Group Mobility to Turkey
17-21/3/2025
Group Mobility to Turkey
17-21/3/2025
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17-21/3/2025
A Week Full of Learning, Friendship and Exploration
A Week Full of Learning, Friendship and Exploration
As part of the Erasmus+ programme, four students and three teachers from GEL Hortiatis participated in a truly unforgettable mobility experience in Turkey. We were warmly hosted by TEVITOL (Türk Eğitim Vakfı İnanç Türkeş Özel Lisesi), a prestigious private boarding school for gifted and talented students, located near the town of Gebze, on the outskirts of Istanbul
TEVITOL was founded by the Turkish Education Foundation with the vision of nurturing exceptional young minds by providing them with an enriched academic and personal development environment. The school is known for its high academic standards, student-centered approach, and emphasis on innovation, ethics, and social responsibility.
Throughout the week, our students had the opportunity to explore this outstanding educational setting, take part in interactive workshops and classroom activities, and connect with peers from different cultural backgrounds. It was a week full of learning, cultural exchange, and unforgettable moments.
Sunday, 16 March 2025 – The Arrival
Our journey began bright and early, as we were at the airport by 6:00 a.m. for our flight to Turkey. After a smooth flight, we arrived safely and collected our luggage. On our way to the school, we passed by several lovely sights that gave us a first taste of the country.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed and shown around the school. We settled into the dormitories and got a first glimpse of the school's culture, meeting some of the students and learning a few traditional dances. In the evening, we visited a nearby mall where we enjoyed local sweets and started to feel the vibrant pulse of Turkish daily life.
Monday, 17 March 2025 – A Warm Welcome
Our first full day in Turkey began with breakfast at school, followed by a beautiful welcoming ceremony organized by the teachers. Afterward, we attended student presentations and proudly delivered ourselves. A fun “get-to-know-each-other” game helped us break the ice and connect with our new international friends.
We then attended lessons in a local classroom, which gave us insight into the Turkish educational system. After lunch and a short break, we visited Gebze, a nearby town where we explored the local mall and took a walk through the city center. In the evening, we returned to school for dinner and watched a friendly football match between the students, bringing the day to a lively close.
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – Exploring the Bosphorus
After breakfast, we joined a classroom activity and observed lessons until noon. After lunch and a short rest, we set off for a much-anticipated visit to the Bosphorus.
We were lucky to enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, which lasted until 6:00 p.m. The views of the city from the water were simply breathtaking. Later, we dined in the beautiful area of Üsküdar, tasting traditional Turkish dishes. We returned to school around 9:00 p.m. and went straight to our rooms to rest after a long and full day.
Wednesday, 19 March 2025 – A Day in Kadıköy
We started our day with breakfast, followed by classroom observation where we continued to be impressed by the teaching methods and the students’ discipline. After lunch, we visited the lively district of Kadıköy in Istanbul.
There, we explored two Greek Orthodox churches and discovered an old Greek school, a meaningful connection to our own heritage. The area’s multicultural character deeply touched us. In the evening, we watched a volleyball match back at school and ended the day with laughter and shared moments.
Thursday, 20 March 2025 – Istanbul’s Wonders
This day was the highlight of the week! We woke up early, full of excitement for our trip to Constantinople (Istanbul). Our day began with a visit to the majestic Hagia Sophia, a landmark of great historical and spiritual significance. Then we visited the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque and strolled through the ancient Hippodrome.
Next, we immersed ourselves in the colorful chaos of the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Market, where we bought Turkish delights, spices, and souvenirs. We also tasted street food and local sweets, a true treat for the senses.
Later, we had free time with the local students, walking together through the bustling streets of the city. We returned to the school in the evening and ended the day with some friendly ping-pong matches, reflecting on the amazing experiences we had.
Friday, 21 March 2025 – The Farewell
Our last morning in Turkey began with breakfast at the school cafeteria and a final walk around the campus. Soon after, we attended the closing ceremony, where we were proudly awarded our certificates of participation.
We then headed to the ultra-modern Istanbul Airport, where we spent our final moments laughing, sharing sweets, and reminiscing about our week.
📝 An Unforgettable Journey
This mobility in Turkey will remain engraved in our memories. It offered us invaluable experiences, wonderful images, cultural enrichment, and most importantly new friendships that crossed borders.
We return to Greece feeling grateful, inspired, and more connected than ever to the spirit of Europe.
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