Financiado mediante el Programa de Competencia Comunicativa de la Junta de Andalucía para el curso 2025-2026.

Our exchange with Germany is the result of a strong and lasting partnership between IES Valle del Azahar and Ratsgymnasium, built on previous collaboration within the Erasmus+ project “Recycling Makes the World Go Round.” After that successful shared experience, both schools decided to continue working together and to strengthen their relationship through a new exchange project centred on sustainability, recycling and environmental awareness.

Although the German school obtained direct European funding for the mobility, our school was able to continue developing the project thanks to the support provided by the Programme for Communicative Competence of the Regional Ministry of Education of Andalusia, a scheme that temporarily replaced the funding previously linked to conversation assistants in bilingual programmes. This support made it possible for our students to take part in the exchange and ensured the continuity of an initiative with great educational value.

Throughout the process, both the reception of the German students in our school and the visit of our Spanish students to Germany became highly enriching experiences, full of cultural, linguistic and environmental activities. The exchange has strengthened international ties, provided meaningful opportunities to use English in real contexts and created a very positive impact on students and teachers alike. Its success has clearly encouraged both schools to continue the exchange in future academic years.

Here you can find day-by-day visual evidence of the full programme carried out during both mobilities.

welcoming Germany into IES VAlle del Azahar 

(part 1 of the exchange)

Wednesday 12 November – Arrival Day

Our German students arrived in Málaga in the evening and travelled to Cártama, where they were warmly welcomed by their Spanish partners, teachers and host families. This first moment marked the beginning of a very special exchange experience based on friendship, cultural discovery and international cooperation. After meeting their host families, students went home to settle in and get ready for the exciting programme ahead

Thursday 13 November – Welcome Day at School

The first full day of the exchange took place at school and was designed as a warm and dynamic welcome for the German group. Students took part in recycling workshops, visited the school facilities and enjoyed the Fitur of Languages, where they were able to discover the many cultures and languages present in our educational community. The German students also prepared their own stand to present their country, language and traditions. The day continued with dance activities, ice-breaking games and a shared lunch, creating a friendly atmosphere from the very beginning.

Friday 14 November – Caminito del Rey

Students and teachers enjoyed a joint visit to Caminito del Rey, one of the most impressive natural sites in Málaga. This activity gave them the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape while also reflecting on important environmental issues such as drought and the protection of natural spaces. It was a memorable day that combined outdoor learning, cultural exchange and environmental awareness.

Saturday 15 November – Málaga City Centre

On Saturday, the group visited the centre of Málaga, where they took part in a guided tour and a photographic gymkhana. During the activity, students explored the city, identified urban recycling points and interviewed people of different nationalities about their recycling habits. This experience allowed them to practise English in real situations while discovering more about the city and continuing to work on the environmental theme of the exchange.

Sunday 16 November – Day with Host Families

Sunday was a family day, giving the German students the chance to spend time with their host families and experience everyday life in a more personal way. This part of the exchange was especially valuable, as it allowed students to strengthen bonds, discover local traditions and continue improving their communication skills in a natural and authentic context.

Monday 17 November – Cueva del Tesoro and Beach Recycling Activities

The group visited Cueva del Tesoro in Rincón de la Victoria and later took part in beach activities focused on the collection of microplastics. Working in teams, students reflected on the environmental impact of waste and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. This day combined cultural heritage, teamwork and ecological awareness, reinforcing the main theme of the project.

Tuesday 18 November – Plogging, Recycling Centre and Farewell

The final day included a plogging activity, a route through the area combining physical activity with the collection of litter, followed by a visit to the local recycling centre in Cártama. These final activities helped bring the exchange to a close in a meaningful way, once again highlighting the importance of sustainability, cooperation and shared responsibility. After a week full of experiences, learning and friendship, the students said goodbye before travelling back to the airport.