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Experience Erasmus+ in the Azores: A transforma<ve course on sustainability

This summer, I had the opportunity to parHcipate in an Erasmus mobility within the European

Union project, which took me to the island of S.o Miguel, in the Azores. The course I aÄended

was Htled There is no planet B, and it aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of

sustainability issues. It was an intense and exciHng week, both personally and professionally, and

I had an unforgeÄable experience.

The course was designed to provide us with a comprehensive view of sustainability from

different perspecHves: climate change, ecosystem preservaHon, circular economy, and green

policies. Through pracHcal workshops, lectures, and group acHviHes, we learned tools and

methodologies that we could apply in our classrooms to raise awareness among students. We

also discussed innovaHve soluHons to address global challenges, which made me reflect on the

importance of taking concrete acHons to protect the planet.

One of the most enriching aspects of this mobility was the opportunity to interact with people

from different countries: Spain, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Poland, among others. It was

fascinaHng to discover how each country approaches sustainability from its own cultural and

educaHonal reality. Furthermore, the group acHviHes promoted the exchange of ideas and

experiences among parHcipants, creaHng an environment of collaboraHon and mutual learning.

This type of cultural and pedagogical exchange is essenHal for enriching educaHonal pracHces

and broadening our professional perspecHves.

During the course, we had the chance to learn from some of the best teachers and trainers from

across Europe. All of them were highly qualified and shared a common passion: the urgent need

to raise awareness and educate the next generaHon about sustainability. Their ability to integrate

theoreHcal content with pracHcal acHviHes was a great source of inspiraHon. Being able to

interact with teachers from other countries was a very posiHve aspect, as it allowed us to share

teaching methods, educaHonal tools, and resources that we can apply in our local contexts.

The island of S.o Miguel in the Azores was the perfect secng for this course. The immense and

impressive nature surrounding our acHviHes was a constant reminder of the importance of

environmental preservaHon. The volcanic landscapes, lakes, and waterfalls were an inspiring

backdrop for our discussions on sustainability. This natural beauty helped me connect even more

with the message of the course and understand how preserving the environment is vital for our

future.

My Erasmus experience in the Azores was an incredible opportunity to learn, share, and grow as

both a professional and an individual. It was an experience that not only provided me with

valuable knowledge on sustainability but also gave me innovaHve ideas that I can bring into my

classrooms. Beyond the academic learning, the course offered me the chance to enrich myself

culturally and to be part of a network of teachers and educators commiÄed to protecHng the

planet.