Erasmus+ Cultural Exchange Week from May 20 to 27, 2023

During the exchange week from May 21-27, students from our center had the opportunity to enjoy an Erasmus+ KA220 project, under the title Move your body "green" your mind! with students from public schools in France, Czech Republic and Italy. 

Cultural diversity is a treasure that enriches our lives in countless ways. At IES Reyes Católicos, this richness was enthusiastically celebrated during an exciting Erasmus+ Cultural Exchange Week that brought all these students together in Vélez Málaga. During this week, intercultural understanding was fostered and dialogue between young people from different backgrounds was promoted.

The Erasmus+ Program as an initiative of the European Union seeks to improve education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Our institute has been an active participant in this program and has hosted students from various European countries, thus creating a truly global learning environment.

In addition to the cultural celebration, the students also participated in educational and collaborative activities. They worked on joint projects that addressed global issues from a gender equality and cultural diversity perspective.

The Erasmus+ Cultural Exchange Week not only benefited students, but also strengthened ties between schools and participating countries. Teachers exchanged ideas and best educational practices, resulting in a more enriching and diverse approach to teaching.

This memorable week left a lasting impression on all participants. The students learned that, despite our cultural differences, we share core values of friendship and understanding. We hope that this type of exchange will continue to enrich the lives of our students and strengthen the ties between European nations in the future. The Erasmus+ Cultural Exchange Week at IES Reyes Católicos demonstrated that diversity is a gift that unites us and makes us stronger as a society, strengthening the principle of European dimension. 

One of the highlights of the International Cultural Week was the celebration of the Picasso Year. We delved into the world of art and culture, paying tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time, Pablo Picasso, who was born in our own city of Malaga. Ours students, along with their international counterparts, explored the life and work of Picasso through art exhibitions, guided tours and creative workshops. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of art and connect with our cultural heritage. Over the course of the exchange week, we also had the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact Pablo Picasso has had on Spanish and international culture, especially in the context of his centennial.

In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, the International Cultural Week included various activities aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. A sustainable cooking workshop allowed our students to learn how to prepare delicious dishes using locally sourced organic ingredients. It was a delightful experience, highlighting the importance of responsible consumption and support for local farmers, introducing our participants to Spanish cuisine as part of the healthy Mediterranean diet. This allowed us to share the cultural and gastronomic aspects of our region, promoting healthy eating habits and fostering an appreciation of food as an important part of culture and overall well-being.

Another of the most moving aspects of this exchange was seeing students from different countries come together through street games and traditional activities, the joy and camaraderie was palpable. These moments reminded us of the universal language of play and the beauty of this cultural exchange. During this intercultural encounter, we wanted to convey how games have played a very important role in human interaction and in the cultural development of our society.

Our Spanish culture was highlighted in a fascinating flamenco show and workshop. Students from all four countries were enchanted by the passionate rhythms, singing and expressive movements of our most representative and international Spanish art. They even had the opportunity to attend the flamenco workshop given by one of the best dancers in Malaga, Antonio Guerra, fostering a deeper appreciation of our Cultural Heritage, highlighting the healthy benefits that music and dance offers to people.

No cultural encounter of this kind would have been complete without exploring its rich history and cultural treasures. Our international guests had the opportunity to visit museums such as the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba or the Roman theater, where they immersed themselves in the world of art and history. In Velez-Malaga, our students and guests discovered the charming old town, delving into this picturesque Andalusian town. 

The Erasmus+ program has been the driving force behind this incredible exchange, allowing us to connect with schools in Europe and create lasting bonds.  It has allowed our students to broaden their horizons, embrace diversity and become global citizens. Through Erasmus+, we not only enrich our own lives, but also contribute to a more interconnected and understanding world.