moment, a whole day spent by They also participated in other the students with the hosting families – educational activities held at school, all of Family day-, represented a moment of which relied on working in mixed groups; educational impact on both students and the language of communication was, adults. Opinions and impressions were obviously, English, an opportunity for our exchanged and wishes were made.

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 14 AUGUST 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: ROMANIA... :: . WE LOVED THE EXPERIENCE AND WE GOT A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES. …

whole family have stayed together talking and laughing about daily events.

Their school, August Renner Real Schule in Rastatt, is impressive and very different from ours. We liked the main hall, the music room and the Science Lab in this huge school.

Their education is very different from ours as well and we would like things to

change in Romania. The German W teachers seem to be very friendly and We had never thought we would go to a preparing students for life seems to be foreign country with four teachers and their main concern. other two school classmates. Going on a school exchange to the Germany, The most special days were those when Rastatt, in March, 2016, meant our first we visited the castle of Rastatt, the car airplane flight and our first trip to a foreign company Mercedes -Benz at Rastatt, the country. We were a little scared at first most important companies that produce but towards the end of the trip we were prefabricated houses at a village very impressed by the German people and closed to Rastatt, an exhibition at the their culture. Museum of Technology in Karlsruhe and the living ”museum”, a real world of The family that we lived with for six days wonders. We could also visit what I think was very nice to us. We had a great time is an amazing city – Strasbourg. Dana Georgiana Ghenea together. We noticed they are very and Bianca Matei, positive people. We loved the experience All in all, we had a lot of fun with our 7th grade students and we got a lot of beautiful memories. European friends, and parting was a Școala gimnazială nr. 1, However, what we liked most was the touching moment. I would love to repeat Independența, Romania evenings way to spent. Every evening, this experience!

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 15 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SWEDEN... :: HOW CAN WE BE MORE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUS?…

need to use the dishwasher and/or the

washing machine, they should be full.

Food

We could be better at buying more locally

produced and organic food. There is a

wide range of those products in the food

stores today and slowly the prices are

being reduced too. We eat too much

meat and here the suggestion to lower

the meat consumption is to have at least During the energy week two classes D one vegetarian day per week. interviewed family members about environmental issues. The aim was to About the issue of saving energy much

find out what the interviewees already do can be done. But one thing the to save energy and the environment. All interviewees say the do is pulling the plug the answers were summarized and from the mobile phone when it’s fully discussed. The students then wrote a text charged with suggestions on what could be done further. “We” in the following text refers What could more be done? to the interviewees.

Conclusion

The interviews show that – even if we do think about the environment and do many We use the car far too much and mostly good things in order to save it – much more could be done. The most important we are alone while driving the car. Here we could really do much better by either things are to use public transport more, What do we already do well? car sharing or by using public transport. stop wasting water and try to recycle To use the bike more is another more. Everyone who was interviewed said that suggestion. Eskilstuna is a bike-friendly they are good at separate garbage. A city with a lot of biking paths. majority of the families have plastic bags in different colors for different kind of One thing that was noteworthy in the garbage. Cans, glass – and plastic answers was the enormous waste of bottles are regularly brought to recycling water while taking a shower. Here is a stations. A majority of the interviewees challenge for us. Some suggestions are Monica Häggström claimed that they are also recycling old, to make the showering into a competition, Swedish Project Coordinator worn things for example, clothes and “Who is the fastest to have a shower?”, Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna - Sweden toys. Recently in Eskilstuna a new store shower less time, shower every second opened up, for recycling. Here people day, turn off the water while one puts can leave things they do not want or can’t shampoo on, try to shower a bit colder (in use any more and it could be both new order to save electricity). and second hand items. Most of the interviewees said that they think all the time about the environment and how to save energy but the answers show that there are more things we could do. For example could we use more low energy light bulbs, turn out the light when we are not in a room, turn off all electrical devices when we don’t use them. We don’t need to wash our clothes after we have used them one time – we could hang them outside instead. When we

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 16 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SPAIN... :: LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM: TRIPS ABROAD TO LEARN…

John Dewey said “Education is not preparationJ for life, education is life itself”. This makes me remind that there are many ways to learn. Teachers spend great efforts in developing new-fangled, attractive, and efficient Teaching- Learning strategies to their pupils.

According my view, the point is learning without realizing about it. This is the ideal situation. Nevertheless it is hard to get it, we need particular teaching environments. What can we do? Some educational experts believe that social break in the routine, and trips can also broader community participation; moving interaction should be the context of facilitate the students to know other point beyond stereotypical views and attitudes; learning. Indeed the school itself is this of views that otherwise they couldn´t. I promoting interest in global and kind of context. But they are talking about really love to travel, I found out how international issues; increasing something beyond the classrooms and wonderful travels were when I was in my proficiency in the use of another away from visiting museums. They are first year at university… you need to language. talking about travelling to learn. Exactly! check maps and make your mind about They are promoting school trips like the route; you meet people, mainly WHAT IS ABOUT THE OPTIONS? We have effective learning outside the classroom. different from you; many times, you have already said that this is a very expensive Of course, to learn in a real life situation to communicate in a different language; way of learning. So, it is not easy to find may be more exciting and also a real you have to solve situations; in short, it is options because I’m speaking about challenge. Don’t forget it, “education is life an intensive time life; and when I’m ordinary public schools. itself” in Dewey’s words. On the other standing in front of a building, a hand, in the educational field we are geography space or places in my school Some governments have understood how proposed too many solutions which are books I feel something strong because I important the internationalization of only theoretical, like magical recipes that realize that the things I heard and learnt Education is in the current global world. It discourage the most enthusiastic teacher. in the lessons at school, time ago, are comes to my mind some actions of So, we need to be realistic and take care true! (Seeing is believing)… So, I think Australian Department of Education. And, about our proposals. Should be trips to trips are powerful tools to learn. Students of course, that is the point with learn a real option in ordinary schools? gain new perspectives on the world; trips Educational Project of UE. That is our Besides being an expensive way to learn, offer more than one learning style; and opportunity: ERASMUS PLUS. This kind of it is a complicated educational strategy even students with behavioural or projects has many advantages, and I just that usually presents difficult academic problems can be encouraged don’t think about economic circumstances to be managed. We don’t by teachers to have good behaviour and compensation. Of course, the inequality know the answer to this issue. Maybe, be motivated to work hard. starts by economic issues and then will first, we should think about the become in real social disadvantages, so advantages and disadvantages, then to Summarizing, these abroad learning we can understand these European check the options and finally to assess experiences involve several projects like an excellent prevention and the achievements. competencies, the main are: increasing reduction of inequalities. But we could independence, maturity, and self– think it’s just money and it doesn’t mean WHY ARE THE TRIPS ABROAD TO LEARN confidence; enhancing social solution, it doesn’t make sure a real PROFITABLE FOR PUPILS? The obvious competence, through confronting benefit. Then, in my experience the real answer is that they give the students challenges beyond their familiar profit is because it happens in educational experiences away from their environment; rising awareness of future Educational Environments. They are safe regular school environment, like a great study and career opportunities and and formative conditions within a system

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 17 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

which provide affective spaces, social interaction, and learning atmosphere like if you were in your own home, but with enormous windows for you to look through them at your own world, and at the same time at the others’ world. In this project we can find support to overcome resistances and difficulties involve with trips, teenagers and scholar activities. I have been reading Bauman and now there are some words around in my head, words like changes, uncertainty, indetermination…, related to present life: the reality in which life considers highly what is transitory rather than permanent, the immediate rather than long term. Because of that, we need to play new educational roles and open new ways for learning. That means to me to find new humanity resources. That means too, create people who engage themselves in the role and responsibilities they have as active and informed global citizens; they will be new men and women in this modern society constantly in transformation.

I don’t want it to seem the magical recipe I was speaking about at the beginning of this paper. Because there are many things to discuss, e.g.: Do teachers have enough competences to implement these projects? What about the expectations and commitment of staff? How can be involved and motivated a staff sometimes reluctant to changes, and part of it changing from one school to other at the beginning of each school year? Concerning the meetings, is a week time enough to change the personal views and learning attitude of students? To what extend do teachers take advantage of the five days meeting when they are visiting other schools? Are project meetings a real interchange of knowledge and cultural issues?

We are talking about education plans, so, is there an effective preparation before the meetings? Have the goals been achieved? The list of questions could be long. I have had the opportunity to participate in two Erasmus Plus meetings and I’m really grateful for that. But, I think it would be very interesting and necessary to work with interdisciplinary learning strategies when different subjects are involved, and also to work on a real project-based learning. In short, I mean to work in the classroom with a programming for an open and wide school where borders have been erased. That is what I would like.

Myriam E. Fuentes – Teacher of Spanish IESO Quercus Terradillos – Salamanca, Spain

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 18 AUGUST 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SWEDEN... :: TRAVEL REPORT…

Meeting in Rastatt, Germany Group activities:

Date: March 7th – March 13th, 2016.  Preparing the exhibitions and presentations mentioned above. Participants from Eskilstuna, Sweden:  Preparing the map of Europia.

 Six students. Teachers’ meeting

There were two teachers’ meetings with  Two teachers. representatives from all countries. Thanks to our well - organised coordinator, Gisela, the meetings were efficient and During the meeting, activities related to communication between partners was the project were organized, teachers’ good. meetings were held and excursions were made. Points of discussion:

 evaluation Activities:  website  magazine  Welcome ceremony.  brochure  Guided tour round the school.  next steps in the project,  Visiting lessons. “Europia”  Tour through Rastatt.  plans for the Spanish and Italian  Visit to Linx: World of living meetings exhibition of prefabricated houses and history of living.  Visit to Strasbourg. Host families Walk through the historical part (Comments in bold are from the of the city and the city centre. students’ evaluations)  Visit to the Daimler-Benz Company in Rastatt. All students stayed with a German host Guided tour with focus on family. Some of the students stayed with concepts of mobility in modern a student from another partner country. towns.  Visit to Karlsruhe and the ZKM Our students were very satisfied with their Museum. hosts and the family: “My hostfamily Guided tour in the museum of was very nice and considerate. They communication. gave me all the food I wanted and they  Exhibition of housing in the past. really cared about me.” “I felt very welcomed and the mother treated me Exhibition and presentation of  as her own daughter.” “From the first modern houses and background moment I felt welcomed in my host information. family.”  Workshop; Coaching 4 future. Focus on different professions in It’s not always the case that the other the field of housing and living family members talk English but together. according to our students this wasn’t a big issue.

Social activities: They could communicate with each other anyway. “Her little brother treated me  Getting to know each other as his big sister and wanted to talk disco. and hug all the time. His mother had to  Family Day translate when we talked.” “Even if my  Dinner at the school for host’s mother didn’t speak any students, teachers and host English, she was so nice so it was families. easy to talk to her anyway.”

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 19 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

The students who learn German at Final Reflections From a social point of view it’s nice to school, took the chance of practising. “I have such activities as the disco early in used a lot of German in school but First of all we’d like to thank the German the week, so that the students get a most of all when we were in the teachers for a well-organized week in chance to get to know each other; “We different cities, shopping or ordering Rastatt. Now, nearing the end of the had a good time at the disco. It was food.” project, most of us feel like we know each fun watching everyone dance.” We other quite well and communication works also think it’s a good idea to try to have All students were happy about and very well. activities where the students are in mixed enjoyed the family day. They did many groups as much as possible. That way different things, such as shopping, they We enjoyed the welcome ceremony, they are forced to talk to each other and played mini golf and went swimming. “It although we missed the presentation of by doing so they get to know each other was the best day of the week.” the participants which our students had faster. prepared for. We also enjoyed the guided About the school and the project tour around the August - Renner Many students realize that they know activities Realschule. The shortage of computers more English than they thought and their and other technology surprised us as well self-confidence grows. “I spoke and The first impression of the school was as the lack of internet connection understood much more than I thought that it was big, much bigger than Skiftinge (WLAN). According to the teachers we I would.” “I used a lot of English hus and it seemed much more strict than talked to, this was a big problem for them. during the week.” “The best thing with our school. For example the fact that the this week was to get to know so many German students are not allowed to use The exhibitions of housing, both in the new friends and talk and have fun.” “I mobile phones during the school day. past and modern, were placed centrally in will never forget this week, it’s the best Also the fact that there were few the school aula which we thought was a in my life.” computers and no canteen came as a good idea. That way other students could surprise to the students. “I liked the easily see what our project is all about school very much. It was big and and what students have worked with. The Monica Häggström – Project Coordinator clean. The only strange thing was that presentations of the modern houses went Håkan Amnebjer – Teacher they didn’t have a canteen.” well. Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna - Sweden

ANNUAL MAGAZINE 20 AUGUST 2016 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT :: AUSTRIA ... :: STATEMENTS OF OUR STUDENTS ABOUT THE MEETING IN GERMANY…

wear some kind of a school uniform. I hope I will keep contact with some people I met in Germany.

I would really like to go to another Erasmus+ meeting because I had a really Ramona, 4d good time in Germany and I think it was a Student great experience for all of us and to see NMS Pregarten – Pregarten – Austria all differences between each country in Europe.

I I really liked the Erasmus+ meeting in Germany because it was a really nice experience for me. In my opinion the best part was when we visited Strasbourg. It is a beautiful city.

I also enjoyed meeting people from different countries because I could learn more about them and their country. I practiced my English too even though I mostly spoke German in my host family.

The school in Germany was older than my school and the pupils also have to

ANNUAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2016 21 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: SWEDEN... :: LIFE THEN AND TODAY…

You helped each other a lot. In Iraq, Syria and Eritrea you were forced  to join military training when you finished Many had animals and gardens.  school. Many died in the war. In Iraq it They had for example horses, was war for many years. In Syria it was cows, lambs and chickens. peaceful when our parents were young.

Now it's war and a lot is destroyed. Water When you cooked food you used is sometimes available one hour per firewood or gas. In bigger cities the week. Food costs a lot of money. families also used electricity. You had Electricity is only available sometimes. also a generator in some houses. Sometimes there was no electricity. In Somalia a war started when our When it came to water it wasn't easy like parents were grown up. Al-Shabaab it is in Sweden today. In Somalia, Syria, destroyed the country. They want to be in W Eritrea and Saudi-Arabia it was hard to charge of all the people. We are a group of students from get water. Some houses had a dwell near Skiftingehus school in Eskilstuna and we the house. It had good water. When you Today we and our parents live in are in the 8th grade. We are between 14- wanted to “take a shower” you used a Sweden. We came here because there 16 years old. Ismail, Ali, Fathi and Ilhan tub. Then you poured the water all over was no real freedom where we lived are from Somalia. Alex is from Finland. you. before. We want to have an education. Mohammed is from Eritrea. Noah is from We want to get good jobs in our future. Saudi-Arabia. Hussein is from Iraq. Rami, Some of the parents lived in small We hope that everyone in different Mohamed and Samir are from Syria. Most and simple houses when they were kids. countries gets freedom and a good future.

of us have lived in Sweden between 1-3 Some lived in big and nice houses. Written by: years but two of us have lived a little bit longer in Sweden. School wasn't like now in Sweden. Some Ali, Fathi, Alex, Ilhan, Mohammed, went to a Koran school. Others went to a Nawaf, Samir, Mohamed, Ismail and We have interviewed our parents about regular school. In several countries there Rami in year 8. how it was when they were young. It was were different school buildings, one for fun to hear them tell about it. We girls and one for boys. Everyone had Translated to English by: understood that life was harder and school uniform. When there were many different then. There were also many students you split them up. One half went William L in year 8 things that were good then: in the morning and the other half went in the afternoon. The teachers had Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna - Sweden permission to hit the students if they were You visited each other more  late, if you didn't do your homework or if often. you did something wrong. You didn't get  You had fun when you worked. any food in school.

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 22 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT

:: GERMANY... :: 02.-08. MAI 2016 IN SALAMANCA / SPANIEN…

In Spanien isst man spät abends Mir hat Salamanca sehr gut gefallen und zwischen 21 und 22 Uhr, während man in ich würde den Austausch gerne noch mal Deutschland zwischen 18 und 19 Uhr zu wiederholen. Ich habe viele tolle Leute Abend isst. kennengelernt und Freundschaften geschlossen, die hoffentlich noch sehr Was mir auch aufgefallen ist, dass alle lange halten. aus dem Dorf El Encinar in Häuserblöcken wohnen. Das Frühstück I was getting more and more excited the aß man an einem kleinen Küchentisch, nearer we came to Salamanca. What was während man Mittag-und Abendessen am waiting for us? What would the host family Esszimmertisch aß. be like? Would our expectations from WhatsApp come true? Die Aufregung wurde immer größer, wir Auch die Schule die wir gemeinsam D My host family was great. They made me waren gespannt und ängstlich zugleich. besucht haben, war sehr klein im feel at home and I never felt hungry – we Was würde uns erwarten? Würde es Gegensatz zu unserer Schule der ARRS. had plenty to eat and the food was very unseren Erwartungen entsprechen? Es gab in jedem der Klassenräume einen tasty. However , we had our meals much Erwartungen die wir aus Instagram und Beamer. Die Schule hatte keine richtige later than in Germany. WhatsApp hatten? Aula und die Klassenzimmer waren sehr klein. Es gab 2 Toiletten pro Geschlecht. The Spanish school was much smaller than Nach der ersten großen Aufregung vor Leider gab es auf den Toiletten keine our school with 950 students which also dem Kennenlernen, begann meine Seife und Papiertücher. applied to the rooms and the assembly hall. Woche mit schönem, warmem Wetter. But all the classrooms had projectors. Leider hielt das nicht die ganze Woche so Auch die Ausflüge die wir gemeinsam We also made many interesting excursions an, denn am Donnerstag und Freitag gemacht haben, haben sehr viel Spaß to Cáceres and to energy plants nearby and regnete es. Auch mein Austauschschüler und waren sehr informativ. Ich habe in I liked Salamanca very much. It is a und seine Familie war sehr nett. Man hat der Woche viel über Spanien, beautiful city. sich sehr gut um mich gekümmert und ich insbesondere Salamanca erfahren. But the most important thing is that I met habe mich sehr wohl gefühlt. many nice students from different Salamanca ist eine wunderschöne Stadt European countries and I hope we will stay Verhungert bin ich in Spanien auf jeden und auf jeden Fall ein empfehlenswertes in contact for a very long time. Fall nicht. Es gab immer reichlich und Reiseziel. Es gibt viele alte Gebäude zum Bericht von Lea sehr leckeres Essen. Was mir aufgefallen Besichtigen und es ist immer was los. Student ist, dass die Essenszeiten in Spanien Die Woche verging wie im Flug und ich August-Renner-Realschule nicht so sind wie bei uns in Deutschland. habe viele positive Eindrücke gesammelt. Rastatt - Germany

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Mein Name ist Anna Walheim. Ich gehe vor. Selbst die Spanier die nicht am learning new words from other auf eine Realschule in Rastatt und ich Projekt teilnahmen, versuchten mit uns zu languages. verbrachte eine wunderschöne Woche in reden. Man fühlte sich sehr wohl. The best thing of course was that we Spanien. Jetzt heißt es sicher Barcelona; Bereitwillig teilten sie ihr Essen und have made new friends. Mallorca oder Teneriffa. Doch ich war in Trinken mit uns und waren auch sonst Salamanca. sehr hilfsbereit. Das einzige an das man Anna Walheim sich schwer gewöhnen konnte, war die Student Ich wohnte bei einer sehr netten Lautstärke. Sie redeten immer oder August-Renner-Realschule Gastfamilie. Sie wohnten in einer redeten ganz schön laut. Es war lustig, Rastatt - Germany Wohnung in einem größeren doch man musste sich daran gewöhnen. Häuserblock. In der näheren Umgebung wohnten auch die anderen Teilnehmer Alles in allem war es eine wunderschöne des Projekts. Zwischen den Woche. Wir knüpften viele neue Häuserblöcken waren große mit Bäumen Freundschaften, lernten neues über bewachsene Flächen. Während der Spanien, verbesserten unser Englisch ersten drei Tage war es warm und und lernten auch ein paar andere sonnig. Doch dann wurde es kälter und Sprachen. regnerisch. Das ungewohnteste allerdings war der Tagesrhythmus. Diesen musste ich komplett umstellen, My name is Anna and I have spent a denn im Gegensatz zu Deutschland war week in Salamanca with my Spanish host hier alles ein paar Stunden später. Zwei family. All the people we met were very

Tage waren wir in der Schule und friendly and helpful. Even people who nahmen an Workshops teil. Die anderen were not involved in the project talked to Tage machten wir Ausflüge, us in a very friendly way and helped us if unteranderem nach Portugal, zu einem necessary. Airpark und nach Carcaress. In unserer„ freien Zeit“ unternahmen wir oft was mit What was surprising for us was that they den Schülern aus den anderen Ländern. talked in a very loud voice and this was Wir fuhren in die Stadt oder trafen uns, very funny for us and showed they were wie jeden Abend, draußen auf den very social. We also learned that all the meals and activities took place much later Straßen. Es war jedes Mal schön. Die than in Germany. We enjoyed staying Spanier nahmen uns superfreundlich auf, outside and meeting students from many stellten uns ihren Freunden und Familie different countries speaking English and

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:: ROMANIA... :: BUT WHAT MAKES THE TIME MORE ENJOYABLE ARE THE PEOPLE…

TheT beginning of May 2016 was the first time we got the amazing chance through participating in Brickstones project, to travel to a foreign country, Spain.

Mesmerizing views, paradise of the old castles are only a part of the goodies Spain was to offer. Now we went a little further, setting foot for the first time on a different country. Two students from School no.1 Independenta were offered the opportunity through the Brickstones project to take part in an Erasmus+ meeting with students from the other seven European countries.

In terms of sights, Spain, Salamanca definitely has a lot to offer. But what makes the time more enjoyable are the people. It is worth nothing to travel to the most beautiful country in the world if you cannot feel like home or at least, similar to how you feel in your comfort zone. All Spanish people are very kind and open to new ideas, although you might think different about that. They embrace cultural diversity if it is needed and none of them cared whether you were Romanian or Swedish.

We spent our time there doing a lot of enjoyable activities at the school and with the host families. We bounded fast and we are still in touch with each other, as we shared a lot of common interests.

So Spain is indeed a country "to visit" if you are fond of breathtaking views, loads of history and making life-lasting friendships.

Alina Stroia, Virgil Stan 6th grade students, School no.1, Independenta, Galați, Romania

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IÎncă de la începutul activității mele în cadrul Școlii Gimnaziale Nr. 1 Independența am fost plăcut surprins de numeroasele proiecte europene în care fusese implicată școala. Martor de-a lungul timpului la mai multe mobilități organizate în România, mă bucuram de fiecare dată când, în calitate de gazdă, întâlneam oameni noi din diverse țări ale Europei.

Fiecare proiect european este unic și oferă experiențe interesante însă proiectul ,,Brickstones - made in Europe” cu siguranță nu-l voi uita prea curând. Și tipuri de vegetație naturală și peisaje câștig. asta pentru că am avut onoarea de a fi agricole despre care știam din cărți sau participant în cadrul mobilității din Spania. de pe internet și pe care le explicam Mulțumesc școlii pentru oportunitatea de Mai mult decât atât, în mod paradoxal, ca elevilor. Nu în ultimul rând, Școala Ieso dezvoltare oferită și partenerilor din absolvent al unei facultăți cu Quercus din El Encinar – Terradillos, prin Spania pentru organizarea și mobilizarea specializarea ,,Geografia Turismului”, nivelul de dotare și de organizare al tuturor factorilor implicați. Sper ca peste această mobilitate a reprezentat totodată laboratoarelor, ne-a pus în evidență timp, amintirea acestei experiențe să fie și prima mea ieșire din țară. caracterul interdisciplinar al la fel de vie ca și acum, la scurt timp de la învățământului spaniol precum și accentul încheierea ei. E greu de spus dacă Dincolo de faptul că urma să cunosc pe care aceștia îl pun pe învățarea activă. vreodată voi mai întâlni persoanele pe oameni noi, aveam să cunosc și locuri care le-am cunoscut dar dacă da, sper să noi, toate încărcate de istorie. Deși atât Lăsând la o parte frumusețea locurilor, ne amintim cu drag că undeva, cândva, spaniolii cât și românii sunt popoare experiența personală dobândită în ne-am întâlnit și că din întâlnirea noastră latine, totuși influențele migratorii, această mobilitate încerc să o definesc am învățat ceva. contextele istorice și religiile au generat privind lucrurile și din ansamblu: oameni diferențe majore. Obiectivele turistice pe din diverse țări, cu stiluri de viață și culturi care le-am vizitat (centrul istoric al diferite, se întâlnesc, discută,colaborează MY INTERNATIONAL BRICKSTONES orașului Salamanca, castelul medieval și realizează ceva împreună. Am înțeles PROJECT EXPERIENCE din Trujillo, centrul istoric din Cáceres, că diferențele dintre noi, de orice natură SALAMANCA, SPAIN localitățile rurale Miranda del Castanar și ar fi ele, nu pot fi impedimente în La Alberca) sunt mărturiile unei valoroase realizarea unui obiectiv atât timp cât Since the beginning of my activity at the contribuții la patrimoniul cultural al acesta este unul comun. Iar cel mai bun Secondary School No. 1 Independence I umanității. O regulă în turism spune că nu exemplu nu poate fi decât cartierul ,, was pleasantly surprised by the este indicat să-i arăți turistului ce este mai numerous European projects in which the frumos la început, pentru a nu se plictisi Europia”, care a fost realizat prin school has been involved. As a witness of sau a deveni neinteresat mai departe. însumarea unor elemente diferite din 7 several mobilities organized in Romania, I Deși n-am plecat în Spania ca turiști, căci cartiere anterior prezentate de fiecare enjoyed every time the quality of host, nu acesta a fost scopul proiectului, pot țară. Este asemenea motto-ului, dacă-mi and the opportunity of meeting new afirma că fiecare zi ne-a surprins cu câte este permis, ,,Unitate în diversitate”. people from different countries of Europe. ceva, ultima fiind la fel de interesantă și de frumoasă ca și prima. Experiența personală dobândită, Each European project is unique and indiferent din ce perspectivă aș privi-o, offers exciting experiences, but this Pe de altă parte, ca profesor de este uriașă. Totuși, nu pot să nu constat project ,,Brickstones - made in Europe" is geografie, mi-a fost util să aflu de că o astfel de mobilitate poate schimba the one I will not forget too soon, because laboratorul de hidraulică din Zamora, ce mentalități, moduri de gândire și de I had the honor to be a participant in the oferă soluții tehnice pentru numeroase percepere a lumii. Prin astfel de mobility to Spain. More than that, probleme care apar la amenajările interacțiuni înțelegi și înveți, preiei și paradoxically, even if I graduated the hidrotehnice. Mai mult decât atât, a fost adaptezi. Cred că undeva în specialization of the 'Geography of interesant să observ în mod direct diverse subconștient, acesta este cel mai mare tourism", this mobility represented the

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unique experience of my first exit from the each country. It is also the motto “Unity in through this experience and partners in country. diversity". Spain for the organization and the mobilization, from very point of view. I Besides the fact that I was going to meet The gained personal experience, no hope that over time the remembrance of new people, I was also going to discover matter the angle from which I looked at it, this experience to be as alive as now. It is new places, all loaded by history. is huge. However, I have to admit that hard to say if I will ever see again the Although both the Spaniards and the such mobilities can change mentalities, people we’ve met, but if I will, I hope that Romanians are Latin people, however ways of thinking and perception of the we all remember fondly that somewhere, migration influences, contexts and world. Through such interactions and one once we've met and the fact that during historical religions have generated major can understand, learn, borrow and adapt our meeting we learned something differences. experiences and information. I think that somewhere in the subconscious, this is Sights we visited (the historic city center the biggest gain. Mihalache Daniel of Salamanca, medieval castle of Trujillo, Teacher the historic center of Cáceres, rural I thank the school’s managers for the School no.1, Independenta, Galati, Romania localities Miranda del Castañar and La opportunity of development offered Alberca) are the testimonies of a valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind.

A rule in tourism says that it is not advisable to show to the tourist what is the most beautiful at the beginning, in order not to be bored or to become disinterest further. Even if we didn’t go to Spain as tourists, because it wasn’t the purpose of the project, I can say that every day we were surprised by something, the last day being equally interesting and handsome as the first one.

On the other hand, as a geography teacher, it was useful to find out about the hydraulic pressure laboratory, in Zamora, which provides technical solutions for numerous problems that appear at the hydrotechnical facilities. More than that, it was interesting to observe directly the various types of natural vegetation and agricultural landscapes that I knew only from books or from the internet and which they presented to pupils. Last but not least, School IESO Quercus from El Encinar - Terradillos, by the level of equipment and organization of the laboratories, had highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the Spanish education which provides active learning.

Leaving aside the beauty of the places, personal experience gained in this mobility can be defined by analysing things from a larger perspective: people from various countries, with life styles and cultures, are meeting each other, are talking, cooperating and doing something together. I understand that the differences between us, of any nature as they may be, cannot be impediments in achieving an objective as long as it is a common one. As the best example, it can be the neighborhood “Europia", which was made out by the various elements of 7 previously neighborhoods submitted by

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:: SWEDEN... :: STUDENTS’ IMPRESSIONS ABOUT THE MEETING IN SPAIN / MAY 2ND – MAY 8TH …

surrounded by great buildings of one type students in the partner countries, came to around the whole open area. the same conclusion: to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, to be conscious of the El Encinar was a small area. During the environment and also to create a society week I stayed there I saw almost all of El where everyone talk to each other and Encinar. I learned the way to school and socialize with each other. home again. I knew where shops and other facilities were situated. What did we learn? El Encinar was a nice area near the school. There were not so many shopping We learned a lot during the excursion centres or activities for young people, days. We saw the landscape and the that´s why people went by bus to towns in parts of Spain and how people Four students from Skiftingehus visited Salamanca to enjoy the city. The houses lived. In Caceres it was very hot, but it FIESO QUERCUS School in El Encinar were quite nice and were situated close was a nice town. The buildings were very outside Salamanca. It was a week full of to each other, so it was very easy to meet old and we went up and down and up impressions, learning activities, visits to others. again on the streets different areas and socializing with new friends. Our students were really pleased Our students thoughts about the work We visited two different power stations, with the stay in Spain. on Europia. one for wind power and one hydro power The text is all in our students words: station. We learned about the way and Valiria, Reham, Suhaam and Isak. It looked really nice in the town of future, the power of water and how both types of Europia. You could see that everyone in power stations worked. Our students impressions regarding different countries had done at lot of the area of Salamanca and El Encinar. thinking to make everything perfect and I used my English in a good way. Better everything that could be needed was than I had expected. When I didn´t Salamanca is not a very big city, it is there. understand or couldn´t say anything, we about the size of Eskilstuna. It is really used our hands. I think I have used the fantastic there and especially the When we were creating Europia, some English language a lot, I could manage churches. In one church there was a things were difficult to understand, but it much better than I thought before. library, in another you could buy small was still a good experience. I also started things. Salamanca is very beautiful. The to think, whether there will be so nice About families and friends buildings were fantastic and everyone cities as we wanted when we created I really liked my family and could feel like accepts you for who you are, they don´t them. I thought about how we treat our at home from the second day. It felt like I judge each other and they don´t think less own planet and how bad it can be in the became one of them. We also met new of you. future if we all continue in the same way. friends. We all from different countries Salamanca is a big town where you can My thoughts for the future is to build went to Salamanca for shopping. You got find everything. In the evening the city houses that are energy saving. To recycle really close to some and it was sad to say was illuminated by a lot of lights and that things in one place, where others can use good bye. I stayed with the same girl that made it very special. It is a nice place for what you don´t need, so we won´t buy visited me in Sweden. She lived with her just hanging around! new things all the time. To use wind parents and little brother. They are really, The best place of all In Salamanca was power, hydro power and the sun and stop really nice and they welcomed me with the big square, Plaza Mayor! It was using fossile based energy. I think we, all open arms. It was a wonderful week with my host family.

The best with joining this trip was to see how Spanish people lived and to see their every-day-life. We saw different places and that was nice, but above all I got friends for life. To meet new people, from different countries, to become friends and to maybe be able to go back some time to visit them. That would be great! And the next time I will go to Spain, I will visit Salamanca and El Encinar.

Valiria Faris, Reham Faro, Suhaam Kassim & Isak Rydström Svärd (students) Laima Hamberg & Johan Källgren (teachers) Skiftingehus – Eskilstuna - Sweden

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:: GERMANY... :: FINAL REPORT…

BBrickstones Erasmus + Project aims to involved seven schools from all over Europe in a common project about housing. The participants from Austria, German, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain and Sweden will be made aware of how living conditions influence people in their personal and social lives.

We are all secondary schools with different backgrounds, but we face similar educational problems. Many students have a migrant background and little like: the construction of houses, energy All objectives have been reached support from home. They only have basic saving methods, sustainability of because the cooperation between all skills, show little interest in learning and materials, infrastructure, provisions for partners worked very well. There was a have low academic achievements. In their people with special needs and old people, constant communication and at the school subjects they miss the reference preservation of old buildings to keep our transnational project meetings the to real life. This leads to frustration cultural identities. progress of the project work was revised because they fail to see the purpose why Students will interview experts in and worked on. After each meeting the they should learn for academic subjects communities, house owners, architects coordinator send minutes to the partners at school. Our project wants the students and builders. to ensure that everything that was agreed to apply their theoretical school on was kept in mind and would be knowledge to practical work and to find The results will be uploaded to an online achieved on time. This way all the out the importance for their future lives. platform and collected in a brochure to be deadlines were kept. Students will be more motivated because published. ‘An energy saving week’ will they will be able to get an insight into the be organized at our schools with lessons, All of the project results that have been world outside school by collecting workshops, exhibitions and debates. achieved. information about the different aspects of During this week each school will visit a housing. This process will be supported centre of energy production. Learning/Teaching/Training Activities by professionals and experts in this field. have been carried out: at the school of We will learn what professions are Finally we will plan the ideal European each partner country there were involved in planning and building houses community “EUROPIA” where we exhibitions and presentations displaying and in the infrastructure of communities. consider all the demands of the the results of the students’ work . In the Our students will get an insight into jobs participating partners and make use of first part of the project which dealt with they might take up later in their the information we have collected so far. “houses of the past”, the students showed professional lives. They will also realize There will be a competition of different their model houses (one urban and one the importance of entrepreneurship in this proposals how people can live together in rural house of their region) and explained field. a European community. their origin . The other field of the project referring to “modern housing” included We will start to explore how people lived On our website, in our brochure ,in our aspects like energy-saving (There was an in the past in their local environments, project magazine and our exhibitions our energy week carried out at all schools at collect information, build model houses results will be made accessible to a wider the same time), smart homes, security and present them together with the public. The energy week will be remain as and mobility aspects as far as housing is background information in a moving a regular activity in all schools after this concerned. The students also made exhibition. project has finished and will lead to a drawings and PPT presentations of change in awareness and behavior modern houses in their neighborhood and Then we will also work on today’s towards energy consumption in public dealt with the architecture of these housing focusing on different aspects and private houses. houses. There were also interviews as to

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the jobs that are connected to housing They will get to know professions and public. All activities were presented at the (job profiles) and visits to new residential entrepreneurs in the building industry and staff meetings and received a positive areas. Part of the project work were also in responsible positions in the local feedback. excursions. The students went to the community. They will acquire skills on a department of town planning in the practical level and also acquire ICT skills As the coordinating school we felt separate partner cities and also visited a in that way, and also because housing responsible for a tight budget control. So company producing prefabricated houses was represented and dealt with in we checked our budget regularly and . In the last part of the project all the different countries showing their ways of collected receipts about everything we students had to work together to develop building houses. spent. One of the teachers involved in the a future neigbourhood (“Europia”) which It also was unique in so far as the student project took the role of the a bursar to do would meet the demands of its future got an insight into the history of their local the bookkeeping. inhabitants. The students had to interview houses and could develop a sense of people in their home countries about their living together in a common Europe. This Additionally there have been regular staff wishes and ideas about an ideal understanding of the different needs was meetings where the progress of the neighbourhood which later became the the basis of the development of our project was also a point of discussion. As basis of Europia. A layout plan, models common neighbourhood "Europia". mentioned before teachers and students and sketches about this common future who were part of the Erasmus+ team Europia was the work of the students that In order to assess whether the project came together at the weekly meetings to was later presented at the last has reached its results we established evaluate everything which has been done transnational project meeting. various forms of indicators. All results so far. There have surveys among It was innovative because it combined were published on the project website students, teachers involved in the project different aspect of housing: historical, (www.brickstones@net) where all the and teachers in general at all our partner social, ecological and economic aspects. partners have uploaded the things they schools. have done at their schools and during the These issues will play an important role in transnational meetings. There is also a We regularly exchanged a feedback of our students’ future lives as active brochure (where the project activities are our project work at our transnational citizens in their communities and with summarized) and a magazine that meetings which was the basis of the respect to their future jobs. When working reflects the project through comments following steps of our project work. with their partners they will also realize and contributions (also in their native that cultural differences will enrich the language) of the students. There have The students’ involvement in the project project and lead to intercultural been interviews at the schools about the consisted of different tasks. They had to competence. This competence will be energy-saving methods among the collect information in the internet and in important to understand that many students’ parents (about 300 interviews) books, summarize its contents and problems can only be solved on a and the results were later published in present it in articles for the magazine or in European level. (e.g. environment/energy graphs and surveys. These activities PPT-presentations in front of the others. etc.).In this project many aspects which have been favourably commented on by They had to conduct interviews and are part of the school curriculum will be the parents and the public (cf. press translate the answers into English to be become much clearer for the students articles) At the weekly meetings of the published on the school- and project because they will realize that what they Erasmus+ team there were also website. They recorded events with the learn at school is important in real life. discussions about the feed-back by the school camcorder like the interview with

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the representative of the department of aims of the project were discussed. Other In Austria we celebrated the Europe Day town planning or the interview with the items were time management, the project and the students gave short lectures owner of a 19th century town house website, evaluation procedures and about their countries. There was also a which had been renovated in style. These dissemination. tour through the newly built school with interviews had to be worked on a PC. So The following Transnational Project information about its architectural the students developed special IT skills. Meetings where students were involved characteristics. These interviews were later translated took place in Sweden, Austria, Romania, into English to make them accessible for Germany and Spain. the partners. There were also role-plays like a pro- and con discussion by their In Sweden the focus of the meeting was fellow students about the topic “for and the presentation of model houses of the against smarthomes”. A European song past and its background information. was composed by the students who sang They were shown and explained by the the song later on the Europe Day at a students in English. meeting in Austria. The grant for the Project Management was used for various reasons: material for the model houses , panels for the exhibitions, a camcorder with laptop and programmes for the video documentation of the project, costs for travel and admission for various field trips (exhibition of housing at the museum of technology in Mannheim, exhibition about surveillance and its dangers in homes and neighbourhoods at the ZKM in Karlsruhe, exhibition in Linz/Austria about town planning and several other exhibitions about housing of the past, as eg in Eskilstuna and Stockholm (Sweden) and in Bucharest (Romania).

All activities are the result of joint effort. All partners contributed equally to the project, but had a different focus within project work. Austria was responsible for the website, Spain published the students’ magazine, Romania was responsible for the brochure, Sweden helped to organize the energy week for all partners and monitored evaluation, Italy and Germany were responsible for the joint work for "Europia" and the final evaluation. Germany was the project coordinator and was responsible for the implementation of the contents of the application form and Greece has worked out the dissemination plan and supervised its measures.

The cooperation between all the seven partners was excellent and so working together was without any strain or problems. Everybody delivered their results on time to be published on the website. There was also constant contact between each partners on the social media. All meetings were organized very effectively and guaranteed the successful working process.

There were regular transnational meetings. The first project meeting took place in Greece where the outline of the project and the implementation of the

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In Romania there was an exhibition of Two trips were also organized to show the posters and flyers which were made houses in the past well preserved until during the energy week . They showed the present, both in an urban and rural different ways of producing energy and environment. One trip destination was the their consequences for mankind. The old town of Cáceres (World heritage) and flyers referred on the personal behaviour the second trip was to visit some of the students in environmental issues. medieval villages in the mountains, south west of Salamanca (La Alberca and San Martín del Castañar). Visiting these old medieval rural houses the participants could appreciate how houses may be used not only to live, but also as a resource of self-employment taking advantage of the tourism in the area.

In Germany the students presented modern houses of their neighbourhood and commented on their new technologies. There was also a field trip In Spain the students worked together to a company producing prefabricated presenting their common "Europia" to the houses with a tour through the factory. public.

During the meeting in Salamanca there was a visit to a hydroelectric power station and a windmill farm to get information about the energy: its origin, importance, transportation and commercialization.

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All meetings were imbedded in the project the skills to work in an ecologically Visiting the planning authorities in our and served the purpose of making the responsible way. communities we learned how student understand the process of work communities are planned and built today, of an international project. At all the The students and teachers learned about which social, architectural and ecological meetings the project work and its results the monitoring and the process of project issues are important. were evaluated and there were work as we had to structure our work and We presented common information about discussions about the planning of the work together to achieve our results. The the building of houses on our website. next steps and about the presentation of positive aspects of project work was Each partner was responsible for one our work on the website, the brochure shared with our colleagues at our schools aspect (windows, roofs etc)and presented and our magazine. All schools were and also the information about new the information via links at our common completely involved when it came to the partners (coaching4you/planning authori- “house”. This supported teamwork and meeting and students could attend ties etc.) outside school. required skills in searching for relevant lessons or get an insight into school life of information and presenting it in the the partner countries. As they were Meeting in Eskilstuna: internet . staying with host families they could develop intercultural skills and improve The students displayed their model At all partner schools we organized the their command of the English language. houses of the past in an exhibition and "energy saving week" at the same This in turn helped them to be open and put them into an historical context, time(see above)This also created a to be willing to understand foreign ways explaining the way they were built. In this feeling of belonging together. The results( and to accept that people are different but way the students did not only get posters and flyers) were later presented also have a lot in common. acquainted with their own cultural in an exhibition at the meeting in heritage but also with the cultural heritage Independeta. By developing new skills in ICT (PPT of the other European partners which presentations, producing films…) and by supported mutual respect for their Meeting in Independenta: learning and applying foreign languages partners. Apart from the exhibition we presented all (editing articles for our magazine and our the information of our "house" on our brochure for our website….) the students They also learned about the social and website Both activities lead to an gained more confidence and they will ecological aspects which are still relevant exchange of ideas and lively discussions profit from these skills for their future today. so that the students could improve their professional lives which might mean working in other European countries. skills in English Meeting in Pregarten: In the following weeks we worked on the By applying practical methods (making We made a tour through the newly built model houses), visiting exhibitions and presentation of a modern house in our school in Pregarten with information region which we was presented in an outdoor museums and collecting about its architecture, interior design, information on the internet they exhibition and by presentations at the energy consumption, etc. This was the understood learning can be very start of the second part of our project Meeting in Rastatt: motivating. which dealt with housing today. Apart from this exhibition which was open They also learned that our project had a We also celebrated the Europe Day to a wider public, we made excursions to relevance to real life because there are which contributed to the feeling that we a company producing prefabricated many professions related to building are all schools within a common Europe houses, to Mercedes Benz company houses and neighbourhoods. and that we have such a lot in common. (mobility in modern towns) to show ways All countries performed songs and of modern production technology. In a Having involved experts from outside dances and everybody joined in. workshop "coaching 4future" we learned contributed to a better comprehension of about professions in this field. We also the relevant issues of our project and In this way we could share our ideas with started work on the creation of our gave the students an insight into aspects the other teachers and parents and common Europia based on a survey of the working world. inform them about our work. about the needs of its inhabitants for the In the following weeks we worked on the exhibition at the The organization of an “energy saving second part our project : housing today week” at our schools supported Meeting in El Encinar - Salamanca: awareness of ecological issues in our We learned what professions are involved environment .The students made an in planning and building houses and in In addition to the design and exhibition of exhibition of their posters about energy the infrastructure of communities. ‘Europia common version’, cultural and ecology and flyers about how we use workshops, lessons and trips, the working energy and water and produce waste at The students made interviews with sessions were focus on the discussion our schools. They gave tips about more parents who have small companies and final evaluation of the implementation environmental awareness in our daily in the building industry and presented the of the project, results (surveys, magazine, lives. information on our website. brochure, website…) and final evaluation. In this way our students got an insight They also learned that building houses into jobs they might pick up later in their Gisela Mihajlovic means using technologies and materials professional lives. They also realized the Project Coordinator which are sustainable. Professionals in importance of entrepreneurship in this August-Renner-Realschule this field must have the knowledge and field. Rastatt - Germany

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 33 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT :: SPAIN... :: SPANISH STUDENTS´COMMENTS ABOUT THE ‘BRICKSTONES´ ERAMUS + PROJECT IMPRESIONES DE LOS ALUMNOS Y ALUMNAS ESPAÑOLES SOBRE EL PROYECTO…

MI EXPERIENCIA ERASMUS+. OTRA SEMANA IMPOSIBLE DE país estuvo llena de actividades. El día SEMANA DEL 2 AL 6 DE MAYO OLVIDAR de su llegada dispusimos de pocas horas para comenzar a conocernos, pero el Pienso que poder tener la oportunidad de Durante una semana hemos vuelto a vivir tiempo junto a ellos tratamos de que conocer otros países, otras culturas, una experiencia única junto a personas fuera el máximo. Tras un primer día de otras personas que se convierten en de diferentes países de la Unión actuaciones y actividades para amigos es algo que todos deberíamos Europea. conocernos mejor y conocer mejor vivir alguna vez. La experiencia de tener El Erasmus+ es un proyecto en el que nuestro idioma, tuvimos una tarde libre, la que comunicarte en un idioma que no es estudiantes y profesores de diferentes cual hicimos una corta visita a el tuyo, de tener a un desconocido en tu países realizan viajes educativos a los Salamanca. casa y saber que eres el encargado de países participantes. En este caso: que se lleve un buen recuerdo de ti, de tu Tras dos excursiones que ocuparon todo Alemania, Austria, Grecia, Italia, el día, una a Cáceres, el miércoles y otra país es lo que, para mí, significa Erasmus Rumania, Suecia, junto a nuestro instituto + el cual cumple todos estos objetivos, a Portugal y Zamora, el jueves, en las han sido los países favorecidos. En estos cuales no participe, tuvimos una última que son buenos para el centro donde viajes podemos apreciar las diferencias estudias, para mi localidad y sobre todo actividad en Salamanca, todos los que existen entre los países, las casas, la profesores extranjeros y alumnos tuvimos para mí. Personalmente no he podido sociedad y sobre todo la forma de vida. participar tanto como me hubiera gustado una visita a Salamanca. Tras la hora de en este último Erasmus, pero intentaré comer pasamos la tarde por la ciudad. describir mi experiencia desde otro punto En estos días he podido conocer a de vista, teniendo en cuenta que, en este muchísimos chicos y chicas, aunque con proyecto, no he participado tan los que mejor nos llevábamos todos, activamente como lo hice en anteriores. desde mi punto de vista es con los jóvenes griegos; con ellos era difícil parar En estos días, se han realizado tanto de reír, aunque con los chicos italianos, excursiones como clases de baile, de alemanes y suecos también teníamos español o simplemente una salida a una buena relación; personalmente con conocer, en nuestro caso, Salamanca. El los suecos tuve una relación mejor el día que llegaron fuimos a conocerles y a último día enseñarles El Encinar, lugar donde vivimos, al principio nos resultó extraño Este proyecto aporta grandes pero enseguida nos hicimos amigos de la experiencias personales, mejora las mayoría. El 5 de Mayo, fuimos a habilidades de comunicación, permite Zamora y a Portugal, allí pasamos un día probar nuevos sabores y ver lugares que de convivencia conociendo un país nuevo nunca creías poder ver. No solo aporta y disfrutando de un día junto. He beneficio solo para nosotros los alumnos, conocido a muy buenas personas tanto sino que también para nuestra Rumanas como Austriacas, Italianas o urbanización. Suecas. Aunque no he podido estar el tiempo que me hubiera gustado con ellas Como ya sabemos, nuestro barrio es muy pude entablar amistad con la mayoría. poco visitado y valorado, asÍ que la También recuerdo, una tarde que salimos llegada de gente nueva, aunque sea por Como es normal cuando conoces a gente de otro país, aprendes palabras mal a dar un paseo por nuestra urbanización una semana, alegra el lugar. para poder estar todos juntos y creo que sonantes, pero también algunas fue uno de los mejores momentos que tradiciones; aunque hubo algo que me hemos pasado todos juntos en esa hizo especial gracia, uno de los chicos semana. griegos me enseñó canciones que nunca había escuchado. De esta experiencia, En general creo que todos los Erasmus con lo que me quedo es con las nuevas son positivos, yo tuve la suerte de poder amistades hechas. participar en uno y fue una experiencia Creo que todo el mundo que participe, fantástica, como lo ha sido esta. Nos ha dirá siempre que sí, que deben seguir dejado numerosos recuerdos haciéndose; haces amistades, ríes, anecdóticos, fotografías, ayudado a aprendes nuevas cosas; a pesar del mal crecer positivamente como personas , a trago de la despedida, siempre queda la aprender nuevas culturas, tradiciones e esperanza de volver a verlos. idiomas y lo más importante, conocer a Para terminar querría agradecer al muy buenos amigos que espero no instituto por permitirme participar en olvidar nunca. estas actividades. Mil gracias por todo. La semana en la cual los alumnos y Eva Jiménez 3º ESO profesores extranjeros visitaron nuestro Iker González Castaño 4º ESO

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ERASMUS WEEK riencias que viví fue cuando la estudiante es la vida más allá de nuestras fronteras. sueca a la que acogíamos un día estuvo Lo único que cambiaría sería algunas La idea que tengo de Erasmus Plus es hablando con su madre por teléfono en cosas en organización. Agregaría algún que es una semana para convivir con un idioma que sonaba muy diferente al día más de familia o alguna otra estudiantes de diferentes culturas y sueco que había estado hablando por la excursión a otra ciudad española en la conocer cómo se vive en otros países. mañana con sus amigos, cuando terminó que se pudiera ver otra parte de historia También creo que esta semana de de hablar mi madre le preguntó qué de España y Castilla y León, como por Erasmus+ es para que los compañeros idioma era con el que había estado ejemplo, Segovia o Ávila. que vienen de otros países aprendan un hablando y nos dijo que era iraquí, poco sobre la cultura española o porque ella y toda su familia eran de Irak Isabel Romero Ruiz 3ºESO mediterránea. El valor que tienen estos y nos estuvo contando cómo vivían allí. proyectos es enriquecerte como joven, ya UNA SEMANA DE ERASMUS+ que puedes convivir con familias en otros En esta semana he conocido a mucha países o puedes, en tu propio país, dar a gente (chicas alemanas, estudiantes El programa Erasmus+ tiene la doble conocer nuestra cultura acogiendo a rumanos, suecos…) y he vuelto a ver a finalidad de salir al extranjero y compartir alguien. Para el centro es una buena gente que ya conocía de cuando viajé a prácticas educativas. Los alumnos de forma de que los profesores conozcan Austria. Toda la gente que conocí era centros de la Unión Europea, gracias a cómo se enseña o se da clase en otros muy agradable, pero todos eran esto, conocen nuevas formas de vida, países, también es interesante que los diferentes entre ellos, ya fuera por su religiones, personas, etc. Esta profesores que vienen de otros países país de origen o por su cultura. De ellos, experiencia aporta un nivel de cultura y conozcan cómo son los centros en aprendí que aunque provengas de otro madurez inigualable tanto al alumno España o saber cómo se da clase; país con diferente cultura, puedes como a la familia que acoge. Los pueblos incluso nuestro barrio se beneficia, es aprender muchas cosas del lugar al que o pequeñas urbanizaciones que reciben una buena forma de ser conocido. viajas. estas actividades, por vía de sus institutos, también tienen beneficios Estos días se llevaron a cabo diferentes Esta actividad ha sido muy positiva socioculturales, ya que promueve el actividades para trabajar en equipo y porque he podido volver a hacer amigos contacto con extranjeros, como es el para que los estudiantes extranjeros de otros países, he hablado bastante en caso de la urbanización El Encinar. conocieran algunas ciudades españolas, inglés, y conocido un poco sobre todos también hubo actividades relacionadas ellos. Los únicos puntos negativos que he La semana del 2 al 8 de mayo el centro con el medio ambiente. Yo acogí a una visto a esta actividad es que ahora hay IESO Quercus ha tenido la oportunidad estudiante sueca entonces pude que recuperar todas las clases perdidas de participar en este proyecto, participar en todas las actividades en esa semana. A mí me encanta que preparando así una semana un tanto preparadas, excepto en la excursión que estas actividades se hagan, porque es especial para el confort de los se realizó a Cáceres. Una de las expe-- una manera de “crecer” conociendo cómo estudiantes invitados con: actuaciones,

ANNUAL MAGAZINE AUGUST 2016 35 BRICKSTONES MADE IN EUROPE ERASMUS + PROJECT cata de alimentos españoles, excursiones educativas a monumentos históricos de España, visitas al centro histórico de Salamanca, etc. Yo como alumno de 4º he participado en la mayoría de estas actividades, las cuales siempre recordaré con una sonrisa, ya que fueron divertidas y llenas de agradables anécdotas; y, gracias a ellas, empaticé con mis compañeros italianos, los cuales me parecieron unas maravillosas personas y los más parecidos a los españoles de todos los alumnos del programa. La mayor anécdota que recuerdo de esta extraordinaria semana es la de mi actuación, en ella teníamos que hacer un estilo de show con unas vestimentas un poco peculiares. Para mi parecer, esta experiencia tiene indudablemente más puntos positivos que negativos. En ella conoces a otras personas, las cuales viven en lugares totalmente distintos al tuyo y, consecuente con esto, tienen una forma El lunes llegaron los europeos a El preferíamos ir todos juntos, y, una vez de ser diferente a la tuya y aun así Encinar. El martes todos los cursos del acabada, tener tiempo libre para ver consigues entablar una relación de instituto realizamos una serie de Cáceres como nosotros quisiéramos. amistad con ellos. Esto te ayuda a ver y actuaciones para darles la bienvenida, Cuando concluimos la actividad aprender lo afortunados o entre bailes, playbacks, etc. También buscamos un Burger King para comer desafortunados que somos por vivir en tuvimos un tiempo de recreo donde algo antes de regresar, cosa que fue un país como España. Por otra parte, comimos churros con chocolate y divertida ya que no sabíamos dónde está el lado amargo de esta situación, la pudimos empezar a conocernos y encontrarlo y debíamos guiarnos con el despedida, el saber que a esas personas presentarnos. A continuación, los mapa. El jueves se realizó una excursión con las que has congeniado tanto no las compañeros de mi clase que participaron a Ricobayo para los alumnos de tercero y vas a volver a ver jamás y que, en el en el proyecto tuvieron un taller y una los europeos. El viernes por la mañana hipotético caso de que las veas, creo que actividad para conocerse entre ellos. Esa los compañeros que acogían fueron de solo sería la suerte de una única vez más tarde, sin ser ninguna actividad del excursión a Salamanca y les estuvieron a lo largo de tu vida. Es tremendamente centro, fuimos a pasarla en Salamanca. enseñando los monumentos. Después de duro para personas que están en pleno Les enseñamos algunas calles del centro comer los que no participamos en el desarrollo, tanto físico como psicológico, y el parque de “La Alamedilla”. Al proyecto, fuimos a Salamanca de nuevo vivir experiencias de despedidas. Esta es principio, pensaba que me iba a ser difícil y pasamos la tarde todos juntos. una de las razones por las que comunicarme con ellos debido al idioma, pero me resulto mejor de lo que esperaba Esta semana me ha gustado mucho anteriormente afirmo que aporta madurez debido a que, a pesar de no haber este tipo de proyectos. Por último, querría ya que podía comunicarme a través del inglés. Con alguna italiana se me hizo participado en el proyecto, he podido hacer notar que la duración de la disfrutar de las actividades con los estancia durante la que se desarrolla el más sencillo ya que sabía hablar español. extranjeros, conocerles y practicar el proyecto se queda corta. Hace falta más inglés. Me quedo con buenos recuerdos y tiempo para poder compartir con los El miércoles el centro organizó una el haber conocido a personas tan compañeros visitantes. excursión a Cáceres para mi clase y agradables. Jonathan Ramajo 4º ESO todos los europeos. Primero fuimos a Trujillo (un pueblo de Cáceres) y subimos Laura García Martín 4º ESO SEMANA ERASMUS+ a visitar un castillo. Nos dejaron tiempo libre y después seguimos visitando el La semana pasada en mi instituto fue pueblo. Después nos volvimos a montar especial ya que tuvo lugar el encuentro en el autobús y fuimos al centro de de los europeos del proyecto Erasmus+. Cáceres. Los profesores nos dieron unos Vinieron personas de Suecia, Austria, mapas donde estaban marcados unos Alemania, Italia, Grecia y Rumania. Esta monumentos del casco histórico que semana ha sido un poco extraña ya que teníamos que visitar. Cada vez que se han realizado varias actividades y encontráramos uno de ellos debíamos hemos tenido muchas menos clases. Yo hacernos una foto todos juntos con el no he participado en este proyecto monumento. Esta actividad me gustó ya debido a que a mí no me gusta la idea de que pudimos hacernos varias fotos para ir a la casa de personas que no conozco, tenerlas de recuerdo. Nos dieron tiempo pero sí he podido pasar tiempo con ellos libre para comer, realizar la actividad por grupos, cosa que no hicimos ya que en las actividades.

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EXPERIENCIA ERASMUS+

Después de un año, volví a tener la experiencia de estar con gente de otros países y relacionarme con ellos. Para mí Erasmus+ significa acordarme de aquellos tres meses donde estuve completamente fuera de mis costumbres y de mi familia. Me trae recuerdos muy buenos y algunos (muy pocos) no tanto. Y llegó el día. La primera actividad que haríamos sería un espectáculo para los extranjeros, me tocó presentarlo y la verdad es que todo salió muy bien. Al siguiente día, hicimos una excursión; primero, fuimos a Trujillo, donde visitamos un castillo; después, fuimos a Cáceres, donde nos dieron tiempo libre para realizar una actividad. Durante ésta hablé con distintos europeos. Con los griegos conversé bastante porque ellos estaban con dos amigos míos y me fue más fácil coger confianza. También compartí con los suecos porque tuve que hacer de intérprete y pedirles unas hamburguesas en el Burger King; aparte de esto, con el sueco que estaba en casa SEMANA DEL 2 AL 8 DE MAYO once empezaron las clases diarias para de Jorge, hablé sobre otros temas que los españoles, siguiendo un horario nos interesaban a ambos. Los chicos me En la semana del dos al ocho de mayo resultaron muy majos y con ganas de de 2016, tuvimos un encuentro en normal de un martes. Mientras tanto los invitados se divirtieron con propuestas conocer más a los españoles que fuimos nuestro centro con algunos países que a la excursión. Sin embargo, no todos participan en el proyecto Erasmus +, del centro. El miércoles se realizó una excursión a Trujillo, Cáceres, en la que fueron tan abiertos a hablar con nosotros como Austria, Italia, Suecia, Grecia... (¡una Alemana me gritó en alemán por etc. Con esta actividad, los diferentes participaron los alumnos de cuarto y los acogidos. El jueves los alumnos de matar una avispa!). De ellos, aprendí participantes han enviado a varios cómo eran sus vidas en otros países y alumnos a visitarnos. Se quedan con tercero visitaron una central hidroeléctrica, para después acabar en algunas palabras que será mejor no nosotros una semana, en la que verán comentarlas. cómo funciona nuestro centro y Portugal, donde pasaron el resto del día. aprenderán algo de nuestras costumbres. La mañana del viernes transcurrió Para finalizar, lo positivo de esto es que Con esto, tanto ellos como nosotros, normal para los ajenos al proyecto, en hemos podido volver a practicar el inglés aprendemos más sobre cada país: su tanto que los que estaban involucrados y hacer nuevos amigos; lo negativo, lengua, sus comidas, sus actividades, su pudieron recorrer Salamanca, atendiendo hemos perdido días de clase y los que no ritmo diario… etc. Me parece que es muy al rumor de sus calles. El sábado y el acogíamos, excepto la excursión a positivo también para el barrio porque, domingo fueron días de regreso a casa, Cáceres, se nos ha excluido de ciertas aunque no lo sigan tan de cerca, viven la de recuerdos y añoranzas. Todos esos actividades. Siempre, desde que llegué al experiencia de otra manera. momentos de una gran semana se Instituto, me han gustado mucho estos mantiene con persistencia hasta que de proyectos, tanto aquellos en que participé El lunes por la tarde, los recibimos, con nuevo la rutina nos envuelve. Entonces directamente (mi viaje a Holanda) como tanta ilusión, que parecía que ya nos sin darnos cuenta todo había pasado. en los que participé indirectamente conocíamos de siempre. Ese día, al ser (actuando en espectáculos o ayudando a fiesta en El Encinar y no haber clase, Este tipo de experiencias me parecen muy interesantes y me gustaría que se prepararlos). Esta programación en cada uno de los españoles que acogían concreto me ha hecho pensar en que no se llevó al extranjero que le correspondía siguieran realizando, para que todo el mundo pudiera vivirlas; son veo provechoso que se margine a los que a descansar a sus respectivas casas. El no participan acogiendo, puede ocurrir martes por la mañana a las nueve menos oportunidades que solo pasan una vez y hay que saber aprovecharlas. Como dice que no hayan podido por algo que no cuarto todos los alumnos del instituto está dentro de sus posibilidades o realizaron diferentes actividades: grupos el proverbio: “La barca pasa, pero el río queda.” responsabilidad. Por otro lado, echo en de baile, de canto con acompañamiento falta más actividades de convivencia musical, humorísticos… etc. A organizadas, porque hay algunas continuación se proyectó una breve personas que son tímidas y les lleva más Lorena Calamita Martínez 3º ESO presentación de Salamanca capital con tiempo soltarse, con un par de días les da sus principales monumentos y lugares de corte hablar. importancia cultural. Para finalizar, repartieron unos churros con chocolate, típicos de España, a cada alumno. A las Ignacio Martín Barbero 4º ESO

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IMPRESIONES ERASMUS+ Esta semana de Erasmus+ me ha En estos días, las actividades que hemos ayudado a mejorar el inglés y a ido realizando han sido muy variadas, ¡Las mejores cosas son las pequeñas comunicarme con personas diferentes, desde visitas pueblos y zonas cercanas cosas! Erasmus+, es un proyecto por lo que no ha tenido nada negativo. como Zamora, la Alberca y Cáceres, a pequeño en cada cosa que hacemos en Me encanta que se realicen estos clases de español básico, un mural sobre cada país, pero enorme al realizarlo junto proyectos, porque nos ayuda a mejorar una ciudad perfecta con ideas de con otros países. Se trata de viajar a en muchos aspectos: en el idioma, a edificios y zonas naturales de todos los lugares de Europa, ser acogidos por una comunicarnos con los demás y países. Yo, al participar como familia familia y pasar allí una semana, enriquecernos culturalmente. No acogedora de una chica de Austria, aprendiendo su idioma, su cultura y sus cambiaría nada, solo agregaría algunos realicé la mayor parte de las actividades tradiciones. Es una gran experiencia, días más, ya que una semana se pasa propuestas junto con otros compañeros. porque conozco personas y culturas demasiado rápido. Pero sé que esto solo Fue una valiosa experiencia ya que diferentes a la mía, además de mejorar o es el principio de toda una experiencia... compartimos con personas de nuestra aprender un poco su lengua. Para el edad de otros países con las que centro también es una experiencia pasamos muy buenos ratos. Esta es la Noelia Sánchez González 3ºA positiva, ya que todos participamos, de clase de proyecto que no disgusta ni una forma u otra, para que las personas decepciona a ningún participante. Conocí que vengan se sientan como en casa; y ERASMUS+ ESPAÑA a personas de varios países, la mayoría al barrio le suma cultura, ya que se eran amables, interesantes y divertidos. pueden adquirir algunas de las El proyecto europeo Erasmus+, en el que tradiciones de los países acogidos. Estos alumnos y profesores comparten entre La única limitación que le veo es el proyectos tienen relación con las países (en este caso: Suecia, Alemania, tiempo. Creo que esta actividad podría actividades escolares, puesto que la Rumania, Italia, Austria, Grecia y ser aún mejor si en vez de una semana, forma de dar las clases es distinta en España) para aprender de los otros. Se que con los viajes internacionales se cada país y así se aprenden los métodos asimilan costumbres, forma de vivir, quedan en cinco días aprovechables, utilizados en cada lugar, también se conocimientos de cada uno de estos fueran entre doce y quince días, ya que relacionan porque se mejora el idioma, lugares. Los alumnos extranjeros se daría tiempo a conocer más a las que después sirve de ventaja a la hora de alojan en las viviendas de los personas, visitar más lugares y realizar participar en clase. participantes del país anfitrión. Compartir más actividades. El problema de Durante la semana del dos al seis de la vida familiar ayuda a lograr uno de los extender la actividad, por supuesto, sería mayo, se llevaron a cabo varias motivos de este proyecto, observar la la pérdida de muchas horas de clase. actividades: el martes todo el instituto cultura general del país. Este proyecto es Según se mire, más que pérdida se hizo actuaciones musicales, de canto y importante para todos, sean participantes podría hablar de otra buena manera de baile, se exhibió un video de salamanca o no, ya que se deben adaptar también a invertir el tiempo. Me gustaría que este para presentar un poco nuestra ciudad, los cambios que se producen. Los proyecto se siguiera llevando a cabo en el instituto tomamos chocolate con centros también poseen una gran porque siento que he aprendido mucho. churros; al terminar la bienvenida, se responsabilidad ya que sin ellos las Me gusta viajar y conocer otros países. trabajo en los planos de la ciudad ideal actividades no podrían realizarse, Compartir con personas de nuestra edad de los distintos lugares de cada país. El además debe suponer un gran trabajo de otros lugares es enriquecedor y creo miércoles se hizo una excursión a para todos los profesores que colaboran que esta es la única forma que tengo Cáceres durante todo el día. El jueves se en diseñar y programar todo el viaje. En para conseguirlo, ya que con mi familia hizo otra excursión, esta vez fue a ver la mi opinión, esto supera cualquier es muy difícil. presa de Ricobayo, en Zamora y después propuesta de actividades extraescolares. a Portugal; duró todo el día. El viernes No solo aprendemos bastante de la por la mañana se hizo una excursión a cultura de otros países, también a Rubén Rivas Gómez 3º ESO ver la parte antigua de Salamanca. Yo, afrontar dificultades y crear relaciones de como no acogía a ninguna persona, amistad. participé en la actuación, aunque no subí al escenario y también pude comer los churros con chocolate. El jueves fui de excursión a Ricobayo, donde nos enseñaron la presa y nos explicaron por qué tiene esa forma, y a un pueblo de Portugal, donde comimos, visitamos el centro y las tiendas y nos hicimos muchas fotos, fue divertido pero no se cumplió el refrán, “en abril aguas mil”, y, aunque ya era mayo, llovió. Esa semana me lo pasé genial, me divertí muchísimo y aprendí palabras en rumano y alemán, conocí personas muy simpáticas y divertidas. Con quiénes compartí más tiempo fue con los rumanos, aunque eran más pequeños que nosotras, eran divertidos y amigables.

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MI/MY/MEINE/MEA/MIN/μου Me atrevería a decir que no hay ningún país, haciendo la despedida más triste, si EXPERIENCIA ERASMUS+ otro Instituto que cuente con tantos cabe. Sin duda alguna, fue maravilloso proyectos Erasmus+, Comenius en años poder compartir esa semana que tanto En particular, este Erasmus+ ha tenido anteriores, como éste. Finalmente, para llevaba esperando con gente tan como objetivo implicar a los profesores y nuestra urbanización, esta experiencia agradable. alumnos de siete institutos europeos en también conlleva beneficio, pues al ser un proyecto común sobre la un sitio de pocos y nada conocidos Conocí a todos los alumnos europeos, sostenibilidad ambiental y social. Durante habitantes, el hecho de que vengan cerca pues el hecho de estar casi todos los dos años, los centros participantes de de 30 extranjeros le da más nombre y días juntos hacía que finalmente todos Austria, Rumanía, Italia, Grecia, “color” a la zona. acabáramos presentándonos y Alemania, Suecia y el nuestro, haciéndonos amigos. Con los que mayor trabajamos de forma colaborativa temas Durante la semana de estancia, se amistad tuve fue con los suecos, los relacionados con la vivienda y las llevaron a cabo una serie de tareas en las chicos griegos, las italianas y con las condiciones de vida. Este proyecto nos que participó todo el centro, ya fuera en alemanas, especialmente con Lea, de la ayuda a apreciar la forma de vivir de unas u otras. Todo empezó cuando los que desgraciadamente no tuve otras familias, sus costumbres, su clima. europeos llegan el lunes 2 de mayo. El oportunidad de despedirme... Eran En mi caso, durante mi estancia en martes se realizaron actividades de encantadores y conectamos genial desde Suecia, probé lo que es estar a -10ºC por bienvenida, como la presentación de el principio, ya que desde la primera la noche en la calle, ¡no se lo recomiendo actuaciones de los alumnos (en la cual tarde que pasamos en grupo, todos a nadie! También tuvimos la oportunidad tuve el honor de ser presentadora junto a empezamos a hablar con los demás de observar algo sobre los diferentes mi compañero Nacho). La exhibición del como si nos conociéramos desde hace sistemas escolares europeos y, ¿cómo instituto, en pequeños grupos, estuvo a tiempo, y quieras o no, esto hacía que la no?, compararlos con el nuestro. cargo de los alumnos de 2º. Al final de la semana fuera tan distinta. mañana, se hicieron un par de talleres En todo esto, creo que la mejor parte nos en los que participamos los alumnos de De esta increíble semana, me quedo con las llevamos los alumnos ya que estos acogida y los alumnos erasmus. Por la las tarde todos juntos, las risas que nos proyectos encierran valores muy tarde, nos fuimos a Salamanca. echamos, las noches en la plaza, positivos, por lo que es una experiencia nuestros Frappés del McDonalds, el bus inolvidable. Además nos dan la El miércoles se realizó una excursión a de las 22:30 del viernes; me quedo con oportunidad de viajar fuera de casa, Trujillo y Cáceres, en la que participamos las fotos con la cámara de George y el dejando nuestras comunes vidas durante los de 4º y los europeos. El jueves se móvil de Juan, esas pizzas de Doumos' una semana y teniendo que ser llevó a cabo una excursión a Ricobayo que nos dejaban en carne viva el paladar; responsables de nosotros mismos, por lo con los alumnos de 3º y los extranjeros. me quedo con el calor insoportable de que se podría decir que también El viernes se realizó una salida a Cáceres y sus dolorosos precios, los adquirimos un sentido de crecimiento Salamanca con los alumnos que acogían sube y baja en busca de la alemana personal. El instituto juega un importante y sus respectivos extranjeros acogidos. perdida de Iker, las palabrotas y las papel en todo esto. El que más Se visitó la ciudad de Salamanca, desde anécdotas +18 que nos contaban los seguramente, ya que si no fuera por todo la casa de las Conchas a la Catedral. El griegos; me quedo con la primera el trabajo y gestión que realiza, nada de sábado era el día en familia aunque los presentación, pero, sobre todo, me quedo esto se llevaría a cabo. Tampoco hay que griegos e italianas tuvieron que con todas las personas que he conocido. olvidar que estos proyectos le otorgan al marcharse un día antes. Finalmente, el De todos modos, no todo puede ser centro un valor extra, ya que lo sitúa en domingo acabó la semana Erasmus+ bueno, ya que lo que menos me ha una alta posición con respecto a otros para todos. Al igual que todo el proyecto, gustado fue lo rápido que se pasaron centros de toda Castilla y León. pues el último encuentro era en nuestro esos siete días, cortos pero agitados.

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Y cómo no, la despedida, llena de El segundo día de su llegada, por la lágrimas, abrazos, besos y muchos: I mañana, les dimos la bienvenida e hope to see you again someday. hicimos unas actuaciones, que dejaron a todos contentos. Por la tarde, fuimos los Finalmente, no quiero acabar sin decir alumnos de cuarto y los europeos a que me encanta que se lleven a cabo enseñarles Salamanca. Al día siguiente, estos proyectos ya que se nos da una el miércoles tuvimos una excursión a oportunidad única, increíble e inolvidable Trujillo, en la que comencé a en todos los aspectos. relacionarme con algunos de los otros Con estos programas, vivimos semanas Europeos. Después de esto, estuvimos llenas países nuevos, llenas de aviones, en Cáceres, donde hicimos una actividad de nervios porque llegue el ansiado día y nos dejaron tiempo libre, en ese del viaje, de palabrotas en otros idiomas, momento cogí aún más confianza con los de fotos, fotos y más fotos. Llenas de demás. El viernes los alumnos de cuarto prisas por hacerse el pasaporte y y los acogidos fuimos con dos profesores comprarse la maleta. Llenas de comidas a recorrer Salamanca y a enseñarles fuera de casa, de trabajos y distintos lugares icónicos de la ciudad. presentaciones, de excursiones, de mucho inglés e intentos maternos para Personalmente, participé en todas las comunicarse con los extranjeros actividades, excepto en la excursión del mediante simbología. Llenas de emoción jueves. Fue una gran experiencia ya que y la timidez del primer día, de lágrimas, mejoré mi nivel de inglés y se me quitó despedidas, abrazos... Pero, más que un poco la timidez que tenía de todo, semanas colmadas de muchos- relacionarme con otras personas. En este muchos-muchos amigos. poco tiempo, conocí a muchos de los europeos, pero con los que más trato Y todo esto es gracias al instituto, que tuve fue con los griegos y con el sueco nos brinda esta gran experiencia, por lo de un amigo mío, aunque todos eran que lo único que me resta es decir majos y se les veía con ganas de GRACIAS, TACK, DANK, THANK YOU, conocer las costumbres españolas. De ευχαριστίες, MULȚUMESC, GRAZIE..., ellos, aprendí alguna palabra de su en todos los idiomas que haga falta. idioma y algo de sus costumbres y cultura. Houda Rhoualmi Edeauam 4º ESO Este proyecto tiene muchos aspectos positivos como son: practicar inglés, COMENTARIOS PROYECTO ERASMUS mejorar la convivencia, educación, culturas y, sobre todo, disfrutar de la Al principio no tenía muy claro si formar compañía de personas de otros países, parte de este proyecto Erasmus+. No sé con todo lo bueno que eso tiene. Quizá si era por miedo: mi enorme miedo al hay algo negativo, la duración del avión; miedo a vivir con otra familia y en programa. Claro que no debe ser fácil otra casa muy lejos de la mía; miedo al movilizar tanta gente y dejar tu vida idioma, el tema era si me iba a comunicar “normal” aparcada por una semana y, bien y fácilmente con la otra persona… Y, más aún, si durara más tiempo, pero al final, decidí unirme. A finales de cambiaría la duración, quiero decir, en febrero de 2015 llegó el momento de vez de una semana, lo haría durar tres marchar a Suecia. Un año después, fui a semanas o, incluso, un mes, porque recibir a mi nuevo huésped, un griego agregaría más actividades educativas, llamado Chris. Llegó alrededor de las culturales y de relación. Puestos a elegir, 23:00 pm, fui a recogerlo junto a mis lo que realmente me gustaría es que este padres y hermana y directamente nos tipo de proyectos se sigan realizando, fuimos a casa, ya que él estaba bastante porque son inolvidables para la persona cansado, después de un largo viaje. que lo vive. Ha sido una gran experiencia Apenas tuvimos conversación ni trato el que me gustaría volver a repetir en primer día, hasta que pasado el tiempo alguna otra ocasión. empezamos a entablar relación entre él y yo. No fue difícil y sí muy agradable. Rubén Santamaría Muñoz 4º ESO Para mí, Erasmus+ es una gran oportunidad que todo el mundo debería IESO Quercus vivir. Es muy valiosa porque te ayuda a Urb. El Encinar conocer mundo y te acerca a nuevas Terradillos – Salamanca, Spain personas, personas que tienen experiencias distintas a las tuyas y con las que compartir.

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:: GERMANY... :: MY WORK WITH THE IMMIGRANTS…

HHide and seek: This is one of the games, we play with the kids. A game which is easy and short to explain and that kids can understand who don’t speak good German. Every Monday the kids come to us into the church. There is the Jungschar( youth club at the local church), where kids listen to stories about Jesus, play games or are creative.

A few months ago, the immigrants of our town came to our club. It was the idea of our team leader. He thinks, that the immigrant kids need a little bit normality in their lives. Now we have new problems, because the kids don’t understand the stories we usually tell. Because of this we have to tell our stories with the help of pictures.

I enjoy working with children and organizing the time we stay with the children. It is interesting to meet the kids and show them the German traditions and games.

But the best is if you can laugh together with the children. If they are happy, you are happy too.

Anna is talking about experiences with immigrant children in Rastatt.

Anna Walheim Student August-Renner-Realschule Rastatt - Germany

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:: ITALY... :: EUROPE IS ATTEMPTING TO DEAL WITH A REFUGEE CRISIS OF A BREATH-TAKING SCALE…

of their Nation, only looking for a quiet situation, what could we do? place where to find the courage to start again and, maybe, grow up their children. Helping is correct but without If we have the opportunities, why couldn’t disregarding the problems of the Italian we help? Let’s imagine ourselves in their citizens.

TToday, Europe is attempting to deal with a refugee crisis of a breath-taking scale. Italy is involved too. By watching the news on TV and by reading various articles about this issue,

I would say that this is a delicate situation. Talking about my Nation, there are lots of problems on a political, economic and social level.

We can see how our leaders are trying to improve the national situation but they run after solutions which are very hard to reach, they waste time, they get distract about things which are not so important.

People who come here, in Italy, are Migrants and refugees walk through Rigonce, Slovenia, after escaping from war, hunger, the collapse crossing into the country from Croatia.

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:: ITALY...

:: ERASMUS+ PROJECT MEETING “BRICKSTONES” IN SALAMANCA – 2ND TO 7TH MAY…

MMy name is Asia Gasparetto and I’m 17 years old. I live in the North Of Italy, in a small village called Castelbaldo not so far from Venice. I had never done an experience such as this before. Of course, when we left, I was very excited.

Our journey took more or less 10 hours and, when we finally arrived at Encinar in Spain, I met my host family which brought me in my “new house”. I spent the first night by eating in a restaurant with my host family which had Peruvian origins On the third day, we all went on a trip in The following day, we left ad 9 am. and then, at 11 pm, my host Spanish girl the city of Cáceres. I visited the most I have learned so much about people and I went for a walk in Encinar where important centres of the city, I took lots of thanks to this experience. At the she introduced her friends and photos and I stayed with my new beginning it was difficult indeed, but schoolmates to me. I was excited and company and with my new friends. Then, finally I found it unforgettable. I saw very tired because of the journey and I we did an activity that consisted in taking beautiful cities, I met wonderful people, I had to get used to the language very photos in front of the buildings which made so many friends that, at last, I quickly. So, on my first day in Spain I met were represented in a map. It was a very wasn’t able to leave them anymore. This nearly each friend of my host girl. hot day and, at night, we all went out for a is the kind of experience which helps you walk. to understand better the society, the On the second day, we were given an different people of this world and also to official welcoming. In a little theatre, we On the fourth day, we went to Ricobayo understand better yourself. I’m thankful watched a show which had been and we saw an Hydroelectric Laboratory that everything went well, I’m happy to prepared by the students, we ate churros and also a dam. In the afternoon we went have enjoyed this adventure and I’m with hot chocolate which is a typical to Portugal, to the city of Miranda where completely satisfied to have sincerely Spanish wintry food and we had a guided we had a great time with some students lived this experience. It has been passed visit of the school with explanations from Greece. At night, we went out all only few days since we arrived in Italy, provided by the oldest students. Then, we together and it was really funny. and I’m still thinking about it. did a special activity to better know each other. There were students from seven In our last day in Spain, we visited the city These are experiences which could Nations: Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, of Salamanca. We visited it in a very change you in a good way but, also, they Germany, Romania and Sweden. accurate way. We saw the Cathedral, the could change you in a bad one… I think University, the most important centres we left a piece of ourselves in Spain. After doing this, we fixed our projects, and we bought souvenirs in a lot of which we were there for. We organized different shops and stores. It was great. them above the windows. Next, we got We spent most of the night all together, in Asia Gasparetto divided and few students continued this Salamanca, by dancing and having fun. Italian student working session while all the other had a Istituto di Istruzione Superiore basic Spanish lesson. Before the school Then, we got on the bus and we went P. Levi ended, we had a Spanish dance back to Encinar where we had the last Badia Polesine - Italy workshop. At the end of this day, I had walk. It was sad, because the next day already made lots of friends! It was very we will have had to leave. So, late at funny. I stayed with my host girl and with night we said “goodbye” but we know that our friends till late at night. it hasn’t been a definitive goodbye.

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:: ITALY...

:: RELAZIONE SPAGNA…

There were students from seven We visited Càceres, a little village with countries: Italy, Spain, Greece, Romania, medieval buildings, an hydroelectric plant, Austria, Germany and Sweden. The and Miranda, a village in Portugal. During project concerned the realization of an the last day we have visited Salamanca, ideal city called Europia. For the entire lively and charming centre. I have met a period we have been living with local lot of people form different and families in El Encinar, a village near fascinating cultures and now I have new Salamanca, where we have met kind and interesting friends. This experience cosy people. enriched both my lenguage skills and me as I could confront myself with different During these days we have attended the cultures and way of thinking. From Monday the 2nd of May to Saturday different and interesting activities Fthe 7th two girls and I, together with other organised by the highschool IESO Anna Roncagalli guys from different european countries, Quercus in order both to learn something Italian student have been to Spain in order to take part about the Spanish culture and to make Istituto di Istruzione Superiore in the “Brickstones” Erasmus+ project. new friends. P. Levi Badia Polesine - Italy

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:: PROJECTSCHOOLS...

Neue Mittelschule Pregarten, Pregarten, AustriaAustria Școala Gimnazială nr. 1, Independența, Galați, Romania

August Renner Realschule, Rastatt, Germany IESO QUERCUS, El Encinar, Terradillos, Salamanca

30 Geniko Lykeio Larissas, Larissa, Greece Skiftingehus, Eskilstuna, Sweden

I.I.S. Primo Levi, Badia Polesine, Italy

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“Brick stones – made in Europe”

ERASMUS + PROJECT The way housing influences our 2015 - 2016 lives in a common Europe

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the

author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.