Croatia students mobility

Arriving in Croatia and Meeting Our Host Families

Our Erasmus+ mobility in Croatia began on 23 May, when the Spanish students arrived and met their Croatian host families. From the very first moments, the students were welcomed warmly and had the opportunity to settle into their new surroundings and get to know the families who would be their home during the mobility.

Staying with local families was an important part of the experience. It allowed our students to discover Croatian daily life from the inside, experience local customs and traditions, and begin building the friendships that would make the week so special.

Cultural Integration and Getting to Know Croatia

The second day was dedicated to cultural integration and social activities. Croatian and Spanish students spent time together, discovering aspects of local culture and everyday life while sharing their own experiences and traditions.

These informal moments were a valuable opportunity to break the ice, communicate in different languages and discover similarities and differences between the two countries. Little by little, the students became more comfortable with each other and the international group began to feel like one team. Teachers also enjoyed of with the Croatian guides as a way to deep in the Croatian culture .

On Monday, 25 May, the students met at the school for the official beginning of the joint programme. The day started with a special ceremonial welcome organised by the Croatian school. The headteacher and Erasmus+ coordinator officially welcomed the Spanish students and introduced them to the school community.

The welcome programme included traditional Croatian dances performed in colourful folk costumes, as well as a performance by the school choir. Music and dance provided a wonderful introduction to Croatian culture and created a memorable first impression for the students.

The students then took part in icebreaker activities and games designed to help everyone get to know one another. They also learned more about the Croatian education system through presentations prepared by their hosts. Working and communicating together helped the students overcome their initial shyness and strengthen their international connections.

Later in the day, the students participated in a language workshop using the Vocaroo app The activity encouraged them to practise their communication skills in a creative and interactive way, showing how digital tools can make language learning more engaging and meaningful.

At the end of the day, the students reflected on their experiences, sharing what they had learned, the challenges they had overcome, and the importance of communication, cooperation, and openness when meeting people from different cultural backgrounds.

Tuesday was dedicated to discovering the cities of Rijeka and Opatija through an educational excursion. The students explored some of the most interesting places in the area and learned about the historical importance of these coastal cities. Walking through their streets allowed them to experience Croatian culture beyond the school environment.

During the visit, the students also focused on the natural environment and the importance of protecting the local landscape. They observed the relationship between the cities, the sea and the surrounding nature, reflecting on the need to preserve these valuable spaces for future generations.

The excursion also encouraged cooperation between the Spanish and Croatian students. Working in international groups, they shared ideas, asked questions and helped each other discover new aspects of Croatian history, culture and everyday life. These shared experiences strengthened communication and created new friendships.

At the end of the day, students reflected on what they had discovered and on the similarities and differences between Croatia and Spain. The excursion was not only an opportunity to learn outside the classroom, but also a chance to grow together, appreciate cultural diversity and create lasting memories as part of the Erasmus+ experience.

Sustainability, Digital Learning and Novi Marof

Wednesday began with a collaborative activity focused on sustainability and cultural heritage. Working in mixed Croatian-Spanish groups, the students created a joint digital poster, sharing ideas about environmental responsibility and the importance of protecting the cultural heritage of their communities. The activity encouraged creativity, cooperation and the development of digital skills.

Later, the students took part in an immersive virtual reality experience using Meta Quest headsets. Through 360° content related to nature, culture, language and music, they explored different aspects of both Croatia and Spain. This innovative activity showed how technology can make learning more engaging and help students discover other countries from a completely different perspective.

The Virtual Reality  experience also encouraged curiosity and cultural exchange. By exploring familiar and unfamiliar places together, the students were able to compare their own cultures, share personal experiences and discover new ways of learning. Technology became a bridge between the two groups, bringing Croatia and Spain closer together.

The day continued with a cultural and historical visit to Novi Marof. The students discovered more about the local history and heritage while learning outside the classroom. The combination of sustainability, digital learning and cultural discovery made the day a rich educational experience and provided another opportunity for the students to learn, collaborate and create shared memories.

 Reflection and the Grebengrad Educational Walk

As the mobility was coming to an end, Friday began with a reflection and evaluation session. The students looked back on the activities they had completed, the places they had visited and the experiences they had shared throughout the week. It was a moment to recognise the most meaningful aspects of their Erasmus+ journey.

The reflection also focused on the personal and intercultural skills developed during the mobility. Students considered how communicating in English, working in international groups and discovering a different culture had helped them become more confident, open-minded and independent.

Later, the group took part in an educational walk and hike in the Grebengrad area. Surrounded by nature, the students had the opportunity to learn in a different environment while enjoying time together. The activity encouraged environmental awareness and offered a chance to appreciate the natural surroundings of the region.

The day provided a meaningful conclusion to the educational programme. Combining reflection, physical activity, nature and social interaction, the Grebengrad walk allowed the students to celebrate what they had achieved together and to look back on a week full of learning, friendship and unforgettable Erasmus+ experiences.

Saying Goodbye

On Saturday, 30 May, it was time to say goodbye to the Croatian students, teachers and host families. Although farewells are never easy, the students left Croatia with many unforgettable memories and new friendships. Throughout the mobility, they had discovered Croatian culture and history, explored its landscapes and cities, practised languages and developed new digital and collaborative skills.

They also experienced what European cooperation means in practice: meeting new people, sharing experiences and learning from different perspectives. They discovered that cultural differences are not barriers, but opportunities to understand one another better and to build stronger connections.

This Erasmus+ mobility was much more than a trip abroad. It was a week of learning, cooperation, discovery and friendship. The experiences shared, the people they met and the memories they created will remain with the students long after returning home, making this mobility a truly valuable part of their European journey.

Looking back, the students realised that the most meaningful part of the mobility was not only the places they visited, but also the relationships they built and the lessons they learned from one another. Saying goodbye was therefore not an ending, but the beginning of a lasting connection and a reminder that European cooperation continues beyond borders.