Mobility to France - November 2024

Travel Diary - Student Mobility to Dunkirk, France
Dates: November 5th - November 10th
Host School: Lycée Jean Bart

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Tuesday, November 5th
Welcome & Ice-breaking Activities - A full day exploring Dunkirk!

We spent a whole week together with our French correspondents, but also with students from Greece and Sicily.  

Our first day at Lycée Jean Bart was filled with warm welcomes and excitement. Each participating school introduced itself with a 10-minute presentation. After learning a bit about one another, we joined ice-breaking activities to get to know everyone better. Group 1 started with Ice Breaking Bingo, while Group 2 played Ice Breaking Clock, and then we switched activities. This was a great way to ease into our week ahead!


We then  worked in teams to create a Trivial Pursuit-style game centered on environmental topics! Each group was assigned a category—ours was sustainable development—and had to come up with 30 questions. We dove into research, learning tons about sustainability, energy, and wildlife, making sure each question was both accurate and interesting.

It was a great team effort that really made us think critically and collaborate closely. By the end, we were all pretty proud of the questions we created and couldn’t wait to test our knowledge with the other teams.


What can we say about the afternoon! We were divided into mixed-country groups to explore some of Dunkirk’s most important historical and cultural sites. Each group started from a different spot around the city, and our first destination was Place Jean Bart—a lively square named after the famous local hero Jean Bart. The atmosphere was already exciting, and our curiosity grew when we received a questionnaire called "Dunkerque Yesterday and Today" to complete along the way. It felt like a treasure hunt through the city’s history!

Our guides for the day were second-year students from Lycée Jean Bart, who took us on a walking tour to discover Dunkirk’s hidden gems. They were knowledgeable and friendly, sharing stories that made each site come alive.

Our stops included some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. At the Belfry of St. Eloi, we admired the towering structure and learned about its significance in Dunkirk's history. Nearby, we entered St. Eloi’s Church, which had a serene atmosphere and incredible architecture—definitely a peaceful moment in the middle of our bustling day.

The tour also led us to Dunkirk’s Town Hall, a grand building that speaks to the city’s civic pride and long-standing traditions. As we explored further, we ended up back at Place Jean Bart, which by now felt familiar and welcoming. We also visited the chapel Notre Dame des Dunes, a small yet captivating place with a unique sense of history and devotion.

It was such a rich experience, moving through the streets of Dunkirk with local students who brought the city to life for us. I couldn’t help but feel connected to Dunkirk, its past, and its people. Filling in the questionnaire helped us focus on what we were seeing and made each stop more meaningful.

All in all, it was a fantastic way to start our week in France, bonding with new friends and diving into the heart of Dunkirk’s history. I can’t wait to see what else this journey has in store!


Finally we met officials at the City Hall, which gave us insight into Dunkirk’s history and cultural significance.


Wednesday, November 6th

Movie & Workshop. let's engage

 We began the day at Studio 43 for a thought-provoking film related to our project’s environmental theme. Afterward, we had an engaging debate on the issues raised in the film, sharing perspectives and deepening our understanding of sustainable practices.

After a lunch break in the lively city center, we participated in a workshop that simulated a political setting. Here, we created and voted on sustainable development programs, exchanging ideas as if we were real policymakers. This experience taught us about the complexities and responsibilities involved in environmental governance.


Thursday, November 7th
Port Museum & Workshops

Today, we were welcomed at the museum by a guide who took us on an incredible journey through Dunkirk’s maritime history. Starting from the 1600s, she shared how Dunkirk evolved into France’s third-largest port, enduring Dutch and Spanish rule along the way. It was fascinating to hear how Dunkirk’s sailors ventured across the globe, from Iceland to Cape Horn, and to far-flung places in Africa and Asia. One of the highlights was learning about Jean Bart, the city’s legendary corsair, whose daring actions have become the stuff of local pride. His portraits, which we saw in the museum, gave us a sense of his bravery and importance to Dunkirk’s history. The museum also showcased models of historical ships that demonstrated the technological strides Dunkirk and Northern Europe have made in the nautical industry. From these models, we could see how advanced they became in shipbuilding and related industries. To top it off, the guide spoke passionately about Dunkirk’s newest challenge: the city’s ambitious goal to decarbonize all its factories. It was inspiring to see how Dunkirk’s maritime legacy is evolving to meet today’s environmental challenges.

After this activity we were led to the Port Centre, where we could walk through an exhibition. During the exhibition, a guide explains how the huge port center works. It is 17 kilometers long, has 8 docks and approx. 9000 gates. We could see vessels, ships, clippers, huge cranes/caterpillars which can take 40 tons of cargo, Arcelor Mittal (largest steel mill in Europe),20 000 containers loaded by cranes to and from ships


After a seaside lunch break, we divided into new groups for afternoon activities. Group 1 went to the LAAC (Lieu d’Art et Action Contemporaine), where they attended a workshop, while Group 2 enjoyed bowling. Then we switched, so each group could enjoy both activities. it was all about creativity Today was all about creativity and fresh perspectives at the LAAC, Dunkirk’s Place of Art and Contemporary Action. Split into two mixed-country groups, we were welcomed by a cultural mediator who led us through different rooms to explore pieces of contemporary art that speak to themes of the environment, sustainable development, and Dunkirk’s maritime heritage. We discussed three fascinating works—installations, photographs, and paintings—that each approached these topics in unique ways. It was eye-opening to see how artists interpret our relationship with nature and how their work challenges us to think about sustainability. After the tour, we moved on to the "Inhabiting Nature" workshop, where we paired up with our local correspondents. Our task was to create a map, using drawing and collage, to invent a new environment. The idea was to combine the codes of cartography with our own imagination to envision a place where humans, animals, and plants could coexist harmoniously. As we worked, we discussed questions about how to better inhabit our world, how to integrate nature and biodiversity into daily spaces, and how to address traffic and urban planning in sustainable ways. This exercise challenged us to consider what "living with nature" could really mean and how we could cooperate with the natural world, especially given the urgency of climate change. In the end, each map was a unique vision of a new world, blending our thoughts on the environment and creativity. It was an inspiring and meaningful day, giving us a chance to reflect on how art can inspire real-world change.

The day concluded with  our farewell dinner at the school.The room was filled with students, teachers, parents, and our host families, all gathered to celebrate the friendships and experiences we shared. The atmosphere was full of warmth and joy as we tasted traditional regional dishes, exchanged stories, and enjoyed the music and laughter.

The school principal gave a speech, thanking the families and the project coordinator—a gesture that made us all feel proud to be part of this adventure. Then each of us received a mobility certificate, which we can add to our Europass—a great reminder of everything we learned here.

We also had the chance to display the work we’d done throughout the week, and seeing the parents interested and engaged was truly rewarding. The French students shared stories about their upcoming trips to other countries, making us feel part of an even larger international community.

The evening wrapped up with dancing and laughter, and it felt like no one wanted the night to end. It was a special moment where we truly felt what it means to be part of a diverse community, embracing friendship, collaboration, and European citizenship. What a memorable night!


Friday, November  8th
Wokshop at Halle aux sucres and sustainable dance


Today’s visit to La Halle aux Sucres was all about diving deeper into environmental issues and sustainability. As a warm-up, we started with an “Environmental Quiz,” where we teamed up in groups with students from other countries. This quiz tested our knowledge on different environmental challenges, sparking some interesting discussions and helping us reflect on what we already knew about climate change. Afterward, our groups were guided by a cultural mediator to work on the “climate fresco.” This tool uses IPCC data to illustrate the chain of causes and effects behind the climate emergency, showing just how interconnected everything is. We organized 42 cards across the table, each one representing a key element of climate change—like fossil fuel usage, carbon sinks, melting glaciers, and climate refugees. Working through these connections as a team made it all feel more real and urgent. With this knowledge, we moved on to the final challenge: designing our own sustainable environments using natural and human-made elements. Each group crafted a plan, merging ideas and perspectives from our diverse backgrounds. The results were creative and well-thought-out, with everyone bringing their unique insights into the project.We presented our designs to the audience, which was a great test of our public speaking skills. There was a lot of energy and excitement as we explained our ideas, hoping to earn the “best project” vote. Working together across cultures taught us so much about collaboration and critical thinking, and this experience really brought to life the concepts of sustainability and teamwork. 


Then we were split into mixed pairs to participate in a “sustainable dance” workshop, where we had to create a dance sequence with an environmental twist. Each group chose three types of energy and three types of transport to represent, combining these elements into a choreography of ten steps and a final energetic pose. We were given 30 minutes to pull it all together, and we could choose any music we liked, which made it even more exciting. At first, a few of us were hesitant, especially those who aren’t natural dancers. But as soon as we got started, everyone’s creativity took over, and we worked together to come up with moves that expressed both the power and the importance of sustainable choices. It was amazing to see even the shyer students letting loose, getting involved, and having fun. By focusing on the themes of energy and sustainable mobility, we reinterpreted the week’s lessons in a totally new way. When the time was up, we performed our dances for the rest of the students and teachers, who then scored each group and chose a winner. There was a lot of laughter and cheering, and it was clear that everyone put their all into the performance. The workshop was more than just dance—it was a unique way to learn, connect, and communicate beyond language. Working together to bring the themes of sustainability to life helped us all feel a sense of unity and purpose. It was a wonderful experience that not only boosted our confidence but also brought us closer as a group, as we stepped out of our comfort zones and embraced creativity.



And the day wasn't over yet! In the afternoon we set off on an exciting excursion to Bruges, guided by the French students who gave us a tour entirely in English. Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and seeing it through the eyes of our peers made the experience even more meaningful. Our tour began at the enchanting Minnewaterpark, known as the “Lake of Love,” where we strolled around the lake and learned about the legends and history behind it. From there, we visited the peaceful Beguinage, a quiet haven that once housed religious women. We then explored Saint John’s Hospital, one of Europe’s oldest hospitals, before moving on to the impressive Church of Our Lady and the grand Saint Sauveur Cathedral. The tour continued to the vibrant Markt, where we marveled at the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere. We also passed the historic municipal theatre, Jan Van Eyck Square, the Burg, and ended with a relaxing visit to Queen Astrid Park. Each spot was steeped in history, and the French students did an amazing job sharing details about Bruges’ connections with Dunkirk and the wider region. Listening to them explain everything in English was a great language practice opportunity for us all. This common experience not only helped us learn more about the fascinating city but also brought our group closer together, strengthening the bonds we’d been building all week. It was a perfect blend of history, culture, and friendship!


Saturday, November 10th

A full day with our hosts

Today was our free day to spend with our host families, and it was the perfect way to close out this incredible week. Each of us enjoyed different activities, depending on the family plans, but the warmth and hospitality from our hosts made everyone feel so welcomed and at home.

Some of us had the chance to visit Paris, and it was truly a dream come true! Walking down the Champs-Élysées, admiring the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, and seeing the art in the Louvre was magical. Our host families shared stories about the city’s history and landmarks, making it feel as if we were exploring it alongside locals rather than tourists.

Others spent the day in Lille, another beautiful and lively city with its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant energy. We strolled through the Old Town, passed by the ornate Grand Place, and marveled at the architecture, a blend of French and Flemish styles. Lille’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with its little boutiques and bustling markets, made for a lovely, relaxed day.

The families went out of their way to make sure we experienced the best of northern France, from sharing traditional meals to showing us their favorite places. Their kindness and openness made this exchange more than just a school trip; it felt like we’d found a second home here.

As we said our goodbyes, we realized how meaningful these connections have become. This experience has truly brought us together, showing us that friendship, learning, and discovery can transcend borders