The first physical student exchange programme took place in Portugal 2-6 May, 2022. This was the first time the students paarticipating in the project had met in person after a year of virtual collaboration.

The primary aim of the meeting was to get acquainted with partner countries and schools through interactive tasks and presentations. Prior to the meeting students carried out a research about their national symbols and heritage and presented their findings combined with interactive elements such as quizzes. During the week of the exchange students worked in mixed nationality groups and each of them was assigned a mini project they needed to work on. The groups were each given a topic they needed to research and observe during the week and ont he last day each team presented and discussed their findings with their peers. The topics students investigated were: Potuguese gastronomy, architecture, climate, nature, sports and social interaction. During the implementation of the projects students were in charge of collecting information, pictures, interacting with locals and presenting their findings with their peers in their chosen way.

Another topic area covered during the project was mental and physical well-being.  The focus was on mindfulness as the Portuguese partners have experience in this field. A workshop was given both for students and teachers with a view to teaching techniques for relaxation and offering tips for everyday implementation. Students also took part in physical activities in the form of team games and tradtional Portuguese physical games and zumba classes. All these activities contributed to team building as well. A session was also dedicated to playing traditional board games together and also engaging in mind games.

Also, the Portuguese partner, in collaboration with the local municipality and youth club, created a physical escape room that students participated in. This excellent educational tool will be further utilised by not only the students of the partner school but also other members of the community contributing tot he dissemniation of our project results.

During the exchange cultural trips also took place. Sightseeing to the most famous sights of Lisbon was organised and students also took part in interactive tasks while exploring historical and cultural sights. They learnt a lot about Portuguese History and Culture through personal experience. In addition, during a cultural event all partners presented a traditional dance or song to their partners and the participants took part in traditional Portuguese dances led by a local dance group.

The participating teachers had a project meeting to discuss and agree on issues related to project management and made preparations for the next student exchange programme.